The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-03-01

ss1.he last few years have brought n re
vival OF interest in public affairs. and
especially In the management OF cities.
There Is more speaking and writing and
thinking, practical and definite thinking.
upon the principles OF government than at
any previous epoch. Good citizens are
beginning 10 put their hands to the ma
ehinery of government. and IL is noticed
that those who do so are. more largely
than formerly. young men who have not
contracted the bad habits which the prae-
tice OF politics has engendercd among
many OF their elders. and who will in a
few years have become an even more pot
ent force than they are now"
This thoughtful and fairly accura,. re-
view OF the situation by JAMES Bryce. the
mest impartial OF commentators on
American institutions. Is particularly per-
tinont at this time. Bryce had been ex-
planning Why It was that the best people
did not take an active part In politics. HE
had drawn a picture Of the vicious activ-
ity OF the disconnected. irresponsible and
law-hreaking classes ln their own inter
ssts. lie described how unpleasant IL Of
sen was for decent men 10 be active In
politics because Of conditions With which
We are sufficiently familiar.
lie looked TO the young men Of the coun-
try to strengthen It's political tone. and TO
take the lead in purifying the govern
merit from such influences as have
brought odium upon it.
an opportunity is afforded In this cleo
ton FOR the young men 60 Justify the high
hopes formed OF their destiny. Led by a
young man as candidate fer mayor. they
are asked 70 pave the way to an honorable
lneumhsney OF the highest civic office Of a
progressive cIty-~a city whose future rests
entirely with the young men. They are
asked u open their eyes 70 the contrast
between tbs tive candidates ana to de-
clare that. young as they are. they have
TOO much OF the native shrewdneEs OF
young America 10 BE Eullea and triekea
hy an aadAetaus chartatan. = demagogus
OF the coArzost Kind. whose whole political
life il a tyaxesty on truth and buriesaus
UPON al that is manly and straightfOr-
ward
Frank y. Black Is pushing. busting.
wiae~awake naan-an example and an en-
ccarageFnent 20 young men TO rersevers
against encouragement and TO fght down
Obstacles to success Ia life. PIE is AZ the
head 81 a commercial establishment. hon-
ored ny MS fellow men. respected ny his
neikhhors. loved ~ his fT4enas, In all his
life no shadow OF scandal or aishoaor has
fitted even for rsemen, serosx his name.
His opponent - political ssvensnrcr.
without standing amcnE hss fellow CHI
cans: piece 90 arlfs weed. fsoatea to the
Sound amid hlsz cf wreck which 50 with
The current toward al new places prom
lslnx activity. o. 3ogSiaas private Hfs
VS. have said nothing during this carr
paixn as = citizen and politician We
nnd ample reason 20 protest axsins, tie
interests 81 81 advancing city being iaea-
,iaea with his naras. lie has made RS
canvass upon Whispered promises re WI
he utterly powerless 80 fulnu. and rilsi
axaia ara again the places ne hcpes -
control
TIE sae*est feature os ere campaign
has eeen the too ready eoaaGsaee 81 .
few werksagmea. they have seeepted
seH3&n's Gemsxegsa speeehss a. sinssrs