The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-05-04
THURSDAY, MAY a. 1893.
THE BALTIMORE ELECTION.

Several years ago the citizens Of Balu-
moro became dissatisfied with their mu-
nicipal government under Democratic
management. and a large number Of Dem
ocrats turned against the party ticket
and overthrow the regime which they
sid was corrupt Since that time Balti-
more has had a Republican admlnstra-
1ion but Of lato years that has been quite
az unsatisfactory 10 tho people. Ac-
cordlngly IN tho election on Tuesday last
the independent voters were again in evi-
dence and threw their strength 10 the
Democratic ticket electing it by a ma
jority Of more than 5000.
This is a healthy sign. I'm Chicago a
few weeks ago TIN independent voters
turned ont and gave their support 90
Mayor Harrison's administration because
it had been clean and in the interest OF
the community rather than I'm the I'M
terest Of tho politicians and the corpora
tons In Baltimore a little later tho i'm
dependent voters turned the Republicans
out because they were not satisfied with
their conduct in Office.
The Baltimore sun. which led tho revolt
several years ago. this time gave its sup
port to the Democratic ticket, and pro-
claims In fits editorial comment that "the
result is a gratifying and impressive tri-
umph FOR good citizenship that at is the
peoples victory and as such II marks
new era in tho history OF Baltimore
In further comment tho Sun lays down
this great principle:
The representative people Of Baltimore
are not In sympathy with any organiza-
ton whose principal object is 60 secure
the spells OF office and with whom good
government is a subordinate issue H. i'm
deed ~ IS in any degree q consideration.
The offices are "a public trust. not 10 be
held and administered for the purpose Of
building up a political faction but 10 he
administered for the benefit OF the com
munity regardless Of personal or partisan
considerations. IL does not matter
whether voter is for % high tariff or for
free trade, Tor the gold standard or for
free silver. for Imperialism or against it.
These are eXtrancOus issues in a munich
pal contest. and 10 lug them into the dis
out discrimination and unable to compre-
bend the elementary principles OF munich
pal government What Baltimore needs
Is city administration I'm which the
minor Offices are filled by capable men,
with Mayor and City Council who have
tho highest welfare Of the city al heart,
and the intelligence. the patriotism and
the courage 10 consult only the interests
OF the people. regardless OF party. The
dead and buried issues Of the civil war.
which the party in power revived 10 ter
rify and solidify the negro vote, the APP
neal 10 religious prejudice and the crack
OF the party lash should have been aban-
donsd long ago The party which em-
pIoys them r. unit 20 control the govern
rnent OF a great city like Baltimore. and
sensihIe Republicans cannot be deluded
into supporting Il by such puerile and
obsolete methods.
Municipal government IS largely husi-
ness AFFAIR. Every municipality is a cor
poration created by the Legislature and
has little 20 DO with great fundamental
principles OF Republican government Its
chief function S. as its chief concern
should be 70 carry on the fiscal affairs
Of the municipality in such a way as TO
reduce taxation 20 the minimum and 20
employ the revenues OF the city in such
a way as TO give the greatest benefit 10
the greatest number. In short. the duties
Of the officers Of city government are
much the same as the duties Of the Of
ncers Of any business corporation, and in
ordor 20 the best results II IS necessary
,h.t tho officers shall be selected with
reference 90 their fitness and not with
reference 70 their political "pull." Parti-
san politics has no more place in the
conduct OF the affairs OF municipality
than 10 has ia the conduct OF ne affairs
Of railroad. The intelligent people OF
every city are fas, learning this fact for
themselves. and they are no longer will
ing that Tho government shall be carried
on in tho interest Of me ofice-holders.
The party whip has no terror for them.
and the great body 81 Independent voters
IN every inunicipaHty-snc the number |
f. growing every day-ars determined |
that tho merit system shall prevail.
One other fact in connection with this |
Baltimore election which deserves at least |
q passing notice. The baltimore Ameri- |
can. which Is Republican newspaper.
IN IT, editorial comment. saysi
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