The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-07-13
THE QUESTION OF AVAILABILITY.

It has been assumed that the dispropor-
tion of compensation to labor and re-
sponsibility has been chief cause for the
numerous declinations of positions ten
dcred by Governor Ferry to leading citi-
Gems of late. But while it cannot be denied
that the facts make this plea somewhat
plausible. there is little ground for doubt
that other considerations have been more
potent and have exerted controlling in
fuence in this connection.
1t is not believed that mere Question of
dollars and cents has prompted these
many refusals to accept the distinctions
that have been conferred and to perform
the important public duties involved. On
the contrary. such is the enviable pecuni-
airy condition and financial standing of
nearly all of these gentlemen as to justify
q belief that any one of them would make
the sacrifice necessary to the performance
Of these duties with but slight regard to the
money consideration.
But in the adjustment of the tide land
and harbor line matters 1t is pretty certain
that there will be more or less of sharp
conflict between the interests of the gen.
eral public and the selfish interests of GER
tain individuals. To the detriment of in
dividuals, in many cases perhaps, broad
principles of justice and grave considera-
tions of public policy are to be subserved.
For these very reasons men of high order
are required for these positions; men
widely known. not only for sound judg-
ment and high capacity, but also for strict
probity and the courage of their convic-
tions. And it is essential that all 81 these
qualities shall be exercised to the fullest
extent.
And right here, it is confidently be-
lieved. has lain the chief difficulty in get
ting the proper men to accept these posi-
tons. As rule these positions have been
rendered TO prominent and wideIy-known
gentlemen, not one of whom, perhaps, is
wholly free from political aspirations. 1t
is fair assumption that if they should ac-
cept the proiiered honors they would per.
form the duties with strict and impartial
justice, having chief concern for the gen.
eral public interests. As result, some
body would be injured and incensed. And
as a result of this, the faithful public Of
fcer. in proportion to his rigid faithful
ness, would impair his availability for
future political preferment.
This is the way the general argument
runs, and this, it Is shrewdly suspected,
is an argument which has been potent in
prompting some at least of these declina-
tons.
This, if true, is reproach 10 popular
government. II public opinion is so con-
stituted that the strict and faithful execu-
ton of public trust. without fear or favor,
and with an eye single TO general public in
terest. is to become bar 10 public prefer
ment, II IS time 10 commence educating
public opinion up 10 higher standard.
But it is false view. Trimming, and
time-serving, and the Sinking of trying
responsibilities may lead to ephemeral sue
cess, but they do not command permanent
respect and popularity. All over the coun-
try and in every period of its history it is
and has been the men. not only OF ability
and honesty, but who dared to do exactly
right ct all times and under all circum-
stances, and who have never shirked a
public duty because il tried these qualities,
who have been accorded permanent leader
ship and highest honors. They have
studied American public opinion and his
tory 10 but little effect. and in a very false
light. who have concluded that nmidity
can lead TO availability. THE Lord
hates . coward" and 50 does healthy
American opinion.