Evening star., 1897-04-16
Non-Pnrtisan washington.

1t would seem from some of the public
comments upon the nomination of Messrs.
Ross and Wight as District Commissioners
that there is decided misapprehension
among some people. notably among certain
congressman. as to the real character OF
the local form Of government There is no
law that requires that the civil commits
sioners should be chosen from opposing po-
litical parties. 1t has been a custom, TO be
sure. to do this. but this very custom origi
mated in the purpose to make the local
government non-partisan in its character.
This inspiration has proved most bene
fetal TO the District in every way. 1t has
saved the community from the evils that
befal modern cities ruled by political
bosses and has given to Washington the
best municipal government in this country
If not in the world. The administration of
local public affairs is clean and pure. Every
dollar of the public money is expended
honestly and directly for the purposes for
which it was appropriated. There is no di-
version of funds for private or political
jobs or purposes: contracts are made with
regard 10 economy and good results: the
best men selected for office and no ap-
pointments are given to mere party heeiers
anI strikers.
1t is because of this non-partisanship of
government. with its resultant good effects,
that people of wealth, culture and refine
ment are coming here from all parts of the
country to make this city their home 1t is
today one of the most beautiful capitals
in the world. There is everything here to
attract a great and desirable population.
and under present conditions this city is
destined to become a center of learning.
science. literature and art. 1t Is because
of the non-partisan character of the public
administration that the public schools of
the District are regarded throughout the
country models. and that there are con-
neciei with them none of the scandals
growing out of their mis-management and
the immortality of the governing methods
of school boards so notorious in other cities
where the affairs of the schools are directly
in the hands of the politicians. This di-
vorce of the schools from politics leads to a
better system of selecting teachers. and
through them to a better range and quality
of instruction.
II is because the city is governed by
non-partisan board of commissioners that
its citizens enjoy clean streets. good pave
ments and good order, maintained by a
Ion-partisan police force 1t Is be-
cause of the non-partisan nature of the
police management that the force, though
wholly Inadequate in numbers to cover the
vast territory of the District. is yet able to
maintain order and to reduce to mini
mum the danger to the lives and property
of individuals.
These considerations appeal to all citizens
alike. They appeal especially to taxpayers.
who feel that under such circumstances
their money is not wasted. but is producing
its rightful results. They enjoy the various
benefits that have been briefly mentioned
and they. perhaps, do not sop to realize
that they spring from the non-partisan
scheme of local government. The civil
commissioners. chosen for their personal
worth and fitness for the Office. represent
the wauie people of the District. Their
political tendencies are the least factors in
the consideration. They are aided in the
discharge Of their duties by non-partisan
engineer commissioner, appointed from the
regular army. who can not have any strong
political leanings from the very nature of
his profession. Under these circumstances
the cry of partisanship and politics that
has been feebly raised by a few is a
Wretched pretense that can not possibly be
taken into account by those whose duty it
now is TO confirm the Presidents nomina-
tions.