The record-union., 1893-09-13
THE CITY ELECTION.

Sacramento is approaching the most inn
portant election of her history. Of that
no one raises a question. The common
desire among all the people is to secure
the very best corps of officers possible to
carry into operation the new city charter.
How shall this be done?" is the inquiry
on all sides. We believe the best method
is to preserve the alignment of the two
chief political parties, that whoever is
chosen shall be responsible to an organ
lied political party. Let the aim of each
of the parties be to put forward unexcep-
tionable candidates; men of tried execu-
tive capacity; men who have had expert
ence in municipal government, or have
proved their ability in the conduct of
successful business or trades; men of
character and unquestioned probity; men
of public spirit and self-sacrifcing repu-
tation.
In every instance in which there have
been departures of late from the political
parties the people have been betrayed,
and have had for their pains only regret,
simply because there was no sufficient
organization to which the chosen could be
held responsible. The beginning of good
government is in the caucus and the pri-
mary. 1t is because of the neglect of
these agencies that vicious inf1uencies,
bossism and corruption have prevailed.
The TpOnIa baUn ray1noina1 fro,,,
these beginnings where they might, if
they choose, have been dominant, and
have left them to the manipulation of
those having axes to grind. After nomi-
nations are made under these circum-
stances, and the selections have proved
unacceptable, Independent and side-bar
efforts have been born in protest, the vot-
ing strength of the people desiring pure
and economic government has been d.
vided, and the result has been anything
but satisfactory. To this there have been
in the history Of the city but one or two
exceptions.
1t is therefore the part of wisdom this
year to sharply define the lines of the
two parties and to introduce no dividing
and demoralizing influences or agencies.
Thoughtful citizens who reflect upon this
subject must arrive at the conclusion
that it is of far less Importance that a
Republican or a Democrat be chosen to a
city office this year than that capable and
trustworthy men be selected. The means
to that we believe to be the proper use of
the two parties named.
To this end the independent and semi
political and citizens movements ought
to be put aside and all effort concentrated
upon the regular parties to assure their
nominating men who will be acceptable.
no matter which triumphs. In no other
way, we are convinced, can the desired
end be so readily attained. We COM
mend these thoughts to the people that
they may seriously consider our past ex-
perience and reflect whether or not it is
safe or wise to neglect, as in the past
these chief agencies for the placing of
candidates in the field.
AAS A6S4SldLlNe arm OF the munlc1Dal
government is this year to be chosen
from small districts; there is to be no
vote at large upon these Offices; under
the new charter the government is
brought closer than ever before to the
people, and they will be able better than
ever before to hold their selections to ac-
eountability. 1t is matter of compara-
tive ease for the Republicans and the
Democrats in each ward to canvass the
men who should be chosen and are ad-
mittedly capable, and then to 60 into
caucus and primary and so emphatically
express their will that no error will be
made in the election from either ticket.
II, however, we divide and trust to after
caucus protests; if we neglect the initial
steps in selection, we may expect that
not only will the freest and most compe-
tent men not be elected, but that the COM
mon desire to inaugurate the new charter