The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-12-31

The was saved by the remarks
of Mayor-elect Paine, who asked the
committee to differentiate between ad-
vice and consent. He explained that
he and his associates would listen to
advice from the citizens committee,
from all other organizations and from
individuals but that they would not
ask the consent of any organization or
any individual on matters upon which
they have a conviction.
Some OF the officials made no secret
of their belief that Mr.. Smith made
a mistake in calling the committee to
meet on the eve of a change in the
administration. They did not agree
with his expressions and were frank
to say SO after the meeting. They saw
no reason for him to lug in the race
question and urge the people to be
color blind.
Another apprehension felt by the
friends Of the new administration was
that there might be ~misquotation and
misrepresentation Of the meeting. This
apprehension was justified. One news
paper indicated that the next move
Of the Citizens league. and inferentially
the city administration, would be to
take an active part in county politics
next summer, and reward their sup
porters with opposition and win their
enemies with love"
1t was perfectly apparent that the
lOitCN Nlol lOuSIl MI hlit IA NJ
associates in the recent election would
Ike to leave the impression that Mr..
Paine would Join forces with his enc
mics and fight his friends. An i'm
preston going broadcast at this time
would work untold injury to the new
administration while it is endeavoring
to give the people a business admins
tration free from factional politics.
Mr.. Paine would deplore and resent
the effort on the part of anyone to
create a division and ~dissension while
there is no excuse for it and everyone,
except those who have become sour
from repeated defeats. expects to give
the incoming administration loyal and
sympathetic support.
So far as can be learned no pressure
of any kind has been brought to bear
upon the new administration in the an
rointment Of subordinate officials. Mr..
Edgar. the new commissioner of fire
and police, has repeatedly stated that
he highly appreciates the understand
ing shown by his friends and their dis
position 10 to press the claims Of their
friends where 1t would not be consist
ent with the principles of the new ad-
m~inistration, as outlined in the plat
form. to yield to their views and wishes,
Another matter that caused comment
at the meeting of the Citizens commit
tee was the failure Of the chairman
to mention by name or call on R, r,
Ellis, the first chairman and originator
Of the Citizens league movement. Mr.
Ellis perhaps gave the work more OF
his time and money than any Other
member and was one Of the chief ad-
visors during the campaign and largely
was responsible for the selection Of
the ticket.
To emphasize the slight of Mr.. Ellis
the chairman had present A. ID. Mason
retiring city commissioner and mem.
Der of the present political regime thai
opposed Mr.. Paine and his entire ticket
with every means at their disposal. MI
Mason made a speech In which he ex'
pressed pleasure at being with his OWL
crowd. He is perhaps the first con.
vert to be won by Mr.. Smiths politica
gospel Of love.
Mr.. Paine's rare good judgment, tc
some extent saved the day, SO far a:
the new administration Is concerned
were not going merely to be mayor
and commissioners of the Citizens
league, but they were elected to serve
and would serve the whole people tC
the best of their ability.
While those who usually keep tab OF
what is going on in a political way
acquit Mr.. Paine, Mr.. Edgar, Mr.
Johnson, Mr.. Shannon and Mr.. Aller
of any responsibility for anything thu
Citizens league may do or what !
may be charged with doing, they cal
not help but see that the same ole
forces are at work in the same old way
not even waiting until they go int
office to begin the campaign Of innu
endo that could rebound only to thu
injury Of the administration