The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-12-18
A COMING CRISIS.


Richmond Ia an ideal one 1t would a
perfect instrument for serving the purposes OF
an efficient and economical government for the
city OF Richmond. This we say viewing 1t the
oretically. We must not forget that In repre-
sentative government the perfect theory finds
complete realization only in the measure that
the people exercise intelligent and conscientious
choice In the selection of their representatives.
However beautiful or promising the theory it
fails in the hands OF an Indifferent corrupt
electorate
The rub In Richmond is yet to come. crisis
awaits the city in the choice Of the men who
are TO administer It's affairs and disburse Its
funds. Should these men prove corrupt. in
competent or partial the city will suffer at
their hands in the degree that they fail to meet
the requirements of their responsible positions.
A word of warning. therefore is not inap
propriate even thus early We cannot begin too
soon the campaign of public education that
citizens may realize the disastrous cost OF mis-
take in the selection of those who will manage
the vast business of this municipality. Those
"tAVSO
commercial success is in large measure re-
lated to the government of the city in which
they do business and who have a patriotic
concern for the progress and prosperity Of Rich
mond should at once become campaigners OF a
movement for the selection of competent anc
dependable men to compose this Administra-
tive Board and they should not let this campaign
lag until such men are announced as having
been elected.
The commercial organizations business men
and good citizens in all walks of life should
unite in a common movement for the common
good to insure the election of proper indi-
v,duals to these posts of Importance. respon-
siblity and honor.
1t Is obviously not only not desirable but
dangerous and disastrous that wire pulling log
rolling the introduction Of trades and deals and
all such methods of political operation should
hold sway. The interests OF the city not
served by the furtherance OF mere political am
bition or the increased power of any political
clique 1t would not be calamity IL the hold
of political bosses were broken. The city
would not suffer though the fortunes of indi.
vduals might if this whole matter were viewed
| in broad minded and patriotic fashion and re-
| moved entirely from the realm OF partisan and
factional politics
There Is but thing for voters to consider.
| What men are SO equalled by character.
! equipment and experience that they will best
/ conduct the business of their city. These men
! tegrity; they must exhibit the possession of ex
ecutive powers and ability they must have had
experience In the management of large inter
/ ests To choose other men is to enter upon an
experience that BODIES i'll for the city Not to de-
mand these qualities is to commit the affairs OF
the city into the hands Of men of unknown ca
| pacity and of uncertain qualifications.
The continued attraction of capital, indus
! tries and population Is entirely dependent upon
| the management of municipal affairs. If Rich
mond is to maintain her growth and progress
the city must offer advantages and inducements
| that will persuade men and money to locate
! and invest within her borders. poorly gov
/ erned city offers appeal to those who, In
| their choice OF location, must consider their
| prospects of success under the administration
/ OF the city in which they propose to settle.
! Important issues hang upon this election In
| telligent consideration OF the matter will con-
vince that no greater disaster at this time
could befal Richmond than to make mistake
| in the selection of it's Administrative Board
Let these things be pondered and let all good
! citizens determine that they will give themselves
/ intelligently, conscientiousls. courageously and
! In an untrammelled spirit to the election of the
| right men.