Jasper County Democrat, Volume 21, Number 13, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 May 1918 — NEW NIGHTWATCH IS ELECTED [ARTICLE]

NEW NIGHTWATCH IS ELECTED

John Richards Succeeds Frank Cr»tser, Who Served Ten Years. At the regular meeting of the city council Monday evening the chief business of importance was the election of a nightwatch, for •which office there were five avowed candidates and two or three receptive ones, it is said. The mayor and Councilman Wood were absent, and when it came to the election of a nightwatch five avowed candidates were after the job—present Nightwatch Frank Critser, John Richards, J. W. Childers, Charles Platt and Vern Jacks. There were others “willing,” it is said, but only y two received any consideration, Richards and Childers. On the first ballot Richards received two votes and Childers two. On the second ballot Richards received three and Childers one, and the former was declared elected. The ordinances pending on salary of nightwatch and cutting sod alongside of sidewalks were passed, tnd beginning May 15 the nightwatch’s salary will be SBO per month. The usual bunch of claims were allowed. Frank Critser, who has held ' J position of nightwatch for aboit ten years past, some faults, of course, but The Democrat does not believe he has ever went to sleep on the job. He has looked after and safe-guarded the business houses and the property of the citizens better than any nightwatch we have ever had. His successor may r "do just as well, perhaps better, but if he does he will set a new mark in this respect. There was a (bunch who were after Frank’s scalp, however, and have been for some time, and by insiduous anti-Critser propaganda they have succeeded in their efforts. The new nightwatch, however, should have the hearty support of the people of Rensselaer as he had no part in downing Critser, it is said, and he will no doubt make an able and efficient officer.