Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-09-28

Continued from Page One
clean city administration that was
forced into being by the thugs reign
of terror that resulted in bloodshed and
death in the Fifth Ward on primary
election day were elated and encour-
aged today as the pledge cards poured
in and as scores of citizens, many of
whom had never before been seriously
interested in politics, telephoned that
they were heart and soul in the new
movement and ready to give of their
money and their time to make it
success and to make good the word of
former Mayor Blankenburg at the
Academy meeting that the day of Phila-
delphia's redemption was at hand.
Never before in the history Of the city
has there been such spontaneous. earnest
and whole-souled response, according to the
leaders. Never before have so many repre-
sentative men. representative of the best
elements in all stations of city life, rallied
TO the support of a movement for civic bet
terment If campaign begun so auspi-
ciously can fail, then there is no hope for
Philadelphia, they say-but it cannot fail
THOROUGH ORGANIZATION
Plans TO effect organization are RAPIDLY
being formed in every ward and every di-
vision in the DIFFERENTIATION to realize
the resolutions adopted amid wild cheers
at the Academy after the former Mayor.
introduced as The war horse of reform"
had declared that I'VE want no HohenzoI-
lerns and no junliers in City Hail" and that
the ashcart shall never occupy the offices
Of the city's chief executive"
The resolutions call for the Impeachment
or ousting from office of every city official,
from the Mayor down, who has been in any
way responsible for the lawlessness cor
ruption and murder that have marked the
Administration. They call for the removal
of the police from politics for all time.
They call for the election of men to Office
this autumn who are free from political
faction alliances and who will have an eve
single to the good Of Philadelphia.
All over the city business men, pro-
fessional men. working men, clerks students
-nen with ideals and patriotic love of their
city-are rallying to its support
Throughout the city today men who at
tended the meetings, either that in the
Academy or those outside held for the
overflow declared there was no misunder-
stand the temper of the city displayed when
the people went out TO listen to real leaders
point the way to victory for clean govern
ment
I'VE are all here protesting" shouted
former Mayor Blankenburg but where is
the Union League? Where is the Chamber
of Commerce? Where are all the other
organized bodies, business mems associa-
tions? Why don't we hear from them?"
Colonel John Gribbel president OF the
Union League, answered for that body to-
day. He said:
THE Onion League was organized for
national purposes. We have never taken
any part in State or municipal politics, al
though the members Of the league are free
to align themselves as their consciences
direct. and II is certain that these condi-
tions have stirred the individual members
deeply as good citizens.
But do you not think" the Colonel was
asked. that with the good name Of Phla-
delphia so besmirched the League could well
depart from its precedent and take an
active part in the campaign for civic right
eousness?"
m is not within the province of the
League" replied Colonel Gribbel. we are
as said, organized for national purposes"
Ernest T. Trigg, president, answered for
the Chamber OF Commerce. saying:
II have my own personal ideas on this
subject. but Of course / am not authorized
TO speak for the Chamber nf Commerce
an organization. As an .rganlzation we
have always felt that our province was
strictly business and industry and we have
always avoided politics OF any kind.
The present situation In Philadelphia is
peculiar II must be admitted. but l would
not want to say that the chamber will take
any action before the matter is discussed
by the board of directors"
Charles S. calwell. president Of the Corn
Exchange National Bank. who was desired
by the reform elements as a candidate for
City Treasurer, will not run. he told
representative OF the EVENING LEDGER
today at Atlantic city, where he is at
tending the American Bankers Associa-
ton Convention.
II will not accept the nomination under
any conditions said Mr. Calwell
Mr. Calwell was told OF forme. Mayor
Blankenburg's questions. Where Is the
Union Lacquer and Where Is the
Chamber OF Commerce." and asked what
be- member of both organizations. had 70
say ln sr4Fer iie refused 70 make any
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