The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-10-20

the expcnditire Of his energies. OF
course. there are notable exceptions in
every ty-pCblic-spirited, disin-
terestcd men vino are willing TO do all
that fhov can without reward to promote
the general welfare. But the political con-
ditions which prevail IN most cities pre-
vent the public from Fronting by the ser
| vices OF these men. Party bosses have
heretofore sought 10 exclude them from
| participation in municipal Affairs because
! the bosses could not use them for their
| own sinister purposes. The ofices OF the
| civ government have been regarded as
| tho spolls OF party victories, and have
| been dispensed generally with a view 20
stronctheninr the machine" and not 10
| promote the welfare Of the people. Conso-
auentiy good men whose connection with
municipal administration would be Of the
greatest advantage TO any city. small or
great have been placed under the ban
by the bosses, whose theory appears TO
he that the epoiIs which they cannot hold
directly shall be kept under their control
by subordinates who will obedientiy fol-
low instructions.
1t Is not lack Of public spirit nor lack
OF willingness TO serve ones people that
so few Of The substantial business men OF
any community refuse to become members
OF The City Council.
The busiest man in town is always the
best man to select for public work. Such
n man mover Goes things by halves, ana
II he once consents 10 serve his city In
the Common Council. you may depend
upon It that he will discharge his duty
industriously and faithfully. The we'll
trained business man does everything
thoroughly. and whenever ne undertakes
q work you may he sure that he VIII make
a complete job Of it.
II Is true that such men have usually
about all that they can do 20 attend 10
their own affairs, but they are willing In
nine cases out Of ten to give part of
their time to the public service.
II Is not, we say, due TO any unwilling
ness 70 make tho sacrifice for the public
good that these business men refuse TO
serve in the Council. There are other
considerations, and considerations upon
which the public should seriously reflect
First OF all, the business man objects TO
going into public life because the minute
he offers for a public office of any charac-
ter the idea goes out that no has de-
termined to enter politics, and that IS
usually injurious 10 any mans business.
we know from talking with business men
that that IS one of the most serious OBJ
jections that they have 10 entering either
the city Council or the State Legislature.
It is hard TO say just how this objection
may be removed, but If it could be re-
moved there IS no doubt that the person
rel Of the average City Council and state
Legislature would be greatly improved
Again the ways and means Of municipal
poIitics are most dstasteful to the retir-
ing business man. In order to secure a
nomination and election, It is too often
necessary for him to do a certain amount
OF wire pulling and to make his peace
with the machine and to make terms with
the heelers, all OF which is not only dis
tasteful. but expen We.
Again, while a municipal corporation is
largely a business affair, there is usually
more Of politics TO the square inch in a
municipal campaign than in Presidential
smallest variety Of small politics.
If this sort of thing could be reformed
If business men could go into the Council
without having to involve themselves in
that sort Of politics. more business men
would be seen in public life.
Lastly. we remark that at best the
man who serves in the City Council I'M
dertakes an arduous task and a thankless
job. The public IS most severe critic,
and no matter how hard man may at
tempt to serve his people, and no matter
how intelligently and faithfully and sue
cessfully ~ may serve them, he cannot
escape harsh criticism ana sometimes CEN
sure.
Such are briefly some OF tho reasons
why our civil service IS not better than
# IS. The remedy is largely iu the hands
Of the people. The question is simply as
to whether.or not the remedy will be APP
piled.