Evening journal., 1911-02-04
SATURDAY. FEB. 4.I9H
MIR. BONAPARTEs ADDRESS.

HE large attendance at the meeung OF the
J. Civic Association, which was addressed by
Mr. Bonaparte, of Baltimore, on Thursday even-
ing must have been a source of satisfaction to
those interested in the work of the organization.
The gathering was much larger than the meet
ing addressed by Mr.. Woodruff and this shows
that real interest in municipal affairs is being
aroused.
The Civic Association is engaged in educational
work and is trying TO revive the old town meeting
plan of considering matters that relate to the well
fare of the city.
Mr. Bonapartes address was a splendid effort
dealing with the question of municipal government
in comprehensive and enlightening manner.
One point he dwelt upon should be borne in
mind which is that there can be no good govern
ment unless good men are placed in Office. He
also brought out the fact that the people of a
Community usually get the kind of government
they are worthy Of.
Mr. Bonaparte holds, as do most Others that the
vital point is TO have good men in Office and the
machinery of government is secondary consd-
Grafton. This means, we take il, that if the peo-
pie really want good government they can get il
under almost any form, provided they elect good
men TO Office. For example, if the people we're
interested in good government in Wilmington,
they would elect good men 10 Council and to the
other elective positions.
The machinery Of government whether conf
mission form or any other form, comes in the sec
ond place, according to Mr.. Bonaparte he does
not however by any means pretend 10 say that
some schemes of government are not better than
others, just as some kinds of machinery are better
than others. good workman is necessary to turn
out creditable work, but he perform his task
much better on a good machine than on poor
one. And might 60 further, without seriously
conflicting with the view of Mr.. Bonaparte. by
saying that il would be impossible for
an excellent workman to perform a
creditable job unless he had good tools or mach
inery We would rank the two equally essen
tial, good men and good form OF government
Mr. Bonaparte brought out the different concep-
tions Of political life, that is the conception OF
what may be classed Civil Service Reform and the
views Of practical politicians" He declared that
the practical" political view is TO provide Offices
for henchmen. for the needy, and those who can
not get along we'll in ordinary life. He cited that
the public Schools for example. are, according to
the practical politicians view, maintained at enor-
nous expense TO the taxpayers, not that hundreds
OF thousands of children may learn TO be good cit
zens and useful members of society, (to his, the
politicians mind, that is merely an incidental al
most an accidental, consequence but that few
scores or hundreds of young women, relatives OF
dependents of friends of those with pull should
have clothes and pin money at public expense foI
a few years before they get married.
This is rather an extreme view, but the practi
cal political idea is undoubtedly provide jobs fol
those who do political service, and the manner II
which the work of those who hold the jobs is per
formed is a secondary consideration. Every ont
familiar with politics of course knows this is tru
that practical politics is a hunt for jobs. Hence
we see efforts TO create new and unnecessary posi-
ons and attempts TO increase the salaries of thos
holding positions.
On the other hand the Civil Service reform
idea, as take it, the good government idea l
to look upon public places as necessary function
of government which require efficient and capabi
persons for places. In most cities there is an oscl
ation between the high standard of Civil Servic
reform and the low standard of Mr.. Bonaparte'
school ilIustraton-an illustration by the way tha
is not applicable TO Wilmington The tendency
however, is distinctly towards the high standard
The disposition is to get away from the pract
cal vieS, and the growth and progress of a city j.
municipal government is gauged by the distano
It has travelled towards what is called the Civ
Servics standard.
With its fine streets Dover presents an appear
ance fhsf should cause iuefi6ahle nride on ~,