The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-12-18


it. fails more frequently
through defective method than through
impregnable opposition. Those urging
it so too fast and too far for the ma
jority to keep up. Rome was not
built in "a day and 1t is well to remem-
ber this in planning the reconstruc-
tion of Scranton.
One thing which makes municipal
reform more difficult than it ought to
be is the proneness of its champions
to fix a standard corresponding with
their own high ideals, and to expect
the public at one clip to jump UP to
it instead of ascertaining the moral
average of the masses and from that
as u starting point gradually building
up.
The average man, for example, is
a partisan who under ordinary circum-
stances may be counted upon to vote
with his party. Having been brought
UP in this habit until the habit is
we'll established, the impracticability
Of expecting him suddenly to become
non-partisan in city affeir ought to
be apparent; but many reformers do
not see it and consequently choose the
most difficult method within sight
when every practical result at which
they aim is possible of accomplish
ment with much less trouble along ex.
listing party lines.
The machinery of party organiza-
tions is sufficiently responsive to ma
iority sentiment to do whatever thar
sentiment demands when it's demand
is clearly presented and self-evidently
genuine. Even a minority sentiment,
if determined, can sometimes control
party action, it being we'll known that
the occasional KICKER" as a rule, re-
ceives greater attention in politics
than the man who has always been
loyal.
The problem confronting the people
of Scranton is to organize and encour-
age the natural preference of the ma
jority for clean government in such
way as to enlist the attention and
respect of the existing political par
ties. Trying to abolish those parties
by the sporadic formation of inde-
pendent movements is futile and more
often defeats than elects better can
didates for office. Party government
is inevitable and the practical idea Is
to accept and improve it instead Of
wasting energy in vain attempts to de-
molish it.
We believe that the suggestion, out
lined yesterday, of Bipartisan,
standing committee of citizens, COM
posed Of practical and representative
men fairly apportioned as to location
and race, and undertaking to secure
in each party the nomination of good
men for ward and city offices, en-
bodies a workable idea. It not, why
not: Without interfering with any
existing organization or challenging
the immediate opposition of active
political workers throughout the city,
1t presents the possibility of a guild
ing influence of great worth in the
processes whereby city officials are
nominated and elected. 1t starts from
a fair average and would try, not to
accomplish miracles in instantaneous
regeneration, but to build up, little by
little, in each ward and section, using
the instrumentalities at hand.
The one formidable obstacle is the
difficulty of securing busy men OF af.
fairs to volunteer their services for
such an undertaking, which would in
volVe both time and expense. Yet
public spirit exists in cur community
and the right kind of demand would
no doubt bring into action the right
kind of men. This moral certainty is
the saving grace of popular govern
ment.