Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-11-22
" oRCEsTE &
FRIDAY. NOVEMBER &c. 1919.
The Municipal EIecIron.

The Municipal Election.
Our coming municipal election is so impor-
tant TO the city, that every legal voter should
feel deep aud active interest in it, and do all in
his power to secure the nomination and election
OF the best possible candidates for mayor, al
dermen, and members of the council. The very
best men for these offices should be possible
candidates; but it is exceedingly difficult to
make them so; in fact, some of those best fitted
for the office of mayor cannot be persuaded TO
accept nomination. We must necessarily be
content with the best candidates possible under
the circumstances; but none of us should be
willing to seek or accept anything short of this
The best kind of thorough, painstaking bust
ness ability is required to manage the present
condition Of our city finances, and to conduct
the general business of the city successfully I'M
der existing circumstances. Integrity, sound
Judgment, aptitude for executive work, financial
skill, and ready comprehension of the work TO
be done, are among the qualifications that seem
essential. These considerations ought to regu-
late every movement to secure the nomination
of candidates for mayor aud aldermen; and no
nomination made in disregard of them should
be successful. Oar present financial condition
is an uncomfortable legacy inherited from past
municipal administrations. 1t is felt to be I'M
satisfactory; therefore, there will be among us
no lack of the mood which prompts criticism.
But we may have and ought TO have a munich
pal administration which will bring improve
ment. To sec ure it, we must put aside all SUI
bordinate considerations refuse all intrusive
solicitations of personal ambition, and make it
our aim to secure the itest men possible for
mayor, aldermen, and councilmen.
The republican city committee have decided to
invite party nominations, which is wise and
proper. In fact, they had no good reason for
taking any other course; and it is certainly pos
sible to secure, in this way, good and satisfac-
tory municipal government. To suceeed how
ever, every nomination should be made entirely
with a view to such city government as the
present time demands. The voting of large
number of our republican fellow citizens will
not, in this case be regulated solely or chiefly by
party considerations alone. Individual inter
ests are so intimately connected with the fnan-
cal and business management of our city Off
cals, that their influence is not likely to be sup
FAN9oNuf III tIN Nphlli- NllSllou VI suCH OulCldts
In this election, we can not be sure of doing
with party nominations what is usually done in
our state and national elections; for our citizens
will be likely to act with an unusually strong
sense of their personal interest in good city
government, heightened by dread of a bad one !;
and no appeal to general politics against this, is
likely to be very successful.
The republicans can make up good ticket
for municipal officers, ticket that will COM
mand respect and confidence; and they will do
so, if no improper influence shall be allowed to
capture and control their primary meetings.
They have good men who can be persuaded TO
accept nominations; and they have unfit men,
or men who will be regarded as unfit, who may
try TO get nominations. Should the first be Sc
lected, our success at the polls would be certain.
Our candidates should be not only the best in
the field, but, also, the best we can select. But,
if they or any of them, and especially our can.
didate for mayor, shall be regarded as unfit,
the lack Of confidence will make certain
lack of votes. To assume that an unsuitable or
incompetent candidate is sure 10 be elected
simply because he is a republican, is to assume
what should not be certain, in this case, and is
not likely to prove so. We do not believe there
are many republicans who are willing to make
themselves responsible for an incompetent ad-
ministration of our city government, under
present circumstances. Therefore, we hope to
see the general interest in the nomination o!
good candidates become very active, and very
influential at the primary meetings.
In the present condition of our city business,
wisdom, and not political maneuvring merely,
should control all that is done with reference to
the municipal election. Wisdom, cool judy
ment, honest consultation, and the best caudi-
dates, were never more needed IN our city affairs
than at present. No reasonable man trifes with
his private business; no wellconducted business
company allows anything to interfere with the
best possible management of its affairs Shall
we be less careful 10 provide for competent and
wise management of our municipal affairs, at
time when it is SO necessary Every one, doubt.
less, will say No; but let this be said in appro-
PIRATE action, in wise endeayor, as well as in
words. This is matter which touches every
mans interest. We shall elect good city gov
eminent, if all interested take pains to secure
this result.