Spokane's Mayor Wins by Marrying the Saloons to the Churches

Spokane Spokesman, May 7. Yesterday morning the Review urged the election of six Republican candidates. The count this morning shows that five of these have been elected. The defeat of the sixth—Mr. Hopkins—was brought about by forces which cooperated to split the Republican party on the mayoralty, and which were wholly beyond the control of the Republican executive committee. Mr. Belt's election does not prove that the Republican party is in a minority in this city. The truth is he has triumphed once again by the peculiar and unnatural cooperation of the saloon and the church. A year ago he brought about this combination by friendly overtures, made in secret, and with the caution to the saloon men to conceal his pledges for the time being. This year the same forces have operated to the same end, but the tactics have been different. By vetoing the varieties ordinance and making further deals with the liquor people, Mr. Belt greatly strengthened himself with that element. By defying Rev. McInturff, Rev. Cherington and others, he drove them and their following to the support of Mr. France. This was equivalent to drawing votes away from Mr. Hopkins, and it elected the man whose defeat was so earnestly desired. Of course so long as Mr. Belt can combine the saloons and the churches, or the element which speaks for the churches, it will be difficult to defeat him for mayor of Spokane. The result is in no wise a reflection upon Mr. Hopkins. Nor does it speak aught against Mr. Wakefield and his excellent committee. They pulled the ticket through to victory, although the standard bearers fell in the battle.