The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-05-23
THE CHARTER ELECTION.

On May 81 the people OF Seattle win be
called upon to elect fifteen freeholders to
frame I new charter. The enabling act
passed By the last legislature directs that.
within twenty-fonr days Of the fling OF a
certificate with the secretary Of state that
the population OF city Is twenty thousand
or more. .thc legislative authority thereof
shall provide by ordinance for an election
therein for the purpose of eIecting fifteen
freeholders who shall have been residents
Of said city for the period Of at least two
years preceding their election, and qualified
electors, for the purpose Of framing q
charter for such . city" No other condi-
tons are imposed or methods laid down
- 10 the nomination or election, and the
process by which the candidates are to be
chosen Is now matter Of immediate con-
Germ.
The City Council has expressed the
opinion that each ward should select three
and three be elected atlasge. The machin-
cry OF nomination Is not created by this
suggestion. however.
Representatives Of the Republican and
Democratic organizations Of King county
suggest that the Republicans select eight
OF the fifteen, the Democrats six and the
Prohihitionists one. The non Bipartisan
character Of such combination would
meet with general approval. but It is evil
dent that thers will Be difficulty in making
II compatible with the City Councils sue-
gestion. unless each Of the wards select
two Republicans and one Democrat, and
that the three freeholders ct large consist
Of two Democrats and one Prohibitionist.
This would preserve the party proportions.
OF no less importance Is the means by
which these representative men shall be
chosen so a. 10 meet the requirements OF
ono of the most difficult duties II can fall
to the lot of citizen 10 perform. The re-
cital OF tho powers Of a city OF the first
class comprchends very complex system
OF city government. II is comprised
within the enabling act, the full text OF
which IL republished in thu Posr.IsrKIrI-
eKscER today as subject of general in
fcrest.
Opinion is divided as TO the mode of cleo
ton. some lawyers holding the view that
the usual plan in city elections must be
followed In the absence OF provision tn the
contrary. Others maintain that the whole
proceeding is Of an organic character. and
the appeal is made directly aud broadly 10
ali the electors OF the city. That Is one OF
the questions which must be decided very
promptly.
Another question is by what process the
candidates shall be nominated. The quail
festions of the whole body include knowl-
edge Of municipal and general law. an
acquaintance with municipal machinery In
general and OF Seatties particular necessi-
ties: and some acquaintance with Enaneier-
ing. These need not. aud indeed could
hardly be. found in the same individual
bat almost every phase OF the task will meek,
that combined intelligence and experience.
This is enc reason why many citizens AL
vocate the selection of fifteen or more
names By joint committee OF the several
political parties. ~ there is better opror.
tanisy for deiiheration and possibly more
esssly-iocated responsibility than there
would he in a mass-meeting. where popu-
iarity might have more weight than prac-
teal eapabiIi,y or exceptional experience.
The selection OF iiiteea names only
might arouse the sntagonism of a faction
rs the exercise OF an arbitrary power, and
in any case would be productive of disap-
rointment II more than the actual mum.
Der were nominated IL would allow a mar
gin for the exercise Of Individual cAolce--
always highly -prsxed privilege.
II the members Of the joint committee
are 10 select the only ticket 10 be presented
they might as well cast the entire vote o,
the city at once there will be nothing lcfs
Tor the other eislsens 10 10 The only OBJ
secssoa to such course is that the pro.
posed proportion Of Political representa-.
ton smoag the charter trainers might he
disturbed by disrroportseastc vcse On the
candid aies, but that Is not fundamental
objection. because IL every enc Of the mum
her nominated he q suitable man his polis.
heal affiliations are quite uninporsanl
There are undoubtedly City nssn " char.
actsr in seattle whose political preferences.
IN such q case, would Ne absolutely sabor-
-ainass3 10 the pubic interest
The time Is slipping by and some step
shoatd he taken early enough 10 admit al a
Tree and intelligent discussion of the
methods and the sssen.