Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1925-12-17
THE MAYOR ANSWERS CHARGES

By the authority and consent of the
City Council granted at a special
meeting held on the 18th of Decem-
Der, at o'clock p. M, the Mayor was
authorized to make AN answer to the
accusations and charges of neglect
and inefficiency of the City Authori-
ties and especially the Mayor and
Police Department which he desires to
make as follows;
FIRST--An explanation as to the
Curfew Ordinance. After extensive
elaboration, it was the opinion of the
Council that we should not try to
usurp the rights of the parents in
the training and control of their chill
dren, stating when they should go,
and when they should return, which
authority, if exercised would prevent
parents ffom taking their children
with them to the dance halls and
card parties, or any place objection
able to the Police; however, if any
parent or guardian will make a re-
quest in writing to the Mayor, he
will see that their child or children
are sent home, and thereafter put
them off Of the street, even if it
takes ten extra Policemen to accom-
plish it. But Pray why expect the
town authorities to do what you can
not do yourselves? The suggestion
alone is an admission Of incompetence
on your own part. No doubt the
children are following your foot print
through heredity as well as desire
to avoid your company, that takes
them from home to the streets.
AS to the 10 year old girl REFER
ed to, for shame on any parent who
would be weak enough to admit their
inability to control or say when, how
and where she should go and return
again No doubt associates were the
cause of this little girls disobediance.
If child is permitted to stroll, loaf
and visit with girls regardless Of
age, who ignore the advice of the
parents, and are not forced to obey,
in spite Of what the neighbor or neigh
bors girl may say, the same result is
most likely to follow.
SECOND-If the parties who see 50
much lawlessness going on, would
promptly call the Police and show
him what you say you saw, he would
Immediately arrest the offenders, and
require them to answer under the Or
dinances of the City, for the offense
committed.
THIRD-As to the Civic League, /
am sure they would not object to a
friendly criticism, but the criticism
was wholly untrue. The roof is not
partly off of the Park Pavilion, nor
any part thereof, and the lumber
which was used for the seats, was
returned to the owners, who made no
charge for it's use during the season,
and the writer is further informed
that the donations made by the family
reunionists are in safe keeping, to ap
ply on proper seats next spring, that
friend and foe, knocker and booster
may enjoy them alike. Thanks to the
Civic League, they have done more
to clean up and build up our little
City than all other organizations
combined, and would do more, had
their efforts been properly appreciat-
ed. The Mayor will cheerfully fur
nish the handles for your little ham
mer and then you can keep on knock
ing until your heart is content and
mind satisfied, if that is all your
hands find to do.
FOURTH-The City Council is not
ashamed of its record, or officers. Co.
operation is what is needed. IT,
ing your part once, and see if you do
not feel better. You could even s.
or go around that awful mudho'e in
Serpel Avenue, which was graded by
the City, and prepared for macadam,
0pOi a pSbillOH VI Jig H1OpSiby OFtu-
ers, but they failed in their part of
the agreement, and now want the
City to come to their rescue; make
up their failure both in action and
in spirit of the agreement.
FFTH-As to the failure to have
the financial statement printed; this
has been delayed until the audit of
the books had been completed by a
State Accountant, as there had been
some errors in last years statement,
which had to be corrected. This
certified audit is now in the Record
ers office for public inspection. Bet
ter have a look and satisfy yourself.
Finally-The unfortunate part of
the whole affair is, that the author of
the objections either failed to investi-