Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1922-03-18
A HARMONY PROGRAM.

For a week past the Journal has awaited anx-
iously a way out of the dilemma confronting the
city in the spring election. In this year OF all years.
when public sentiment is clamoring for harmony
and co-operation the drift toward bitter contest
and q splt community has worried this newspaper.
The policy Of the Journal is to advocate stand
ards OF efficiency, honesty and integrity in pubic
officials but to leave It to others to say who the
men shall be- so long as they measure up. In spite
Of this general policy this paper has joined with
the men of the community in an effort to find
solution which would insure both competent city
government and harmonious community. These
efforts have all failed up to this time
For business say that they are READ!
to quarrel needessy with labor or for labor to
saw that II is Indifferent to community harmony,
are equally untenable positions. This Is year IN
which personal preferences should be subordlnated
and an effort be made to do all consistent things
tending toward teamwork in city building.
The Journal can state with absolute assurance
that labor has no desire to take charge of the city
government. The people spoke adversely IN the
recall election and labor accepts the verdict Every
one knows that the journal supported the present
city commission in the recall controversy with all
the spirit of which it was capable.
The editor of this paper conferred with the fire
men and their friends before they were discharged
They agreed recede from their position in regard
to organizing the fire department, If graceful way
preached Mr. Connell in effort to solve the mat
ter he was obdurate. To back down in humiliat-
ing way or be discharged, was his ultimatum. lie
would enter no conference, even when assured that
he would have his way in the end.
We said then, and say now, that Mr.. Connell
was unwise. By refusal to confer he antagonzed
a large percentage of people. The Journal
likes Mr. Connell 1t has quarrel with him, but
we do not believe those opposed to him should be
forced to swallow him, II less Objectionable can
ddate can be found whose attitude sound on pub
lie questions Mr.. Connen and his friends should
concede this in the interest of community har-
mony. Mr. Cornell has nothing at stake He has
had the honors and will doubtless hesitate to inject
himself into the situation in way to create discord
Mr. w. r. Walton has filed for commissioner
He is citizen of the best type. He has no dispo-
sition to cater Improperly to any class. He sup
ported Mr.. Connell in the recall fight. We ars
assured that labor win not antagonize him, yet he
has no understandings with labor. The Journal
feels that Mr. Connen should stay out and throw his
influence to Mr.. walton.
Against Mr.. Mclaughlin the Journal has no
complaint and 1t is inclined to support him in case
he files. Labor, told, will probably not an
tagonize him.
Every instinct in the Journal office is against
supporting J. NJ. Reynolds for reelection Our
reasons are personal But we are seeking solution
to the present situation in the interests of the city
Messrs. Mclaughlin ana RaynoIuS are puslHesS hlSh
who are familiar with the city's affairs. Their
business ability has the confidence of the business
men, The Journal is prepared to waive its per-
sonaI views and to support Messrs Mclaughlin
Reynolds and Walton, If that seems best.
It occurs to us that here is get-together pro-
gram upon which the business community might
agree. Labor will make organized fight on such
a combination. If Messrs Mclaughlin and Ray
nods will file the Journal is probably willing to
Ided Mr. uneU will
a program by not compllcating matters.
In this attitude the Journal is wholly unselfsh.
It rejects Mr. Connell, who is its friend, In order
to harmonic labor. yet it has refraned from join
ing any movement which would deliver the city to
labor control 1t accepts Mr.. Reynolds, who is its
enemy, because community harmony will be pro-
NOTED. 1t fails to support Clyde Tingey who Is
warm personal friend and whom 1t believes would
make a good commissioner, a concession to
some business mems opposition.
1t would that other factors ought to
toin us in making concessions. This is harmony
year. Let's have 1t. 1t certainly be no more
bitter dose for anyone else than it has been
for
Petty, personal things have place in our pub
lie decisions If Albuquerque is to go forward. II
anyone else propose better harmony program
let's hear it, We open to suggestions.
OF course, two days remain for the filing Of
candidates.. The Journal is informed that great
pressure Is being brought to bear upon very excel
lent men to file Should this become accom-
plished fact, the circumstances might be altered
as to require a new alignment in the public inter-
est The Journals statements should therefore be
regarded as a proposal rather than commitment.