Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1903-09-04
TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION.
Are the People Ready for It ltl-wouId II Be
An Improvement Over the Present
system?

system
The new road law centralizing so
much power in the Board of Commits
sioners presents a serious question be-
fore the people of this State; espe-
cially as to that portion living outside
OF cities and incorporated towns. Now
is the time to get in early, and find
where we are at? If we wait till po-
litical campaign shall have arrived,
national and State politics will over.
shadow matters of local concern.
Then, after the smoke OF battle shall
have cleared away, the people will find
themselves literally without redress.
The inhabitants living in cities are
not likely to take much interest in
such affairs, as they are not effected to
the same extent as their country cous-
ins. Any movement along this line
must be initiated in the farming dis
tricts. Intelligent action is needed.
The first thing necessary is to become
posted. Politics should be laid aside !;
it is pure matter of business; ques-
tion Of bread and butter. Persons Of
all shades OF political faith should get
together, canvass and consider calmly
and intelligently whether they want a
policy carried on wherein there is liza
bility for continuance OF so much
abuse and in which there are such
chances for favoritism and gratis. II
they will not so act, merely kick about
effects, without considering causes, or
whether any remedy may be had, they
have only to blame their own stupid.
ity. They will get just what they vot-
ed for, or is sanctioned by their inactiv-
ity. eff you don't get it in the head,
you will get it in the neck" 1t is &C.
cording to the genius of American in
stitutions that the people should gov
ern; that in order to get the best re-
suits there should be local self govern
ment, as far as practicable. II this
argument is not sound, then let US
have a monarchy and be done with it.
To carry out the policy suggested, we
have had law since 1895; l Ballin-
gers Code, Section $50, provides that
one hundred electors of any county
may petition the COMMISSIONERS, at
any time, at least thirty days prior to
q general election. Then it shall be
the duty of the board to submit the
question to a vote; that if a majority
voting on the proposition shall declare
by their ballots in the affirmative, the
Commissioners are required to proceed
and divide the county into townships;
when the electors may meet annually,
on the first Tuesday of March, in each
year. elect their own officials, vote
their taxes (including road and polly on
matters pertaining to local affairs, i'm
prove their highways, build their
bridges, and do generally those things
which may pertain specially to their
respective Townships. This provides a
valuable school in which to teach the
people how to manage their own af.
fairs. and govern themselves. Busi-
ness, not politics, is done under their
immediate supervision. Fraud, favor.
itism or ipcompetency are readily dis
coverable. 1t is not necessary to 90
to the county seat to attempt the dis
covery, and then not be able to find it
out. If affairs are not satisfactorily
managed, q change may be made at
the next annual township election. A
better opportunity will be given all
around to prevent gratis and rake-offs.
The enactment is not lengthy one.
1t will not cost much to have copies
printed, circulated and explained by
word of mouth, at school house meet.
ings, among neighbors. Local teach
ers might be enlisted into the service.
The more familiar people may become
with the laws that govern them, the
better it is for their interests, individ-
ually and collectively.
Olympia and Tumwater are the only
two municipalities in Thurston coun-
ty, as far as l know. Their interests
would not be affected one way or an
other. to any appreciable extent. 1t is
somewhat surprising that such COM
as Tenino and Bucoda have
not already taken up this matter and
it. If, after the law in that
behalf shall have been intelligently
discussed and carefully considered, it
shall be found inexpedient to make
any change frdon the present system,
well and good. The interested parties
will have learned something as to what
they do want, be in position to sug-
gest remedies regarding their own
neighborhood affairs that may be out
of harmony with their best interests,
and which will so remain, unless cor.
rected. Respectfully submitted,
BYRON MILLETT.
Woman in Business.