Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1907-09-18
.IOWA'S
RECALL
PLAN

The most important, and perhaps
the most startling innovation, is the
safeguard known as the recall, de-
signed for the purpose of placing all
officials within the absolute control
of the people.
Although officials composing the
governing board are elected for a
definite term of two years, yet under
this provision of the "Des Moines
plan" their continuation in Office Is
at all times subject to the will of
majority of the electors. The history
Of practically every city is disgraced
with names OF officers who have
proven unmindful of the trust i'm
posed in them, and who could not be
removed before the expiration of
their term of office.
Under this provision of the new
charter, such a situation could be
met by a prompt recall of the of
Tending member. A petition signed
by 25 per cent of the voters, and
stating in general terms charges OF
incompetency or dishonesty, would
be filed with the city clerk. The
offending or guilty official would
then, without further delay, be re-
quired to stand for reelection with
any other candidate whom the peo-
pie choose to nominate, and the one
receiving the highest number OF
votes will be the officer for the re-
mainder OF the term.
This recall feature of the law will
undoubtedly have a tendency to keep
public officials In the straight and
narrowpath OF their duty, ever faith
full to the trust OF their constituents.
The highest form OF democratic gov
ernment IL not attained by electing
a multiplicity of city officials, each
official to act as n check upon the
other. but popular liberty is more
certain of attainment where fewer
officials ARE elected and the proper
facilities are made for lmpressing
upon these officials the popular Will.
and making them responsible to the
whole people for the execution Of
that will.
The desirablllty of having the
of the governing board
made up OF the strongest men OF
the city has not been overlooked by
the trainers of the "Des Moines |
plan" Not only have they made the
Office one of honor and opportunity,
attractive TO the honest and capable |
OF every community, but they have !
80 changed the manner of choice |
that the election OF this type OF men |
Is less difficult. and the election OF |
politicians without business ability !
less possible.
The primary. as well as the cleo
tion, has been made non-partlsan,
SO that candidates can no longer de-
pend for their election upon party
Affiliations, but must go before the |
people upon their own merits.
Ward lines have been removed.
md with the people voting at large. |
the evils OF ward politics are abol-
lshed, electors are freer in recording |
their choice OF candidates. and the |
business man Is b. tier able to secure
his election without stopping to the /,
low practices of the politician.
The new charter certainly has an |
Inviting appearance, especially from |
the view point OF theory, yet 1t re-
mains for the citizens OF Des Moines
To demonstrate that its provisions !
are as practical in operation as they !
are beautiful In theory.
Des Moines. a city of 10000 peo-
Pile, offers a good field in which TO F,
try the plan; she Is entering upon |
a most interesting and instructive |
experiment in government yeform,
ana the eyes OF the American mu-
nicipalities are upon her, hoping |
that the "Des Moines plan" will !
prove practical system. under |
which the public Affairs of our cities |
can be wisely aud economically ad- |
ministered.-Sldney j. Wilson In |
National Magazine.