The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-08-16
PATRONAGE.

| PATRONAGE.
Experience shows that the distribution Of patronage
has disturbing effect on the organization of thu
party in power. The larger the patronage the greater
| is the demand for patronage The demand almos
| invariably exceeds the supply and always prohibits
satisfaction among ofice-seekers. Animosity and dis
rupton of harmony are the natural consequences OF
| the quest Of favors. The dispenser of patronage
makes more foes than friends, howsoever docile he
may be in recognizing claims. No faction be en-
| tirely pleased
How to mete out patronage, when recognizing a
department, exhibit Difference to political workers and
yet abide by the intentions of the voters is problem
that every public official has to determine. Party
leaders and committees submit pretensons, Council
men and Delegates appeal in behalf of friends and
henchmen, other officials offer propositions and prom
nent citizens bring potent influence to bear for IA
vores If the petitions of partisans Denied party
Ire is aroused if the requests Of members Of the AS
semby ignored there is danger that legislation Will
be INSTRUCTED Next Doodle, patronage probably
the most perncious evil Of municipal government.
But it is everpresent evil, exciting the interest
OF thousands Of citizens. new official finds the
henchmen of former machine in trustworthy posi-
tons and he decides to remove them Immediately
the charge is made that he is getting to the level Of
common politics and that, with him. good government
is secondary consideration. The charge is made
either with the object of saving the henchmen who
are to be dismissed to have henchmen of another
machine appointed TO the vacancies.
Every official has the right to appoint subordinates
suitable to himself and in whom he can place re-
liance however, he has not the right to appoint sub
ordinates against whom the voters could with cause
object. Ordinarily he is expected to appoint some
one belonging to his own political party, privilege
that is conceded by custom and common consent Yet
as none knows better than the practical politician
the victorious party makes ten enemies for every
friend it gains through the bestowal Of patronage.
The principal point bear in mind is that official
has the privilege of choosing appointees on whom
he can depend for the achievement of his policies and
the loyal performance of service to the public The
principal point that official should bear in mind is
that he is subject to the chief executive officer the
Mayor and that in selecting appointees he should
consider the efficiency Of the administration. Since
the authority and prerogatives of official must be
commensurate with his responsibilities. the authority
and prerogatives of the Mayor must also be acknowl
edged and respected This rule applies with particular
emphasis to an official who is himself appointye
officer.
The question Of patronage is paramount now. be
1t has been opened by certain partsans and Ger
tain discontented members Of the Municipal Assem-
bly,; but there is reason why any new features
should be brought in that it should be discussed at
beginning Of his term and to which he still adheres
is entirely fair and officials for their own sake, had
better follow It.
Mayor Wells has declared that he will not interfere
in the conduct of departments, provided the depart
ments are properly managed. He will not dictate
appointments He. will not undertake to domineer
over officials in their work. He has said that he de-
sires ALL the appointment of competent and hon
est subordinates The prime desideratum is merit.
He prefers, OF course that preference be given to
members of his own party but he insists upon merit
and would rather have good Republican than bad
Democrat.
There is principle, which undoubtedly has the
sanction of the people Of St Louis which should guide
all officials in making appointments The responsible
ty is with the chiefs of departments. Mayor Wells
will not refuse to confirm the appointment Of able.
reliable subordinate. But he WILL and should, refuse
to confirm appointments that are actuated by mere
political aims. The citizens Of St Louis are pleased
with the good government that has been and is being
rendered by the Wells administration and they hope
to have good government made Against recog
milton of party there can be no remonstrance IT, in
every case without exception the capability and
liability of the appointee be positively established.
Merit is essential for good government