Jasper County Democrat, Volume 1, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 December 1898 — ANTI BOODLE CRUSADE. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

ANTI BOODLE CRUSADE.

Chicagoans Oppose J xtension of Street Kailway Franchises. Another war is on in Chicago—a war! against the.boOdiing city aldermen. Chib of them introduced into the Council in ordinance extending the franchises of city railways fifty years from 1903, the present date of expiration. The purpose is to secure action by the aldermen favorable to the street railroads before the repeal of the Allen law. which is expected soon «£ter the Legislature meets. Mayor Harrison is fighting the proposed action of the Council with all his personal influence and the power of patronage. Public meetings are held, and one of the rope manufacturers is engaged in making hangman knots to be worn as buttonhole boquets by honest citizens to suggest the possible fate of boodlers if they sell out the taxpayers. Democrats. Republicans and citizens irrespective of party have assembled in mass meetings in various wards of the city and declared themselves unalterably opposed to any street railway legislation

under the Allen law. Here was a Democratic ward club with every member present; there a citizens" meeting where the hall was overflowing with people. But in each place.the sentiment was the same —opposition to boodle legislation. “No Council legislation for the street railway companies,” says Mayor Harrison. “until the Allen law is repealed. I will not admit that they are entitled to even a ten-year ordinance until that nefarious measure is off the statute books.” The strength of the feeling engendered can be judged from these incidents: The wife of one South Side aiderman received a noose and an envelope with cross-bones and skulls upon it. Another alderman said: “I found one of these,” indicating the noose, “on the door of my place of business this morning.” Mayor Harrison does not approve of this noose business. He said: “I am heartily opposed to public demonstrations which can be construed as lawless.”

MAYOR HARRISON.