THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12784, 4 May 1910, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

(From "The Colonist," April 28.) Thebe is a saying, attributed to Abraham Lincoln, the philosophy of which is sound : "You can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all cf the time ; but you cannot delude all the pooplo all the time." Which means that although a specious policy put forward skilfully and attractively may possess the public mind the obsession will be eihly temporary,, and in the end the truth must prevail. It would be, perhaps, too hard a thing to say. that the burgesses of Nelson had been deliberately "fooled" by the administration which received its conge at their hands yesterday, but thoy were induced by it to permit the pursuance of a municipal policy which was not worthy of their countenance. A reaction was inevitable, and it has fortunately been brought about before many of the blunders of the last few years became irreparable. The result of yesterday's elections means much more than the defeat of an administration that had long outlived its usefulness. Ithad long outlived its. usefulness. It is a vindication of the policy followed by the City Council before municipal affairs were given over to stagnation and neglect masquerading in the guise of economy. It indicates also that a large majority of the electors now realise that the attitude of the minority of the Council and a considerable section of the ratepayers, in strenuously op-

posing the actions of the Mayor and liis majority in several important matters of policy was right, and the course the Council was pursuing utterly wrong and inimical to the interests of the place. Having said so much we may dismiss an element in local politics which is not likely to ever trouble the city again. On general grounds the election of such a man as Mr.. Pettit to the ofiice of Mayor is a matter for congratulation. His worth as a citizen is shown by. the general esteem in which he is held, and his record of public service, latterly under peculiarly discouraging circumstances, singles him out as a man who will fill the Mayoral chair with credit to himself and tlie city. We aaiticipate for him a very successful term of office. -We are sure also, that the bii rgo;_£<.s will have.no reason to regie'; the return of Mr. Hampson 'to the* Council. He is thoroughly in sympathy with the policy of the new Ma-or and his expert knowledge in mattei s of finance and the constructive ability, -ivhich,' unfortunately,- did not receivo justice during his former connection with tho Council, qun.lify him to fill a very useful plaoe in. the present juncture of municipal affairs. To both the successful candidates at yesterday's elections we oiler our very hearty congrntuhi- ; tions.