The record-union., 1891-04-15
SHALL CALIFORNIA BE sHAMED 2

Walter S. Maxwell, who is leaving
no stone unturned to secure the headship
of the Horticultural Department of the
Columbian Exposition at Chicago, by per-
sonal solicitation, has managed to enroll
some indorsers of his ambition. We all
succeed in getting Endorsements and peti
ton signatures in these matters. In this
case, however, Maxwell creates what he
esteems pull" he works his designs
on the obvious right of California to the
appointment.
Of course California should have the
place; her horticultural prominence en-
titles her to the position. She has not
asked for anything else in the manage
ment of the exposition; but if Maxwell
succeeds in his ambition she will not get
what she wants and deserves. Practically
California will be left out. The reason is
self-evident. Maxwell is not horticult-
urist.
Ignorance from California in the horti-
cultural direction will be not alone mex
cusable, it Will be shameful. California
will in name have the place. but in fact.
man is in politics. 1t follows that it will
be infinitely better that California should
not have the appointment than that an
unfit man should ape Importance in the
place in her name.
What we need is that the name and
fame of California for horticultural
knowledge shall be protected from the
censure of the world, which would be
just and humiiating if Maxwell should
be appointed. In fact, to put him into
place over the Horticultural Department
would disgrace the State; it would be the
equivalent of putting a land-lubber at the
helm of national cruiser.
California's best exhibit at the Column
bian Exposition viii be in fruits. She
will show fruits seasonable here that will
be out of season there; she will be first
and last both in citrus and deciduous
fruits in the months of the great exhibi-
ton. She will testify to the marvellous
capacity of her soil, TO the climatic condi-
tions that give it this capacity, by her ex-
hibits in manner that no other State can
do for itself with such supreme credit and
infinite satisfaction. She must there
fore, if the headship of the Horticultural
Department in the fair is given her-and
we repeat it is hers by right and by rea-
son of the timeliness of her application
prove her ability to produce capability
to fill the high position. If in this she
fails, she must take harm, suffer disgrace
and endure humiliation.
1t is therefore vitality essential that q
man should be chosen for the place in her
name who is equipped by breadth OF
character, high-mindedness and horti-
cultural knowledge; by experience, by
executive capacity and by the qualities
that distinguish the organizer and the
disciplinarian. Walter Maxwell is not
the man who can respond to the needs OF
the position. Perhaps one of the very
best evidences of his un1itness is found
In the personal solicitation he has in
dulged in TO secure the place.
Our word for it, if this man is chosen,
the reputation of California will take in
oalculable harm. We entertain the hope
that protests win go up against the aspira-
tions of the persistent candidate suffi-
ciently strong to defeat his ends. Let us
have man over the horticultural De-
partment who is fitted for it and is rep
resentative of California, or let the ap-
pointment go to some other section. II
is ours by every right, but California
does not want it if it is to be unfitly
fIlaI