The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-04-28
SOEND RELES.

The appointments transmitted last week by Mayor
Wells TO the City Council for approval show that 81.
Louis has reformed the municipality. Irrespective Of
the wisdom displayed in the selections for the princi-
pal offices. there is manifest one extremely gratifying
feature. which should silence and shame the partisan
critics Of Mr.. Wells and insure to him. until the end
Of his term, the unfaltering good will. the unmeasured
confidence and the Jealous support of all loyal citizens.
Mr.. Wells amply appreciates the assistance which
has been given him by his own party. and in 50 far
as the interests IL his party coincide with public In
terests. he is ready TO aid his party. He has. in his
appointments, recognized his party's claims in the
minor Offices and in many OF the important ofhces. But
not the least good that he has done his party lies in
the conception Of official duty which is shown in his
courageous policy of making public interests para
mount and partisan interests secondary.
The reappointment of Mr.. Swingley as Chief Of the
Fire Department was both a wise and a polite act. for
reasons which have been previously stated in The
Republic. The reappoIntment of Mr.. varrelmahn as
Street Commissioner was the best thing that could
have been done. Mr.. Varrelmann is familiar with con-
ditions. he has warmly espoused the administration
plans for improvements and he Is qualified. as he has
lately demonstrated. With a new officer at the head
of this department much valuable time would be lost
in work necessary for mastering details and plans.
Mr.. V~arrelmann, on the other hand, Is acquainted with
the administrations policies and can carry them out
without interruption.
Mr. Adkins. the man chosen for Water Commits
sioner. has executive and technical ability and thor
oughIy understands the department and the city's re-
quirements. He is ambitious and esteems the ethics
OF his profession. The Water Department. with the
large patronage at the disposal Of its manager. pre-
SCENTS opportunities for serious mistakes. but friends
Of Mr.. Adkins feel sure that he Will meet all emer-
gencies judiciously. He may be depended upon TO
give satisfaction and Justify his appointment.
Scarcely too much could be said In praise Of Mr..
wlyte. who is retained as Harbor and Wharf Com
missioner. He is without doubt one of the most val
liable officials tina; the city has had at any time. Prob
ably the only regret OF Mayor Wells Is that other men
OF Mr.. Whyte's integrity and force. coupled with zeal
Gus devotion. are not available for all departments.
1t is fortunate for the city that the Mayor succeeded
in keeping Mr.. whyte In the Board OF Public Improve
ments.
Charles W. Bates has made an enviable record as
City Counselor and the Mayor followed the souniesf
civiI-service rules liz reappointing him. The same
sociate City Counselor.
For the important Office OF Commissioner Of Sup
plies a comparatively young man, having an excellent
record in private life. has been selected. Mr.. Royce
was appointed on merit and his father. Captain Boyce.
Vice President Of the City Council. took no part in ur-
Sing his candidacy. This appointment is one Of the
best. for Il is Mr.. Boyces aim 10 make a new and
better standard for the Supply Department.
The appointments 10 divisions Of the Hesifh Depsrt-
meut are fully satisfactory. The appointment Of Ser
Eeast pansor as JaIser Is In recognition Of the sp-