This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1911 edition. Excerpt: ...to the first of the famous Cleveland messages. After some review of the financial condition of the city, Mr. Cleveland proceeded to lay down the principles by which he purposed to be guided. He said: " We hold the money of the people in our hands to be used for their purposes and to further their ...
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1911 edition. Excerpt: ...to the first of the famous Cleveland messages. After some review of the financial condition of the city, Mr. Cleveland proceeded to lay down the principles by which he purposed to be guided. He said: " We hold the money of the people in our hands to be used for their purposes and to further their interests as members of the municipality; and it is quite apparent that, when any part of the funds which the taxpayers have entrusted to us are diverted to other purposes, or when, by design or neglect, we allow a. greater sum to be applied to any municipal purpose than is necessary, we have, to that extent, violated our duty. There surely is no difference in his duties and obligations whether a person is entrusted with the money of one man or of many. And yet it sometimes appears as though the office-holder assumes that a different rule of fidelity prevails between him and the taxpayers than that which should regulate his conduct when, as an individual, he holds the money of his neighbor. It seems to me that a successful and faithful administration of the government of our city may be accomplished by constantly bearing in mind that we are the trustees and agents of our fellow-citizens, holding their funds in sacred trust to be expended for their benefit; that we should at all times be prepared to render an honest account to them touching the manner of its expenditure, and that the aflairs of the city should be conducted, as far as possible, upon the same principles as a good business man manages his private concerns." The message was applauded, but it was not until the vetoes began to come in that people fully realized that he meant what he said. The first of these vetoes appeared at the very next session. It was on a resolution...
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