The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-04-11
BRING OFT THE BEST.

WelLinformed citizens who are from a partisan
standpoint disinterested should take it upon them
selves 10 assist Mayor Wells in obtaining men OF
force and experience TO fill the important offices soor
to be vacated. ST. Louis needs at this time a Board
of Public Improvements above the average in general
competency, a board possessed OF initiative and ag
gressiveness, a board that will be equal to the oppor-
tunIties for progress that promise to be plentiful in
the next two years.
There is no tenable reason why the Mayors scope
for selecting chiefs of departments should be cur
tailed, that 1t should be confined to the persons, how
soever capable, who have made formal application.
The Mayor should be enabled to go beyond the list
Of applicants and consider every highly qualified man
who could be induced 10 serve the city.
Mayor Wells will be more than willing to enter
tain suggestions concerning prospective candidates.
He is a mar TO court suggestions of this kind. He
would be glad if responsible men, who know the city.
would take interest in public affairs; would cooper
ate in persuading the best experts TO accept public
Office for the sake of the cummunlty's great present
needs.
There IS no reflection, either, Gpon the characters
or the abilities of those men who have filed applica-
tons. Some of the applicants may have exceptional
ability. On the other hand, some may have no claim
on recognition. at any rate. the number OF appli-
cants for Offices in the board is entirely too small and
permits no freedom in making appointments.
Civil engineers are needed for some offices; men Of
ability and force and experience for other Offices.
Perhaps the requirements could be met by many Of
the applicants. However. 1t is manifest that the prob
ability Of making the very best appointments would
be enlarged if the Mayors range of choice included
more candidates. Undoubtedly there are men of e1-
ceptional usefulness who would listen 10 what would
be equivalent. to invitations from the Mayor and lead
ing citizens.
The city and the administration were fortunate In
procuring the services of Mr.. Joseph P. Whyte, first as
License Collector and afterwards as Harbor and
Wharf Commissioner. Although he is not a civil en-
gineer, Mr.. Whyte has been a highly valuable men,
Der Of the board. He would not have been engaged
II the Mayor had been restricted to the list of appli-
cants. The Mayor knew Mr.. Whyte's ability and he
succeeded in inducing Mr.. Whyte to accept a public
office at personal sacrifice.
More men of this type would be appointed II the
Mayor could get them. The method Of Mr.. Whyte's
appointment can be applied again If the Mayor is In
formed as to available men. Responsible citizens
should have the municipalities welfare in mind and
offer suggestions to the Mayor. Those who have
ability and are willing to serve the city, even at in
convenience to themselves, should emulate Mr.. Whyte
and accept public office. The board is an important
organization, and the best men in the city are none
too good TO become members. Particularly at this
time are competent, trustworthy men necessary.