The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1915-04-15
CITY ELECTION
A PECULIAR ONE
No Apparent Contest Between
Candidates for Mayor

the certificates of nomination of
candidates for city offices. There
are two candidates for mayor. two
candidates for alderman in each
ward. n candidate for treasurer,
one for city justice and one for po-
lice Justice.
1t is rather a peculiar campaign,
Without much of issue or political
division. Especially Is this so in re-
gard to mayor. Omiting any per-
sonal interest in the contest, the
Press will contine itself to facts of
interest to the voters, who are able
to decide for themselves, without
advice from anyone.
Two or three weeks ago a number
of citizens urged Harlan Bushfield
to be a candidate for mayor.
Among these citizens were Alder
man Leyson and other city officers
who were naturally interested in
city government. Mr. Bushfield de.
clined to run, saying that he was for
Mayor Christ if the latter wanted it,
Upon their statement that Mavor
Christ positively declined to be a
candidate for a 4th term. and that
it was a duty of property holders
and men considerably interested in
the city's progress to se~ve their
share in city offices with practically
no salary. Mr. Bushfield consented
to be a candidate. His petition was
only circulated to secure the neces-
sary signatures required by law
This was supposed to be agreeable
because Mr. Christ and his friends
signed Harlan's petition, thus both
orally and in writing giving his word
that he was not a candidate for a
18th term.
After the above occurrences Mr.
Jack Wilson. present chief of police,
came to Harlan bushfield and want
ed a pledge to be reappointed. He
was informed that no pledges had
been made to anybody for anything
and that all appointments would be
left open for after consideration,
and without prejudice for or against
any applicant. This manifestly fair
position did not satisfy Mr. Wilson
who began seeking another candi-
date for mayor. Other citizens were
solicited, but they declined. Finally
a petition for Mr. Christ appeared,
1t is stated, without his knowledge
or consent. Certain it is, that dur
ing its circulation Mr. Christ in
formed citizens who spoke to him
about it that he was not a candidate
However, this petition was contIn-
ued in circulation for some time,
friends of both Mr. Christ and Mr.
Bushfield signing it, some without
knowing that Harlan was a candi-
date, and without knowing that Mr.
Christ himself had encouraged
another candidate to run, assuring
his entire Willingness and support.
These are the facts, and laying
aside personalities or persifage,
which have little or no merit, the
only logical conclusion to come to is
that Mr. Christ is a reluctant candi-
date solely for the sake of his friend
Mr. Wilson for chief of police. So
the contest is now looked upon about
town as n between Harlan Bush
field for mayor, and Jack Wilson for
chief of police. To make the issue
plain and fair Mr.. Wilson should be
the candidate for mayor instead of
Mr.. Christ. The police job pays
$50 per month.
There appears to be no vital issue
involved, and very little. if any. pol.
tics. OF course there are silIv
stories told, and foolish prejudices
appealed to. as customary in cleo
lions. But the Press will engage in
20 unseeIlly argument or recrimin-
ktions. Nor will it attempt to give
kdvice to the voters. hence it is just
reported as current news of a local
flection. The vote occurs Tues
Bay.