The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1913-12-08
The Appointments

ROBBINS appeared before the people OF the com
munity candidate for mayor and announced
as his platform efficiency system of munich
pal administration In his platform published
September 26th he wrote: Il shall appoint only
trustworthy and efficient men to fill the various
offices connected with the city's government,
and shall stand responsible for them in the per-
Torrance of their various official duties
In folder issued at the beginning of the
campaign the Progressive City Committee said
this: '"The Progressive City Committee believes
the city needs to put it's government eff
cient business basis. National politics is not an
issue in this campaign"
In the issue of October 28th, the Palladium
wrote in editorial under the caption, "HoW the
City Can Save $4,000 in Year." the following
THE Zimmerman machine has not pledged itself
to the efficiency system. The Democratic party
has not pledged itself to it. The Socialists have
not The Progressive party is the only organiza-
ton in the field that has contracted with the peo-
pie to apply efficiency methods if elected.
THAT'S WHY THE PALLADIUM IS SUP
PORTING MIR. ROBBINS AND THE MUNICH
PAL PROGRESSIVE TICKET
1t was understood on all sides after election
that Mr.. Robbins had been elected, not by parti-
sans, but by all those desiring business like
methods in the city hall.
1t is because of this that many are very
much dissatisfied with the appointments made
public last Saturday.
If there is anything in efficiency principles in
city rule it is that mans sole right to hold of
flee is his competency to do so and that no man
shall be removed from office merely for person
al or political reasons.
It appears that at least three of Mr.. Robbins
more important appointments are a fragrant vio-
lation of this cardinal principle.
Mr.. Harry Goodwin is capable man and well
thought of by his associates and employers He
has made good machinist. But he has had
absolutely no experience as an officer or with
police methods. Mr.. Gormon, who has had an
excellent record as chief and whose long exper-
fence makes him a valuable man to any city, was
let CO. man who has had no experience and
whose life has been spent in unrelated pursuits
was given the place This seems to us violation
of the principles of efficiency.
Mr.. Clarence Kleinknecht is not sufficiently
known for us to speak with certainty about his
fitness for the place, but it seems that his sole
experience in electrical work has been as line
for the Postal Telegraph company We
have no doubt that he may be an honest, sincere
and hard working man, but we cannot under
stand why he was given the place of Mr.. Johnson
who has made enviable record as head of the
Municipal Light plant. The place calls for bust
ness experience and executive ability, two quail
fications which seem to be absent in Mr. Klein
knecht.
Most unfortunate of all was the appointment
of health officer. DR. w. c. Smelser is a man
with a wide circle of friends, he has a heavy
practice and he may be first rate physician
but his selection for the place is not diplomatic
A health officer should by all means, have the
good will and the cooperation of the medical
profession, and this, unfortunately, DR.. Smelser
does not have. He should also have sufficient
time for his duties, always eXacting and al
ways demanding a great deal of attention. and
this is something, in view of his unusually
heavy practice, DR.. Smelser cannot claim
The board of works is the city's equivalent of
a board of directors and REQUIRES quite as much
executive and business ability. 1t makes con-
tracts, draws up specifications, and is the head
of the city's growing business. For this reason
it is everywhere felt that at least one member
should have been business man with business
experience.
We think his street commissioner will give
good service; we believe he was wise in postD0n-
ing the appointment Of dairy Inspector and in
retaining Mr.. Bond and Mr.. Miller at their pres
ent positions but we fail to understand the con-
sistency of the other appointments. And as Mr.
Robbins accepted the whole responsibility in
making his appointments and since the Paad-
ium has not attempted to share that responsible
ity, compelled to Join with great number
of local citizens who feel that these very import
ant appointments were not made in harmony
with prediction pledges
Radium as Cure for Cancer
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