The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-04-12
SEATTLE, MONDAY, APRIL IL
MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

Nov that all the rest OF the United
States has about made Up its mind that
municipal and general elections should be
held separately. New Jersey takes a bark
ward step and decides 20 hold them to-
gethsr. Three reasons are advanced
for this. One Is that the consolidation viii
effect a saving 70 each municipality OF
1900 a year, and another Is that II will
Lessen the drain on the politicians who
have 10 raise party funds. and on the
men who have 20 contribute the cash.
These are reasons which might be ex-
tended so a. 10 make all elections take
place on the day the presidential electors
are chosen--except those OF congressman.
OF course. because even New Jersey can
not change those by n state Law. The
cost Of elections should be considered. but
the best way to do that II 10 curtail them.
The cost to the politicians IL an entirely
voluntary contribution, and need not con-
Germ the taxpayer If his interests are bet
ter served by separate elections.
The third reason is OF far more conSe-
auence aud since II exists II is well for
the taxpayer ard the good citizen geuer-
ally 90 devote some attention TO II. The
reason n that n VIII be conducive to bet
fer local government by having only one
election annually. and that on holiday
when II Is easy 10 get nearly all of the
voters TO the polls Republicans are par
tlcuIariy interested In this phase OF the
question because II seems to be estab-
fished beyond any doubt that by far the
larger number OF absentees from the polls
in an OF year IL made up Of Republicans.
1t would seem that any measure calcu-
lated to induce Republican voters 10 take
part in municipal elections should have
Republican support. But there is a
higher purpose TO be accomplished than
studying the convenience OF indifferent
voters-no matter 10 what party they be-
long.
Experience has demonstrated every
where that II Is wise 10 keep a clear dis
tinction between general and local ques-
tons. Congressional elections are always
controlled by broad political ISSUES. and
even state elections are necessarily ac-
companied by expressions of the entire
commonwealth upon questions Of general
policy; but local elections should be con-
faued as nearly az possible to local issues
and 10 the personal character OF the can
dldates. when all the elections take place
at the same time the issues are clouded.
and discrimination Is almost impossible.
Coed local government Is OF so much
importance that no man should begrudge
the few hours necessary TO attend the
polls. lie should DO much more than this.
he should attend the primaries and also
make his influence felt. as he can do II
he conrageously declare himself. n a,
each ward meeting some twenty or more
men announced their determination TO re-
fuse to support any candidate known to
De unworthy. they would have q COM
handing influence and would reap a direct
aud most parvcptihle benefit In lower
taxes and better municipal advantages
These considerations should have 50 much
weight with the voter that an election. In
stead cs being an annoysnos and a tax
upon his time and temper. should become
one Of ne most important incidents in hi.
social life.
The election Of church officers. OF ciut
officers. OF fraternal society officers O.
Ms hseycie club. hts nShinx club or whist
club IS regarded ss = very interesting &C.
caslesn TO the comfortable citizen: hut
when II comes 20 the selection OF the u'cr
who are 80 assess his property rnulct hin
n taxes and spend hts money tos him h,
t. content ~ issss=a n to al the nrranfzef
eisnents which have least 20 suffer from
taxation aud most 20 gain by tnoompe
tgslcy and sxtravzgance.
No law osn--surae think ~ law should
compel n man 20 exercise the franchise
bat the law OF SELF Interest. which Is *
potent IL all his other social ard business
transactions. ssoalt ee powerful enough
90 stimulate him 70 toe sharpess watch.
fuine~s ana keeness, r1Ost active oartict
pasion In thu election o. municipal oai
cials.