Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1901-08-27
TUESDAY. August ~, 1901.
WORK, NOT AGITATION

We have been asked the question re-
peatedly, rs the movement on foot to
investigate the various departments Of
our city and county government a par
tisan matter?" We do not know, al
though we believe certain persons who
are engaged in the movement are dis
interested. but up to this stage there
has been little to inspire the belief that
genuine reform is intended, but that
under the cover OF this agitation there
is a design TO make partisan capital.
This is unfortunate, since TO succeed,
any investigation, must have back of
it host of citizens Of different politi-
cal beliefs.
II would be unfortunate If the mat
ter were allowed to die because OF UNI
wise action at tbis stage, because. am
doubtedly. there are abuses which need
looking into. and from all we can see,
no one party or faction has a monopoly
of virtue or OF wrong-doing in these
matters. In each department or Office
a system has grown up, and the readi-
ness of each incumbent TO take advan
tage of everything sanctioned by the
shadow of law or custom. has been re-
sponsibe for the condition which we
lament.
Now If there is to be a committee APP
pointed to investigate, its authority
will be simply moral; II has no legal
standing, and, therefore, it must rep
resent an overwhelming public opinion
to be of avail. II viii not be sufficient
to say that there Is no partisan pur-
pose back of its formation or action;
that fact must be apparent for it TO
have the respect and force desirable.
Then it will not avail anything TO
have an open meeting, at which only
disgruntled politicians and disappoint-
ed ofice-seekers shall beat the air
Such a gathering will be discounted in
the minds of the people We have lit
tie desire TO hear a half dozen agita-
tors tell what they believe TO be true.
The fact that there is an investiga-
ton, as proposed, suggests that there
is a prevalent belief that all is not
right, but that only rigid search can
determine who are at fault. There
has been entirely too much loose talk;
this leads to nothing, and clouds the
issue.
The only thing that can amount to
anything is to appoint a committee
composed Of men known to be above
partisan considerations, men who will
have back Of them the voters of the re-
spective parties. Such a committee will
be able TO get at the facts. since to de-
ny them information would be to court
public wrath. IL will not require much
talk to do this. and this eXigency de-
mands business methods, not oratory.
We advise every Republican who is
interested in reform TO be present to-
night; If IL is decided then 70 continue
a partisan investigation, let him with
draw. since that would prove a failure.
II there is a purpose to make the mat
ter Of sufficient breadth to command
the respect and support OF all, then
let this meeting appoint non-parti-
san committee to call a mass-meeting
at some public hail, when the matter
may be discussed without the suspicion
OF a political motive. The Evening
Journal will welcome any investiga.
ton so formed that it is likely t
amount to anything. but we do no
propose to help further any partisan
scheme. or to increase an agitation
without prospect OF results.