The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1907-07-09
BINGHAM WILL MAKE GOOD.

There has been a long contest In
Louisville, growing out of the con-
f1ict between an element that wanted
a "~wide-open' town and the better ell
ement that wished the enforcement OF
laws. It eliminated in an election
where fraud was charged and corrupt
methods were used. The court of APP
peals set aside the election and under
the laws of the State the Governor
had to appoint all city officials. Peo-
pie outside Of Kentucky " been
surprised at the strength of the young
Governor. His action in the Louis
Vile matter but illustrates the secret
of his popularity. He stood for the
best things and for men in Office who
have the true sense of public duty.
When he came to appoint a mayor OF
Louisville he named Robert Worth
Bingham, who as county attorney
had won his spurs in leaving no stone
u%nturned to enforce the laws. The
"wide-open" crowd confidently ex-
pected to have the sort Of man they
always put up-a man of good private
life who is a plant instrument in their
hands. But Governor Beckham meas
ured up to the occasion II named a
man of courtesy and courage, the two
essentials. when mixed with brains.
as in this instance, to lead any good
cause or to execute laws that the
toughs do not wish enforced.
The selection of Mr.. Robert Worth
Bingham for this important position
IS particularly gratifying to North
Carolina. Mr.. Bingham wa Jorn In
Orange county and for a hundred
years his family has been in the fore
most rank of educators. Father.
grandfather, great-grandfather have
conducted Bingham School upon 4
plane to give it national reputation.
His mother was a daughter Of the late
DR.. John Milton Worth, long State
treasurer, one of the Wisest men.
in the history of the commonwealth.
With such North Carolina ancestry
an ancestry that depended upon
brains, hard work and honesty to win
its battles-the new mayor Of Louis
Will viii add to the honor Of the name
he bears. When a student at the Uni
~ ~ liz mad IN
fine proportion the suaviter in mode
with the fortter in re-a combination
that is as valuable for doing great
things as it is rarely found in one
man.
Municipal government in large and
small cities has grown in -xtravapanc
and in graft almost everywhere ami
the people are becoming aroused
to the need Of such changes as must
come TO improve it. Some Texaa
cities have abolished aldermen and al
city officers and entrusted all city gov
eminent TO a commission Of three
men There is need of many ~cIlances
fewer of1c1als, and more close scan
nlng OF expenses but after all
is said and done, there will be no i'm
proyement in city government unit,
good men take as deep an interest in
primaries as grafters and self-seeker,
and until men elected to Office ba,.o
not only good private character ~.
likewise courageous public character
Louisville is fortunate in having
man VINO possesses both virtues r, :.
100 often the &C Sc that 4 nega,-
good man is chosen who has M en.o
Of public virtue. and is content
ex~traVagance wrong and graft 90
= ne can snow that his hands arr
cream cream hands are important
but the public officer who sits id,,.
washing his W hands while nbu
goes on about him :.
modern PLATE.