The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-02-08
Keeping Out Of Politics.


To the Editor Of Tie Journal.
The declaration made by Mr.. Jacobson
''that so long as he remains member or
the board Of control he will abstain from
an active participation in politics. has
called forth expressions of approval, as
we'll as some questioning as to just what
such a statement involves. Mr.. Jacob
son has simply taken logical stand,
and the only position which he could take
and preserve to the important board of
which he is a member it's thoroly nom
partizan character. -
+ The members rof the Minnesota state
board of control are in honor bound to
do voluntarily that which the members of
the Iowa state board Of control are COM
PEELED to do by law. The Iowa law pro-
vides that it is the duty of the board to
appoint the superintendent, or other
chief executive officers Of the state inst1-s
tutions but it is made a misdemeanor for
members OF the board or any officer
thereof to exert any influence by solicita-
ton or otherwise, on any of the managing
officers in the selection Of an assistant or
| employee" Any member, officer, or en-
ploye of the board, or any officer or en-
ploye of a state institution subject to the
board. who exerts his influence directly or
indirectly to induce other officers or en-
ployes of the state to adopt his political
views or to favor any particular person or
candidate for office, or who shall in any
manner contribute money or other thing
Of value to any person for election pur-
poses, shall be removed from his position.
! 1t is also made misdemeanor to de-
mand or solicit from any member or en-
ploye of the board, or for any officer or
employee Of any state institution subject
to the board any contribution of
money or other thing Of value for election
purposes, or for the payment Of the ex-
penses of any political committee or or
ganization.
Commenting upon this law Judge G. S.
Robinson, a member Of the Iowa board,
says: "The object of these various pro-
visions was 1t is clear, to make the board
of control, and the various state institu-
tons within its jurisdiction thoroly nom
partizan, and the provisions must be
given the force and effect Of an unequivo-
cal declaration by the general assembly
to that effect, in order that the service to
be rendered in those institutions shall be
the best for the legitimate purposes of the
institution which can be obtained. It
was, in effect, a recognition of the fact
that the average employe cannot be ex-
pected to serve with equal fidelity and eff
ficiency two masters whose interests are
conflicting; that when required to serve
such masters he will labor most earnestly
to promote the interests and thus retain
the good will of the one upon whom his
tenure of office depends, even tho that
one be a mere political machine or agency.
tanned by taking from the employee all in
ducement to serve any one but the state,
and making his tenure Of office to depend
J solely upon his personal character and the
efficiency with which he performs his Of
fetal duties.''
This exposition Of the Iowa law by
Judge Robinson is so clear and convincing.
that all who read it may understand the
reasons which support such legislation
The policy thus set forth has the approval
Of every successful and prominent student
and worker in the public fields of charity
, and correction in the country, and it is
impossible that Minnesota or any other
state can ignore it and preserve a public
f confidence in methods Of administrator
f which are indispensable to the welfare Of
the service. Mr.. Jacobson has taken the
proper stand. and as long as he proves true
] to his declaration he will deserve public
: confidence as non-partizan administra-
tor Of the most sacred trust which can b&
committed by a state to its chosen Off
Gals.
The Minnesota board has begun well
and 1t should be the concern Of every goot
citizen to commend the determination O.
its members to plant their official scolors
: on very high ground, and keep then
there. &C. E. Faulkner.