The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-05-19
MUNICIPAL REFORM.

The mugwump press has taken up the
subject Of divorc.ng municipal government
from national politics. and concludes this
to Be one OF the mos: obvious lessons 10
be learned from the recent conference at
Baltimore on the subject Of municipal re-
form The Baltimore News says that II Is
q pity In voting for men who are to decide
on the building OF schooihouses. the paving
OF streets. or the expenditure OF money for
sewers we should be compelled 10 choose
between protectionists and free traders. or
to take ento account whatever the prefer
ence Of these candidates for an enlarge
ment or restriction Of the power Of the
Federal government
This Is an exaggerstion Of the conditions
IL very often becomes necessary to remind
the people on the eve Of political conven-
ton. that certain qualifications are needed
and that a mans views on national topics
do no; necessarily ut him for the o.tice he
seeks: but so long as party divisions pre-
vail it Is not probable that either would be
willing 10 admit that IT was impossible to
find IN that par;y's ranks one man who
was qualified to Ill any public ONCE and
he must be sought in the ranks Of the
enemy.
No method VIII ever be devised. prob
ably. for methodically separating munich
pal affairs from national politics or party
organization. because human nature must
always be taken into account. Nor Is that
al all necessary in order to have good gov
eminent. The remedy for any existing
evil Les as completely in the hands OF the
people as II there were no parties. The
question OF the fitness Of candidate can
be discussed and determined fully as well
and satisfactorily in convention as at the
polls. and sometimes much better. A party
engaged In the selection OF nominees Is
anxious 10 insure success at the polls, and
Il IL very apt TO have the fear OF the people
before It. IL the people are known to be
vigilant as to the character and fitness OF
candidates ard to sterniy turn down" any
man known to be unfit by reason OF incorn-
potency. habits or character for the office
he was put up for. the party organizations
as represented at conventions Will be very
careful about taking risks.
Undoubtedly the most striking develop
men; IN American political life Of recen,
years has been the extraordinary rise OF in
tarest in the questions OF municipal govern
nent: ans this viii become the most potsa.
factor In insuring a higher standard OF
efficiency. integrity and common sense In
the administration OF local government.
This VIII be one Of the most marked re-
suits OF the present hard times.
Men have come TO realize. as they never
realized before. that their pockets are
deeply interested IN the character O. men
they elect TO Office II Is no, merely hon
esty that is needed in executive officers,
but intelligence and good business sense
net always TO be found In the same indl-
vttual--in members Of the council Heavy
taxpayers have always been alive 70 the
evils OF foolish legislation and exorhitant
taxation. but the average taxpayer has
been content 10 pay whatever was imposed.
with a grunbls perhaps. but with very
in3esinits comprehension OF the Causes ara
,hs remedy. These who never pay taxes
had no interes; IN that phase Of the CUB
jet. and their interest was TO max. as
much work as possible or as many orces
as possibl. without THE slightes, heed as
20 the cost
Thoss DAYS are passing away. The re-
form which iuprseteahie theorists have
failed 20 sriag aAoat VIII be evolved IRON,
she horse sense" OF The common PEOPLE
the men who pay tie halk OF the taxes
ard aay them always few days before
they are Sae.