The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1918-02-28
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The Recall = iahsEck's Future

Inc I\ecdl1- Go1EA9 97aeN = "'0'~
Following one of the greatest loyalty drives in
tho history of the state Bismarck is to be plunged
into bitter fractional contest, apparently Tor no
more vital object than the control OF the ponce ana
fire departments, already efficiently managed by
Chris Bertsch, Jr who was elected last spring ny
decisive majority.
The police and fire department is mere pawn,
mere subterfuge in this demand for recall at
time when the citys attention should not be diverted
from the great war-from the Red Cross-from the
Liberty Loan-in fact from al patriotic enterprises
whose success demand that Bismarck lay aside fac
tionalism and in a spirit of community brotherhood
put it's shoulder to the wheel and HELP WIN The
WAR; .1,D.. -..
Public sentiment, if The Tribune reads the signs
Alright is unalterably opposed to any recall whether
it affects Commissioners Bertsch Thompson or Best
Those who signed the Bertsch petitions should
lose no time in withdrawing their signatures and save
the city the expense and the Illumination OF an lu
dgnifed and acrimonious scramble for political flesh
pots.
1t is rumored that there is to be retaliation IN
kinda recall Of Commissioners Best and Thompson.
Citizens of Bismarck who stand against the ex-
pense Of special elections-who desire to purge the
city Of factional strife-who stand for fair play
who wish to concentrate the energies of the city to
movements that will weld the community into a
harmonious whole that this city may give its best
it's all to help winning the war, should sign no petit
tions. t4,.,.> H. r.,
If we face recall at all-and The Tribune is not
SO sure but that there is way out even now-let
Bismarck restore Mr.. Bertsch to his office by the
shortest possible route. Retaliation and recrimina-
ton have no place at this time. ss-.ai 49,
Commissioner Thompson was elected in fair
square fight few months ago. 1t is an insult to
the intelligence Of the voters Of Bismarck to start
recall upon him. If the administration of Commits
sioner Best has not been satisfactory the day is not
far distant when he can be reached. p. "''. .
There is more back of these recalls than appears
on the surface. The Tribune feels that it owes its
readers fair and open statement Of fact. 1t pro-
poses in their behalf to oppose political upheaval at
this time when the chief consideration is not the pub
lie interest, but purely private and factional motives
The Tribune holds no brief for any public utility,
for any faction or for any private enterprise-it
seeks only in this crisis the best interests of Bismarck
the welding together of its people into a har1non
Gus community whose only idea now is to put aside
factional chickering's and devote all agencies Of the
city to the great task that lies before this nation
this state and this city.
State and congressional elections are upon us
These will give the politicians all the diversion they
want without embroiling the city in foolish recall
that can other purpose than to feed the fires
OF fractional strife sordid interests.
The Trlbunes advice to it's readers is NOT TO
II SIGN ANY PETITIONS. Don t pull the politician s
chestnuts out of the fire If finally called upon to
vote, support Chris Bertsch.
While there are names Of good citizens on the
petitions, the great bulk not representative Of
the city and some Of them are VIGOROUSLY allied with
the underworld-with the forces Bismarck does not
want to restored to power.
# Commissioners Bertsch has stirred up the ami
mostly Of these men, he is good to keep on the
job.
Two wrongs do not make right. Nothing can
be gained by precpitatng general recall If it is
possible to head off this recall, patriotic citizens
should assist in doingso The agnanimous thing to
do would be for signers who complied under mis-
understanding Of conditions to withdraw their names
within the ten days.
Stirring up factiona strife at time like this is
little short Of sedtion If the Bersch recall must 90
through-and we hope it can be avoided-let that
iniquity rest upon the guilty ones
Don't pile on the agony by starting other recall
petitions
Bismarck S duty is plain
DON'T SIGN PETITIONS!
Somebody suggests that some of the naval YES
sells be named after women. Why not? And if the
idea is adopted We suggest that the first one be