The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1904-11-20
SUSTAIN REFORM ACTIVITY.

When the course Of reform shifts from the I'M
usual or dramatic to the commonplace citizens are
apt to feel weary of the monotony. Even the war
Of good government becomes dull, and from the
surfeit Of public business they would have rest.
Finally thousands Of sincere men are thinking, Let
politics and public affairs take care Of themselves"
This abandonment does not prevail IN st. Louis,
and may never to any considerable extent or de-
gree. The community may get mild attacks.
periodically. of %lethargy; but will cast 1t of, like 8
spring fever, as soon as there is important work to
do. and then will go ahead with renewed vigor.
Even civic pride pleads for a brief vacation every
ence in awhile: but leave can be given only In
seasons favorable for repose.
ST. Louis so far appears to glory in reform ac-
tivity. With all Of the scandals, exposures, sensa-
tions, fights, prosecutions, transformations, better
ment and elections coming in fast succession for
four years, after years Of disagreement and NAL
administrations Louis might be tired, If any city
might, Of abnormal excitement and unintermitting
struggle. However, the four years war goes on into
another year with official and popular enthusiasm
expanded and intensified.
The next election Is several months distant; yet
it already commands the interest Of all conscientious
citizens.
Everybody realizes that the reform and advance
ment achieved in four years by hard work would
be lost should the gang win any influence in mu-
nicipal Office next spring. To defeat that possibility
the citizens have to proceed tremendously and with
out relaxation in the march with those leaders who
have directed the change. Not a moment will there
be for rest from reform activities until after next
springs municipal election.
How much depends upon civic loyalty, on the
part Of the citizens, Is illustrated in the triumph at
this autumn election of several members Of the old
gang. Luckily, none Of the important local offices
has been acquired by n g%angster; but, since a few
minor offices have been invaded there is manifested
a chance next spring for the gang. As The Re
public has often repeated Of late, the next election
is as significant in the reform movement as were
the elections which produced reform.
We should try this spring-and to try means to
do-to put a capable, trustworthy man In every Of
flee. St Louis has at present the best administra-
ton it ever has had: an administration which would
be creditable to any city. This standard must be
maintained. But we must so farther. We must
get rid of obstructfonists in the House Of Delegates.
We must carry the fight into every ward. and elect
a House which will be the standard for the future.
If we can have as good an administration. with q
better House, st. Louis will have Ideal, practical
government
There Is no reason for the people to tire of re-
form activity. Public business is public business:
1t is every citizens business, and when the citizens
neglect their duty it becomes the business of spoils
men. No matter how highly the city's organic law
may be perfected, every election will determine the
character Of government. The competition between
right and wrong, good and bad, never ends. There
fore, the preservation Of good government depends
upon the fulfllment by loyal citizens, at every cleo
ton, Of their duty to one another.