The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1902-04-20

ly with the new Republic. is that the Cubans will
voluntarily ask for annexation to the United States
Sentimental considerations prevail at the present time
10 make them determined upon the establishment of
IL free and Independent Republic of Cuba.q They
have dreamed of Cuba Libre' for years. They have
fought through two stubborn wars 10 break the
chains that held them in bondage to Spain. 1t would
be strange indeed if they were at once willing to be-
come a part of the United States, foregoing the pa
triotic satisfaction of giving Cuba Il page in the
worlds history as 4 free and Independent nation. Yet
it will he almost as strange, with men like Palma
encouraging friendship toward this country. if Ike
Cubans do not soon perceive the wisdom of asking
for annexation 10 the United States.
CHARACTER IN MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATIONS.
One of the most likely. and certainly one Of the
most desirable, results Of the aroused local determine
lion for good government is that voters will be brought
To a proper realization Of the sound truth that the nd-
minist:ation of the affairs of 4 great city is Il matter
OF business which need not lac entirely regulated by
partisan political considerations.
The first requisite in the selection of men To man
age the city's affairs should he that of fitness from the
standpoint Of character and training. There is no
political principle vitality involved in n municipal cleo
ti"n or in municipal administration. A municipality is
in effect a great ioint-Stock organization in which
every citizen is profoundly interested. The men at
the head of this organization should he the best men
in the community; chosen because they are the best
and wiseSt, the community being reasonably assured
by their known record as citizens that they will faith
fully serve the city which thus honors them.
The application of this idea 10 municipal elections
does not by any manner of means threaten Il loss of
legitimate influence TO any political party. Quite TO
the contrary, il contains the saneSt promise of in
creased influence to that party which resolutely names
its best men for office. refusing 10 be dominated by
evil elements or TO regard the municipal revenues,
contracts, franchises and the like as so much loot for
division among party spoismen. A political organi-
cation which earnestly intends TO serve the people
could not ask for a more encouraging condition of the
public temper than that which insists upon the nomi- |
nation of capable and honest men for municipal office.
When the opportunity comes for this principle to |
be applied TO the selection of candidates for the Mu-
nicipal Assembly the truth should be made exceeding !
ly plain that the popular insistence Is for clean and
faithful AsSemblyInen, and that this demand must
be met by the political organizations which ask popu- |
lar support for their candidates. The vote for Munic-
ipal Assemblymen must be n vote for men. based on |
knowlelge of their personal characters and worthl-
ness. not a blind party vote for party nominees. The !
necessity for the redemption of the Municipal AS |
sembly from the control of corruptionists is vital in
deed. The new spirit of resolution for good municipal
must bring about this desired and imper-
atiyely necessary reform ]