Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-09-11
MIR. SMITH BEARS
HIS BLUSHING HONORS
WITH DUE MODESTY
II Didn't Hunt This Thing"
Says Candidate for Mayor,
Discussing Prospective
Nomination
WAS THRUST UPON HIM
By M'LISS

BY MDlSS
Some men are born to be Mayors, others
achieve the distinction and still others
have the eminent job thrust upon them.
Thomas B. Smith, Republican candi-
date with the blessing OF the gang upon
his somewhat sparsely covered head, will,
II the activities OF the powerful machine
come to a successful fruitlon, belong TO
the last noble breed. He says so himself.
II doesn't believe he was born for the
particular purpose of guiding the munich
pal affairs OF philadelphia; nor was his
early life given over to furthering any
youthful ambitions in that direction.
Ever as a boy he did not have the time
to indulge in rosy dreams of the Presl-
dents chair, much less the equally inter-
testing perch of the Mayor. He was too
busy rushing messages for the president
of the Pennsylvania Railroad then, but
now. In the 18th year of his career (his
birthday by the way. viii come on cleo
ton day, and he expects II to be a happy
one). he finds himself a mayoralty can
didate.
But | didn't hunt this thing" he said
emphatically in an interview In the inner
sanctum of the Thomas B. Smith Surety
Company offices. on the sixth floor of the
Lincoln Building; '1t was thrust upon
me-" ..... ... ...-,
The proletariats who are forced to de-
HNtA hpOh Alit HGWSpdpCTh lbI NnSlT III
formation refer variously to the indi-
viduals who are accredited "thrusters"
as the gang" the Contractor bosses"
and the corrupt machine" Mr.. Smith,
however is a courteous man. He calls
them the gentlemen who are pleased TO
be friendly toward my candidacy"
"a great deal of criticism has already
been leveled at me-, said Mr.. Smith,
crossing one blue-serged knee over the
0thRF a xyi ms efA feh
of black and white hosiery. II am saiI
to be the contractors man Che didn't
seem to be a bit hurt by the insinuationg
that have been made against him), but
what man who ever held public office
or ran for II was immune from this same
kind of criticism? Even the President OF
the United States comes In for his share.
But as for all this talk about con-
tractors. and graft" Mr.. Smith became
gentlemen. Mr.. McNichol and Mr.. Ware,
the right TO engage in politics just the
same as any other men in any other busi-
ness. Why should the mere fact that
they are contractors interfere?
And as for all these insinuations re-
garding the illegal letting of contracts,
every one knows that contracts are let
by law and must go to the lowest bid
der. This is TO protect the public. II the
contractor who happens TO be politician
bids some $4,000 lower than his competi-
tors, he gets the Job, II his bid is higher.
he doesn't.
"As a matter of fact, City Hall statis-
tics show that the very men who are at
tackled now received more contracts under
the present administration than ever be-
fore-because their bids were the lowest"
Although Mr.. Smith expressed no GER
tainty concerning his ultimate election, he
- la -
Mayor Philadelphia ought 10 have,
II regard the next four years and the
next administration" he said. "as the
most important in the history OF this
city, because OF the vast sum OF money
which win be spent In tremendous mu-
nicipal Improvements that will make this
peer among cities. Therefore the man
questionable integrity. willing to give his
whole services 10 the people In exchange
for the trust with which they have hon
ored him. His honesty and loyalty should
be impeecable. Also, he should be a Phil
adelphian 70 the very marrow, born and
bred here"
Thomas q. Smith IL a Philadelphian.
born and bred here. And he went 10 the
public schools. too. Up until his lith year.
From that time ON his education took a
practical turn and he became a messen-
kser boy In the employ OF the Pennsyl-
vania Railroad, lie studied sten0graphy
later on. and was taken into the presl-
dents offiee. Later he became sales
man for various cement concerns. and
after that became interested IN the in
suranee business His rise was gradual
but steady. and he found time 10 mold
public once. too. He hsz basn Council.
man and member Of the Legislature ana
treasurer Of campaign Committees And
now he's clipping along. sails set fun
before the wind straight for the mayor
atty haroor Some sey he's goAhE 70 ar
rive In port. too.
some alao Say that II be does arrive
vice ana gaulbling dsns will b wide oos,
and PnIIIy VIII once more b the hure
che ''ueItf be some also nave zone 81
ter ~ e za1 that the erslnhlle propris-
teE< ef tHeae places eannot k<fp tie
=Hz''41 e 4uIein4I1If pleasure 11 f4s|f
usually I.41szs|f< faces