The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1899-04-01
Has Wisdom Been Learned by Elk
perience ?

The Republican party III Baltimore came
into power upon a reform wave. Some ten
or twelve thousand Democrats believed that
CITY affairs were not managed as economically
as they should be, an impression created by
press that had selfish purposes to serve, ana
they sounded the call for reform in the ad-
ministration. The Republican party, deslr-
ing party success above all else, took up the
cry of reform, made lavish professions of purl-
ty of purpose and high promises for the tu-
ture and were voted into power. The Mayor
Alcaeus Hooper, started in to give the city
strictly business administration and to estab-
Tsh reform in the civil service. He was not
successful, for a city council stood IN the
way. and his party did not second his efforts.
His administration was SO distastetul to his
marty that he was not nominated for re-eIec-
ton. VIM 7. Master was placed at the head
of the city government. and he was an ideal
executive for party. He and fine city council
have acted in harmony. Corruption ana eN-
trayaganee made tax levy of 1928 on the
500 necessary. This was the highest rate
the CITY has ever known, but even that did
not suffice to meet public expenditures A
storm of indignation began to arse, and to
aIlav it a reduction of the levy for this year
was made, but discriminating taxpayers saw
the reduction was merely political dodge,
and a change of men and methods was de-
manded. A number of Republican business
men and other taxpayers started movement
to nominate Mr.. Hooper for mayor again and
TO nominate with him council in sympathy
with better methods.
The issue was made in the primaries last
week. Hooper was put up as the representa-
tive Of honesty and business methods IN city
affairs: Master represented the idea that
public Office was for party use and that public
money should be spent primarily to benefit
ward and precinct workers. Of the 33.s65
votes cast Master received p, Az and Hooper
but 1887. The other 1854 votes cast we're
for unpledged delegates. What the unpiedsed
vote stood for no one knows. Ii Is possible
that those who engineered the unpieGged
movement believed that the unpledged dele
gates would hold the balance, of power be-
tween the MalsteriIes and Hooperltes, and
there would be a chance for dicker with
one side or the other for private gain. he
that as it may, if the unpledged vote be added
TO Hooper's, and be recorded against Master
for better government, we have but S'42I,
less than one-fourth Of the entire vote cast.
More than three-four,hs Of the Republican
party, then, believe in the spoils system ot
government: believe in government by party
for the benefit of party. by using office e re-
ward party service, regardless Of fitness; aud
believe in the cohesive power Of public
plumber.
This is the party that was to bring reform.
This is the party that was 70 restore }'uriiy "a
the public service and TO govern for the pub
lie good. This is the party that ten or twelve
thousand Democrats, believing better gov
erument was needed, turned to for relief
Nominations for city officers having Sow
been made by both parties it remains to be
seen whether these ten or twelve Thousand
Democrats have profted by experience and
realized the great and costly biunders they
made in 1895 and 1897. The evils existing
prior to 1895 we're more imaginary than real.
They were greatly magniied by press with
entirely personal and selfish ends to serve,
and if the misguided Democrats have not
realized this fact aud the further fact that the
composition Of the controlling element IN the
Republican party renders that party iueapa-
Bile of either honest or efficient government,
aud reinstate the Democratic party iU power,
they will richly deserve every Ill that may ne
hict them.
The election takes place on May %, and
we shall see whether the taxpayers Of Balii-
more have learned wisdom from experience.