The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-06-07

Timothy Reardon, s. B. Carter and J.
c. Reichardt, committee from the Lin
coin club. stalked In on the members
of the board of public works yesterday
afternoon without a moments warn
ing.
Before any of the members could es-
cape Mr.. Reichardt drew from his pocket
the resolutions passed at the club meet
ing Monday night and proceeded to de-
claim them to the board.
Commissioner Mabon. as soon as the
secretary of the club had finished, moved
the resolutions be received and fled
While the other members were In doubt
as to what action should be taken, Mr..
Mabon Informed the committee that the
resolutions would be considered when the
election of city engineer was taken
up by the board.
The resolutions, which were prepared
by former Mayor Doran, read as fol-
lows:
The Lincoln club is always DESTROYS Of
seeing the best possible degree efficiency
maintained in all branches of the city
government.
1t is not in its province to present can
didates for positions, but it feels a deep
interest in seeing the public we'll served
To make this possible public servants
should, command public confidence, and
what is no less important, q secure ten
ure of position.
We deem it unfortunate that In the en-
cheering department. at least, one of
these essentials is lacking II is known
that the head Of the department. is serv-
ing only ad interim, an ad interim term
OF daily uncertainty and of sure terminal
ton ton within few months at most. This
fact cannot fail to be demoraHzed and
calculated to materially lessen the eff
ciecy of this department. 1t Is a strange
spectacle to. see the term of so impor-
tant an official expire and for months no
action be taken to fill the vacancy If
the present incumbent is believed to be
competent and the best that car be had,
then let his tenure be confirmed, and thus
encourage his zeal and confidence in
maintaining proper organic alton of the
department. If. on the other hand, he
lacks the confidence Of the public and OF
the administration to the extent that he
cannot be elected to succeed himself
then, 1T certainly becomes the duty Of
those who are vested with proper author
ity to selct one at once, some good man
upon whom positive tenure can be SET
tied.
A second-rate man clothed with author
1ty and possessed of pubic approval, is
much better than his natural superior
can be, when under cloud of uncer-
tatnty and apprehension.
The Lincoln club has no candidate to
suggest, as it believes the board Of pub
lie works. being vested by the charter
coed to settle this important matter
without dictation. from either individuals
in authority or from partisan organiza-
ton.
There are plenty of good men; there
are no Indispensable ones, and as all
members of the board are of one political
faith, we believe they desire to see the
best interests of the city advanced
We counsel them that an effort be made
by the board to reach an early settle
ment Of an unfortunate condition
Too much unwilHngness to yield per-
sonal preferences may produce public
harm. Much of our best legislation has
resulted from mutual concession. The
lincoln club will support the action of
the members of the board, who, putting
personal preferences for the public wei
fare, shall accomplish the desired end.