Los Angeles herald., 1906-11-11
NOT A QUESTION OF MEN

The non-partisan city campaign was
formally opened last night at Simpson
auditorium with an enthusiasm that
promises a successful conclusion of the
contest
But. aside from enthusiasm, there
must be kept in mind certain salient
points which are inherent in the sit
uation.
The first is that every citizen who has
the interest of Los Angeles seriously
and sincerely at heart must make up
his mind early to support the non
partisan ticket, not only during the
campaign, but at the polls.
Secondly, it must be pressed upon
every man that success can only come
by a concentration of the votes of all
good citizens.
We have just had a lamentable ex-
perience that should make this fact
prominent and paramount. The Off
cial returns from the recent state and
county elections prove that a large
majority of the voters of Los Angeles
the Southern Pacific machine, but they
so scattered their ballots as to give
Gillett a plurality. Citizens who de-
sire a reform in the administration of
city affairs are largely in the majority,
of course, but they will lose the cleo
ton if they hesitate and separate and
fire their ballots off in every direction.
The majority element of good citi-
zenship must not say: "Oh, well, Lind
ley is good man and I guess I'll vote
the old Republican ticket once more
and trust to luck" or, Harper is a
good fellow and will make good
mayor and 1 guess I'll stick to the old
Democratic party" If it does it may
put into power the very element which
menaces fair government and the in
dustrial peace and prosperity of Los
Angeles.
1t is not a question whether Lindley
or Harper is a good fellow. 1t is not
a question of men at all.
1t is a question of principle.
Lee C. Gates, the splendid non-par-
tisan nominee for mayor, represents
the great principle of -partisanship
in civic affairs.
Do you want that?
Is it your desire that the partisan
machinery of both the Republicans and
Democrats shall be removed from the
municipal government and that the
public business of Los Angeles shall
be conducted wholly by officials cho-
sen for their competency and honesty
and not by wire-pullers appointed for
partisan purposes?
Is that your desire?
If So how can you accomplish it by
electing DR.. Lindley, the partisan Re-
publican nominee, who will strengthen
the Republican partisan machinery at
the city hall? Or by voting for Har-
per, the Democratic nominee who will
at once install a partisan Democratic
machine?
Do you see the point?
No matter if Lindley and Harper
were the "best fellows" that ever
struck Los Angeles, they represent
partisan politics.
Lee C. Gates-admittedly the equal
of the others in ability, high standing
and splendid personal achievements
represents non-partisanship in local
affairs; represents the citizenship that
wants to see Los Angeles honestly and
efficiently governed. and not turned
over to ward heelers and precinct
workers to do as they please with.
It's a plain proposition. If you want
Republican machine at the city hall,
vote for Lindley; if you want Dem
ocratic machine at the city hall. vote
for Harper.
If you want a non-partisan business
administration of the city without re-
gard to politics, vote for Gates.