The weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1878-1881, 1880-07-06
peLlTIss in soCAE AFFAIRS.

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From the dread evidently entertained b,
many excellent people OF the Introduction o.
politics as an element in municipal election,
we might almost imagine that in the smaller
sphere political discussion and Political party
feeling were attended with dangers not on.
%countsred in the national arena. Politics.
they seem to think. will do very well in ma
tional. or perhaps even in county affairs. Btu
when it comes to the governing Of a little
town whose affairs are to be administered by
those who are ~s'neisbbors' of one another
these who are brought every day into contact
through business intercourse more or less in
innate, then it is highly desirs BILE that the
danger of engendering i'll feeling among those
neighbors by political elections be altogether
averted through the entire prohibition of po-
litical considerations in the management of
such home affairs. Accordingly, instead of
having candidates for municipal offices
brought forward by old-established parties !;
parties having their regulations to guard !;
their hopes respecting the future to consider,
we have them brought forward where such
views obtain, by some such irresponsible body
as a citizens committee a nondescript Or
ganization born at a minutes notice only to
reach it's demise as speedily, and to become
so thoroughly resolved into its original ele-
ments that not the slightest shred of account
ability can be attached to anyone for any
shortcomings Of which it may have been cul-
pable.
AS MO boro olroaIv and on mora than nnA
occasion, given our readers to understand, We
do not share those views. Party government
we hold to be as essential in local as in
national government, and to be attended with
precisely the same advantages. In admins
tering the affairs of a State or even of q
various offices are brought forward, and com
mended to the voters consideration by a
regularly organized and permanent political
party, is an assumption of responsibility by
the party for the good behavior of those IN
cumbents while in office. This is so we'll I'M
or the blame that may attach to a neglect Of
duty, on the part of those in office is not a
matter affecting the officers personally. In
place of this, the credit or blame as the case
may be, while not altogether neglecting the
incumbents of the offices, nevertheless attaches
mainly to the party, which in their nomina-
ton became surety for their good character. If
the government of our country is honest
and economical, if good and faithful service
is rendered by every one of our officers, we
do not in recognition of this faithful service
maintain the same individuals in office in
definitely. They may be honored with one
or two reflections by way of acknowledging
their merit but sooner or later will come
the time when, no matter how spotless be
their record, how efficient the service per-
formed, they will be called upon to step aside
and make room for some one else, in obedi-
ence to the "rotation in office" doctrine
either openly acknowledged or tacitly admit
ted and quietly put i'll practice by all political
parties. But if the individuals are dismissed
the party is retained in power as long as its
administration gives satisfaction; and here
we have the strongest i%nducement for The
party to bring forward always its bestmen as its
nominees. On the other hand, if officers
recommended by their party prove dishonest
or unequal to the proper discharge OF thel
duties, nothing cansave the party from suffer
ing for their misdeeds. No promise of edo
ing better next time in the way of making
better nominations will avert its mented pun
ishment. 1t is ignominiously turned out O
power; commanded to lay down the trust O
which it was found unworthy by handing
over the administrator of affairs to its op
ponents. Now the same, aid equally as pow
erful reasons are to be cited in favor of part,
management of city affairs. 1t a mayor ant
board of aldermen have been the nominee
of a political party we can express our appro
baton of their official course by continuin.
to keep that party in power, by elecling tn
cipal offices. In case, though, our city coun
ell has been nominated by a citizens meeting
how are We to express our appreciation
Evidently only by electins the same ind
viuuals over and over again, for no othe
plan can be devised. But suppose it is GU
disapprobation we wish to express, wha
then? let us imagine the case of a littl
city with a treasury by no means overflow
ing and whose council, instead of employ
ing its revenues TO such legitimate ends Il
street cleaning, ETC., should squande
them in an uncalled for increase Of officis
salaries. In such a contingency "what ar
+ we going to do about it?" IT those officer
had been nominated by a political party Their
would be IA resting place for responsibility
as we'll as a rival party which the voter
might put in power if it promised to adopt
less Objectionable policy. This would be
. mere matter of course in party management
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