The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1922-12-15
No Changes in Forces
Of CityUntil After Jan.
l,OMcials Announced
EDITORIAL

The situation the city finds itself con-
fronted with today. following the de-
nand by commissioners for the remov-
II Of Chief of Police Dick Ilignight.
and the subsequent resignation Of City
Manager Kirk Dyer, is one that should
command the earnest thought and con-
slderatlon OF every citizen here. 1t is
one that has two distinct sides 10 il,
and one that demands more than su-
perficial decision.
The city commissioners, after long
and thoughtful delberation decided that
tho best course was TO let the chiei OF
police 60. Not because they found fauit
with him but because more than l600
citizens of the city asked II. They take
the position that under the city man
ager form of government, where the
office Of chief of police is appointve
rather than elective, this is too great
q number to ignore.
AND THE ARDMCREITE BE-
LlEVES THAT THE COMMISSION
ERS HAVE A REAL BASIS FOR
THEIR DECISION. EVEN THOUGH
THE COMMISSIONERS DID NOT BE-
LIEVE CHIEF HIGNGHT HAD BEEN
DERELICT AND EVEN THOUGH HE
Had FULFILLED HIS DUTY EN-
ACTLY AS LAID DOWN TO HIM, If
MORE THAN 1900 VOTERS OUT OF
A POSSIBLE 5000 INSIST HE BE
DISMISSED, THE COMMISSIONERS
CANNOT AFFORD To PASS THE
NATTER BY.
And let us say here that the Ardmore'
ite believes Hignight has been good
official, that he has performed the func-
tions of his office and that he has been
a potent factor in making Ardmore
really clean city. Bootlegging Is at a
minimum here. open gambling does not
flourish. negro porters no longer stanu
upon the streets soliciting-in fact vice
u not within easy reach any more. Chiei
Hignight has been responsible IN u
measure FOR this conditicn. We believe
And We further believe that some
OF the fight made upon Chief Hisnignt
4, the echo Of the old issue raised by
certain element here that does not
want the law enforced. Not entirely mas
this element brought about the condi'
ton today but this element has famed
the flames and added fuel.
SO much for that side Of the case.
Manager Kirk Dyer takes the posi-
ton that Chief Hlsnight has been an
efficient officer. that he has followed
orders and that charges preferred
against him are not of enough import
10 result in dismissal. Therefore he VIII
not sacrifice the chief.
81 would not hold up my head again
II passlvely submitted" Mr.. Dyer
saws in meaning, and he has endearec
himself to a great number by taking
such position.
He holds that II IIignight, who has
done nothing to merit dismissal. mus
Ko, then he will go too. One must ad
mire his courage and loyalty.
And still, II the commissioners are
right in listening to these petitioners
they are right TO stand pat even though
Mr.. Dyer resigns.
The Ardmoreite here has tried to out
line both sides of the question to the
people.
Personally we believe Dick Hignigh
is good officer.
We believe Kirk Dyer has made {
splendid manager. Both men may have
made mistakes, but who wouldn't ant
where would one 20 TO find more ell
Client men.
WE BELIEVE THE CITY CoArMIs
sIoNERs ARE ACTING IN ALI
GOOD CONSCIENCE AND THAI
THEY ARE MAKING THE CITY
MANAGER FC ar OF GOVERNMENT
A REPREST ,,TATlvE ONE WHEN
THEY Do LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE
AND ES' ECIALLY WHEN so MANY
PEoprG ARE BENT UPON oNi
TING.
HE FUTURE WELFARE OF TIL
ErTY AND THE POSSIBLE UNlTl
or ALL OR At LEAST A GREAT
MAJORITY. DEPENDS UPON HAR
MoNIoUS GOVERNMENT. WE CAN
NOT HAVE THAT III THE People
ARE DIVIDED.
The Ardmoreite cannot find cause 4
quarrel with the commissioners or Wit
Mr. Dyer. Both are acting as their con
science dictates. We do insist that
Chief Hlgnight does go from office hi
place be filled By man who believe II
enforcing the law and who has Oh
courage to do II.