The Day Book

"City Contracts."

In copying the communication of a writer in the Southern Argus, of Saturday morning, over the signature of "American" we were inclined to the belief at the time that some gross wrong or maleficence had been committed by some of the members of the Common Council in unfairly appropriating City contracts to themselves to the exclusion of "outsiders." If such is the fact we have been unable to discover it. Probably "American" can make some disclosures to the people in regard to this subject.

We have, however, been made acquainted with a circumstance which is said to have existed in this City for a number of years past, and which though it may never have heretofore been taken improper advantage of, may be the subject for wrong doings at some future time. What we have reference to is, that of members of the Councils and city officers being interested in city contracts. Now this practice, if honestly and conscientiously acted upon, might never subject the city to the loss of one cent, but what guarantee has the people, or the "outsiders," that a strictly honest course will be pursued towards them—none whatever.

Does not such a practice give room in the minds of outside bidders for suspicion that strict justice will not be dealt out to them where they are competitors for a contract, after which a member of the council is trying. Certainly it does; and it would debar many persons from putting in bids, where they knew members of the Council or City officers would be their competitors.

In view of the many objections that may be justly urged against the practice, we should think it would be advisable for the councils to pass a law to the effect that no member of their body or City officer, should be in any wise connected or interested in any contract whatever, given out by the City. Such a law would be found to be more satisfactory, certainly; and would be instrumental in quelling a feeling of suspicion that is continually aroused under the present mode of conducting such matters.

We do not hold with the idea of abusing a poor fellow like a pickpocket because he happens to be so unfortunate as to be elected a member of the city Councils, or to any other office within the gift of the people. We think also it is a hard case, that members of the Council should be debarred from enjoying the privilege of ordinary citizens in regard to contracts and city jobs; particularly, as they get no pay for their services. But if these gentlemen wish to enter the arena for the city's pickings, let them resign or not accept their office from the hands of the people, in order that they may be on an equal footing with other contractors.