Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1898-10-21
Our Nominees.

oi the reasons for judgment, passes for
very little with thinking people. To
say that a man is wholly unworthy,
simply because he is n Republican, or
is worthy of implicit confidence be-
cause he happens to he the nominee OF
the reform party, goes for little, except
as the application of party principle
goes to mould and direct the admins
tration of public affairs. This is spe-
cially true OF the minor officers. The
election Of a Sheriff, or Assessor, or
Treasurer, for instance, has very little
effect upon the matter of tariff, or in
settling the issues of the war, but may
have very pcrceptible influence in
shaping county matters in those lines
of economic administration for which
the party and candidates stand pledged,
and for which proof has been given
by the results of the past two years.
1t must be borne in mind that to
secure the best results from canvass
of the merits of the respective candi-
dates, wide freedom should be ac-
corded in instituting comparisons. A
man should, when he submits his
claims for office be sure that he is wor-
thy of the trust and willing to chal-
lenge investigation OF any and all acts
which. may lead to proper estimate
OF his ability and personal fitness for
the position. 1t may, at times, be an
unpleasant duty to refer to personal
characteristics which unfit Il person
for the position he Graves, but it is no
less the duty OF those advocating the
rights of the people to turn the light
upon acts which may serve to cnlight-
en- the voter, and no man worthy of
the confidence of the people will hes
itate to do so.
1t will, therefore, be understood
that such criticisms as may be made
by the STANDARD are solely in the
interest OF good government, and
nought will be attributed to malice.
Here is what we have to say of few
OF the fusion nominees and their conf
petitors in the present campaign.
Others will be passed in review before
the verdict of the people is rendered.
A more careful, painstaking man
could not be found than Arthur Cal
low to fill the important Office of
County Clerk. His administration of
the duties OF that office the past term
shows this. The writer has had op-
portunity for forming an opinion re-
garding his application and fidelity to
trust. He was City Clerk at a time
when its duties were exceeding oner-
Gus, and the writer being one of the
Councilmen, had ample opportunity
to form correct opinion of his in
dustry and capability. lie is never
idle and the several positions he has
held in public and private life all
demonstrate sterling worth. 1t would
be unwise for the county to select his
competitor, whose qualifications are
III no respect equal to those of Mr..
Callow.
Robert Frost is an ideal man for
Treasurer. He is capable; he is
honest-the Jacksonian test for Office.
He makes no special pretensions to
piety, but it can be said that he is
above a mean or dishonest act. His
competitors reputation is at least
scaley." Very few there are that
know him who would care to vouch
for his acts, i'll all respects, either pub
l!c or private. 1t is not our purpose
to assail any mans character further
than to perform a duty we owe to the
community, by weighing rival candi-
dates in the scales of Justice, and stat
ing their exact weight. We may be
able to give reasons for the judgment
here expressed, if occasion requires it.
The most popular officer in the
county's service is Charles A. Billings.
a candidate for reelection. The
Sheriff's office, under his charge, has
been filled with honor to himself and
credit to the county. His duties have
been at times onerous, but there was
no disposition to shirk the perform
ance OF any act on the economic basis
marked out by himself and his party.
Every pledge made has been rigidly
kept. OF his competitor, Mr.. CASTOR,
We say nothing. He likewise made a
good officer, but in no respect better
than the present incumbent, and he
had all the aid which Republican
methods could suggest to make the
office veritable "peach."
The term of j. r. Mitchell, as
County Attorney, has demonstrated
his fitness in an eminent degree for
the duties of public prosecutor. Be-
sides being a good lawyer, he is a man
OF excellent judgment and conserva-
tive methods. The public service has
not suffered from over-zeal, or want of
vigor when circumstances warranted.
The public service cannot be improved
by exchanging a qualified lawyer for a
brieness attorney whose chief employ
ment has been confined almost ex-
clusively to perfunctory Office duties.
In John Byrne for Commissioner we
have man who, by the successful
management Of his own business af-
fairs the past twenty years as we'll as
the ability manifested as chief execu-
tive of our munlcipal government.