The morning call., 1892-11-06
DUTIES OF OFFICIALS.
What Should Be Required OF Public
SATYAnfa.

What Should Be Required OF Public
Servants.
The meeting inside the Wigwam was
opened by Asa II. Wells. When the ap-
plause which greeted his introduction had
subsided he said:
1t has been well said that public Office
is public trust. Thi. definition is perfect,
but unfortunately. it is not one generally
accepted. The average citizen, upon taking
Office. instead OF repeating this formula, Is
accustomed TO say with the members of the
last Legislature of this State, of unsavory re-
nown, II am not here for my health"
There appears 10 be something corrupting
in the holding OF Office and in the atmos-
phere Of Offices. Horace Greeley reported
In his paper that upon his first visit to
Washington, on his landing from the cars,
he felt an irresistible inclination 10 steal
something and that unconsciously he looked
around for the means to crafty the excep-
tiOnal and unusual desire.
AT the time Greeley was private citizen:
had he been an ofice-bolder, 1t is quite
probable that his powers of resistance ID
evil would have been overcome. In view
Of the experiences OF the eminent editor of
the Tribune, as narrated, and those Of other
persons that have fallen under the personal
observations Of each OF Us, is 1t not unjust
ungenerous and cruel to subject men TO the
temptation Of holding Office whose powers
of resistance of evil doing have not been at
least partially demonstrated In a business
career we'll known to the public?
All men are not corrupt. In majority
of cases they are honest In the absence OF
iemptation-a negative honesty, as it we're.
In the Offices of this city we want not only
negative but positive honesty; we want not
only the public funds accounted for 10 the
last dollar. but we want each dollar judi
ciously expended, and we want throughout
the length and breadth of the city govern
ment In every department and In every
place where funds are expended for labor,
fair days work for aqair days pay.
We want no pensioners. no hanger-on.
We do mt want men to draw two DAYS paw
for one days work.
There is no good reason why the fiuau
cial affairs of this city should not be con.
Quoted on the same basis as those OF its
commercial, insurance. banking and indus
trial firms and corporations. In we'll
ordered establishments there Is no waste.
no surplus help, and without being severe
the duties Of clerks are arduous. hours are
long and diligence required. Has not the
city right TO expect like service from Its
employees by whOmsoever the employment
may directly be given?
Is there any good reason Why the en-
ploye OF the County Clerk should work less
hours or enjoy more leisure during the day
than tho employe OF an insurance company?
Is there any sufficient reason why City
Hall clerks shall be permitted to loaf in
contiguous saloons while the mercantile
clerk is at his wits end to devise an excuse
to go out for glass of beerp Economy in
private Offices is the rule. Waste In public
| offices is expected.
Defalcations in public Offices, or what is
| the same thing, unauthorized expenditures.
are condoned IL they are even so much as
| criticized. In private affairs the culprt is
held 10 a strict account. There is one stand
ard of morals for an Office holder and quite
another for private citizens.
This should not be so. Accountability,
responsibility and morality should be intro
duced into civic life. and to so introduce
them is the mission of the Non Partisan
party Of this city. The result that will at.
| tend their efforts will be determined by the
votes to be cast Tuesday. the sth inst.