South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-09-19
SEPTEMBER 10, 1917.
AMERICANISM AN ISSUE IN Fl WAYNES
MUNICIPAL CAMPAIGN.

MUNICIPAL CAMPAIGN.
Maurice c. Meier the democratic candidate mayor
OF Fort Wayne has launched his campaign and on a
platform that listens good as far away South
Bend. Meier seems full of promise for hundred
per cent mayor for the city of Mad Anthony and one
who proposes to be right his campaign attitudes,
even though certain elements may not like it.
There is to be no compromise with the forces of vice
Tor with influential utility magnates finally, with
any Of that pro-German, ant-American element, if
there be any Wayne which here and elsewhere.
be insistent that problems out
Of municipal affairs. Candidate Meier
Il have no desire to sidestep this issue-if
issue it is. 1 would for all offices
in the world compromise, by silence, the
Americanism which is my birthright and my
blessing. Fort Wayne is loyal city, its people
are loyal n my election she
shall a loyal administration"
The Fort Wayne nominee in another place refers TO
the reproach that Big Biz Thompson mas brought
upon the city of Chicago. and concludes:
Il believe in making Fort Wayne First; first
in its standing in comparison with its sister
cities throughout the state and the nation;
hrst patriotism national cause: first
in morality. first in education first in civic inn
provements first industry; every
thing that goes to make a prosperous and
happy community
Fort Wayne. it should be recalled aere too, and
operates electric light plant addition the water
which and operates. 1t has gone that
much further into the public utility business than South
Bend has. The two properties valued by Mr..
Meier at SO 600 600 he a profit the
lighting plant of last year after taking
the operation, maintenance and depreciation Gas in
Fort Wayne however is owned by a private utility,
both gas and electricity here. and hardly
expect much utility backing for Meier. lie 60
ing after reduction gas rates existing contracts
expiring they do the the year on the sub
ject public utilities generally he has this
The commodities and service furnished by
public utility corporations intimately asso-
ciated with the business and domestic life of
our people. have always felt that these COM
panies enjoying the profits of public franchises
should be held to a strict accountability in the
performance of public service. in the furnish
ing of electricity, gas, street and telephone
service. If l am elected mayor it will be my
constant all public utility
companies give full compliance of all of their
contract obligations only
substance. TO the end that our people will re-
ceive satisfactory service"
That sounds like one Of two things Either Mr.
Meier polished demagogue or he means business
and il sounds very much like the voice Of man who
business. on the question morality, too.
speaks out after manner that admits Of equivo
cation:
I recognize the responsibility of the munich
pal government for moral conditions in this
city and / pledge myself a rigid and impair
tial enforcement of the law and the elimination
vice every form
have no knowledge OF what the republican nom
inee in Fort Wayne saying on these subjects but h,
will have TO saw somethin pretty strong to measure M