The morning call., 1892-11-13
SOME OF THE RESULTS.

The NOn-Partisan organization was but
about two months old when it won the most
notable victory in the recent history of the
city. The work of organization was en-
tered upon with many misgiyings. The
two national parties had the immense ad-
vantage OF political association. To MANY
estlmable men il seemed like wronging
their party TO work for IT'S overthro W in
municipal election. Each party had organs
which harped upon their party sentiment.
Men to whom the Non -Partisans turned
with natural expectation of sympathy
aud support were restrained by assurance
from political associates that nomination
by the Non-Partisans meant political death.
When Smiley and O'Brien declined to be-
come candidates Of the Non Partsans un-
'ess they could also accept nominations
from their own party, the blow was seriously
fe.. Trimming politicians arrived easily
at the conclusion that the NOn-Partisans at
best could offer but little help to a regular
party ticket. In some quarters the Nom
Partisans were reproa he'd for not having
deferred their nominations until after the
two conventions had been held that the
best men from the two tickets might be
iadorsed To this the reply was that the
best men on the two tickets were unable to
effect reforms under the boss system. 1t
was the system rather than the men that
the Non-Partisans desired to overthrow.
The first clear, outspoken acceptance of a
Non-Partisan nomination came from Su-
perYisor Ellert. He accepted the platform
and was willing TO abide by the results of
the election. Being a Republican Office
holder lie was warned by agents of the
bosses not to "go back on the party But
be gave no heed to the warning, which he
knew came from the machine and not from
any loyal interest in the party.
As the campaign progressed he became
the character in the drama that was draw
ing other men to his side. 1t appears now
that Mr.. Ellert is elected by comfortsble
plurality. What does his election mean
and what does it secure?
His election means a careful supervision
OF the heads of the departments. The
Mayors power lies largely in this direction.
He cannot run department. but he can see
that one is ruH properly. His election
means also veto power over the acts of the
Supervisors, which will go far to protect the
city from bad legislation. There are for
tunately two Supervisors elected on the
same ticket. There are two or three other
Supervisors elected on the other tickets
who will act with the Non-Partisans on any
question involving public morals. We are
certain that no ring of men can be formed
in the present Board of Supervisors to pas:
corrupt bills over the Mayors veto. The
influence of the Nom P artisans is not there
fore measured by the number Of their can
didates elected. They hold the key to tht
citadel Ia the Mayor and Board of Super
visors, which, as body, is likely to work
in harmony with him. THE CALL nigh
point 10 It's own work in the accomplish
ment of these results. 1t will be admitted
that without the active support The CALI
and Bulletin gave to the Non-Partisan or
ganizatiOn DO positive results would have
have been accomplished. We might ever
go further and say that without the active
cooperation of these two papers there
would have been no Non Partisan organi-
zaiion. In the recent histories of thes'
journals, there is nothing the conductor:
regard with more satisfaction than the par
they have taken in this political regenera
tion OF San Francisco.