Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-01-05
The Source of Efficiency

Since the stream can rise no high
er than its source, so no form of adj
ministrative government can be
better than the source of power. The
source of power is reposed in the
people who are represented in the
governing body, the personnel of
which is all important. This rule
is not changed by the new or
der of things. The standard of eff
ficieDcy viii be measured by the
standard of the men whom the peo-
pie shall choose to represent them
in positions of public trust. Under
the form of commission govern
ment which the people of Rock Is
land have adopted, the public Of
dcial becomes more of a servant CT
the people than under the old sys-
TEN. He is in closer everyday
touch. He is the business agent of
the people, charged with certain OBJ
legations and answerable day by day
for his acts. The law prescribes
what he shall do and what he shall
not do, that is TO say it limits his
prerogatives, but it does not deprive
him OF the right to exercise judg-
ment and discretion. In other words
he must have common sense and re-
allZe his responsibility to his en-
ployers. who are the people, the
same as If he were engaged in a
managerial capacity in a mercantile
or commercial institution.
The mayor or commissioner
should. therefore, be chosen accord
ing to his merit and worth, rather
than because he has either an am
bition or pull. If Rock Island in
its first test of the new form of gov
eminent elects the right kind of men.
men OF good hard common sense,
men of intelligence, men of prin-
ciple, men who are honest and
anxious to do right and to do their
duty faithfully, it will find the com
mission form ideal Much, undoubt-
eddy, will depend upon the character
Of the men who are chosen ar the
outset to conduct the affairs of the
municipality. The imperfections of
the law will dwindle into insignifi-
canoe IL the right men are elected.
The measure of efficiency in public
office. as in every avocation in life,
depends absolutely upon the men en-
trusted with the discharge of the OBJ
legations imposed. 1t is, therefore,
in order for the people to consider
well the qualifications of every can
didate who is brought out, or who
brings himself out, for any OF the
offices to be filed under the opera
ton of the new law The city is re-
CURED to pay well for the services
70 be desired and the city has a right
to expect a full measure of compe-
tent and honest return on the in
vestment.
The law, as has been said hereto
fore, contemplates the Punishment
OF the politician and the self-seeker
While under the latter head fl is not
unreasonable for men to aspire. I'm
fact. II IS Just as natural for a man
10 seek a good public job at a COM
Portable salary as IL IS for him to
apply for any other position in life.
yet the same Trle that would require
\ man 20 produce recommendation
from former employers might with
equal force apply TO the people. They
are the employers and they have q
right TO know and TO pass upon the
manner OK man. and the efficiency
of the man who applies 20 them for
employment.
II is we'll for the people TO
beware. both OF the politician,
the man with q pull and the man
who through selfish influence
would fercs himself upon the peo-
pie, despite their own wishes. The
Argus is not suggesting candidates.
II viii continne TO mention IN its
news columns fer public information.