The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-01-10
SEATTLE. FRIDAY. JAN. 10.
CITY GOVERNMENT.

AT recent meeting of the Political
Science Society at indianapolis, Franklin
Macveagh read a paper which should DO
,of considerable interest to the charter com
mission. lie not only lays down some good
principles, but he understands how TO ap-
ply them His recommendations go to
show that--wIth all respect Tor the members
Of the present Seattle couneii-cities always
suffer more from the eorruptness, sslf-in-
terest and incompetence Of city councils
than Of any other municipal body. The
reason is that in large cities the members
are usually ward politicians. and in
smaller cities they are not held to such
direct accountability. as the mayor, for in
stance, who has the appointing powsy and
is unshleldedly responsible to tho people.
Among features OF city charter most
favorable 10 the introduction Of business
methods Mr.. Macveagh enumerates exec
utive Independence and likewise independ-
ence OF the departmental heads under the
mayor: executive responsibility; restric-
ton of the powers of the council which, he
thinks should be Invested OF all executive
power and authority. He even goes 30 far
a. to say that the right 10 initiate the
granting OF franchises should be taken
away from the council This seems hardly
necessary If the mayor has the veto power.
One thing is absolutely certain. and that is
that the people need never hope TO be free
from the danger OF trading and political
Juggling so long as the mayor Is bound TO
make terms with "A council in order to have
his appointments confirmed. Visionary re-
formers who want to limit the mayors
power always proceed on the theory that
tie mayor is sure 10 be a bad man who VIII
need restraining by wise and ever-virtu-
Gus council. In practice. the mayor Is too
often compelled 10 agree 10 sign bills In
which counciimen are interested as a con-
dition for votes in confirmation Of hts APP
pointments. II he were free to make his
appointments. and acted unwisely, the peo-
pie could make him withdraw them or pun
ish him for his breach Of trust. All nomi-
nations ought TO be publicly announced by
the mayor. say. FIVE days before the COM
mission issues. so that he could not install
VIGOROUSLY unit man without protest
from the people
Mr.. MacVeagh has the same idea as the
Seattle commission. that 'members should
b. paid reasonable and adequate salaries
ara should not be expected TO steal them"
Citizens who devote their time 10 the serv-
fee OF the city should be paid for their serv-
tees. But the value OF this suggestion Is
often overestlmated The payment Of re-
spectacle salaries 10 aldermen Is only one
step OF many that aro needed That feat
ara alone would not prove very effective
.or the Improvement Of municipal govern
raant.
He ia also In harmony with them in com
mending the election OF followers. lie adj
vocetes electing one-hau from wards AMI
one-haIt on the general ticket This would
= Unnecessary In small cities. although the
theory Is not = bad one. Il provides DIS
trict representation. while affordiug the
greater security Of having men not riglily
governed by merely local Interests
Upon one point. Ar. MacVeash rather
undertakes the good sense % the people.
lie believes shat The separation or city gov
eminent FROM state and national politics =
desirable. hst thinks that as a permanent
condition II Is not possible. We believe in
party responsibility as a general rule. hue
circumstances sometimes make 81 deslraalo
Tat ali good citizens should give more con-
Germ 20 the welfare # the municipality than
TO mere party succcss. Parties 30 some
times take advantage 90 political ascend
ancy. AMI this needs 20 be checked hy the
union q al citizens. who are not Office
seeking partlsans. u9on 8 cosnmou ground
~ compromise 70 tho end thai a mans IT.
noss for ofiice shall prevail over party