Jasper County Democrat, Volume 12, Number 55, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 October 1909 — THE DEMOCRATIC CITY TICKET. [ARTICLE]

THE DEMOCRATIC CITY TICKET.

A Few Thoughts for the Taxpayers to Fully Consider. MEN OF MATURE JUDGMENT *» Selected Where Administrative Ability Is Necessary, and the Younger Democracy Recognized In the Purely Clerical Positions—Remember, the Choice Made Must Stand for Pour Years. t . In our opinion the democratic city convention displayed good business sense in nominating a ticket for the consideration of the voters and taxpayers who must make a choice of whom they will have to serve them . during the next . four years, commencing January 1, 1910. Mayor—William H. Beam. Clerk—X. Littlefield. Treasurer—Earl Duvall. Councilmen-at-Large-—Win. Washburn, John C. Carmichael. Councilman First Ward—Thomas A. Crockett. Councilman Second Ward—D. M. Worland. Councilman Third Ward—Henry Grow.

We might say that the entire management of the city affairs is under the direction the Common Council. The mayor only presides over the meetings and votes only in case of a tie. He has the appoint-* ment of the marshal, but Rensselaer does not require a dress-parade marshal at a salary of S6O per month, and if the voters elect the democratic candidates they may rest assured that this feature will be handled wisely and at a saving of at least two-thirds over the salary now paid. The council itself fixes the salaries of tire mayor and its members, and the old council fixed them for their term of office at practically the limit allowed for cities of our class—those having a population of less than IO.OOCT. The salaries fixed by the present council are $250 for the mayor, and SBO p®» year for each member of the council. The incoming council in January will fix the salaies again for the next four years, and in the present condition of the city’s finances these salaries should be lopped off about one-half from the old rate. Now, as to the qualifications of the ticket we present to the voters of Rensselaer.: W. H. Beam hais for many years held the position of station agent for the Monon' road in Rensselaer, the busiest and most important station on its lines outside of its terminals. To hold this position for so many years speaks volumes for his ability, and that be would make an excellent mayor no one can doubt for a moment N. Littlefield for clerk has all necessary qualifications, is ,a young man, and has an office in the 1. O. O. F., building convenient for the public.

Earl Duvall for treasurer, another young man, is located centrally to handle this branch of the citys business, and, if elected, will place a competent clerk' in charge of the books in hiß store so that at all times during business hours and in the evening and until he closes up at night, the public having business with his office may be waited oh. Under the present depository law the treasurer must deposit the funds in the various banks selected by council as depositories and the interest is turned into the funds from which it is derived, and the treasurer gets nothing for his services, but the salary fixed. For. Councilmen-at-large, William Washburn and J. C. Carmichael need no special mention. Mr. Washburn is generally conceded to be one of the clearest-headed business men in Jasper county—not niggardly or inclined to too close economy—but a careful, conscientious business man, who has made a success in life, has considerable property Interests ' in Rensselaer and 1b interested in its welfare. Mr. Carmichael is also a man of good judgment and made a good councilman when on the board heretofore. T. A. Crockett in the First Ward, D. M. Worland in the Second, and * Henry Grow in the Third, are each successful men who have handled their own affairs in a manner that has brought them honest financial returns. They are men of sound judgment, unquestioned business integrity and will make ideal counctl-

men to serve with William Washburn and John Carmichael. Without in any way personally disparaging the opposition candidates for councilmen, we would ask in all candor a few pertinent questions: When the Judge of our circuit court or any other court in the state, for that matter has an estate to divide or a piece of land to sell, does he appoint a young clerk, optician or bus-driver, or does he appoint such men as Wm. Washburn, “Dick” Grow, Tom Crockett or Dave Worland? When the county commissioners of this or any other county appoint road or ditch viewers, do they appoint young and inexperienced men like those who make up the republican city ticket, or do they appoint men of more mature judgment like the candidates for council on the democratic ticket? If you had to select five men to manage your business for a term of years or administer upon your estate, would you select the five on the republican ticket or the five on the democratic ticket? These are pertinent questions, and as decided by the votes one week from next Tuesd&y, so must we abide for the next four years. Remember these men are public servants, but if they suit after you “hire” them you can’t discharge them—as you would an ordinary servant—until their “time” is up. Study these matters over carefully, Mr. Voter and Taxpayer during the next week, that you may act intelligently when you go to cast your ballot on November 2.