The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1913-10-10
VOX POPULI.
EXPLAINS PURPOSES OF
GOOD GOVERNMENT LEAGUE

Editor Pensacola Journal.
After reading the account Of the
meeting of the Good Government
League contained in this mornings pa
per and hearing comments on 1t, 1t
seems to me that, in justice to the
cause it represents and what | take to
be the spirit of those present, not
enough was reported of the larger pur-
poses of the organization.
The history of our recent elections,
rumor and common belief have it all
other elections held here for years past
was a perfect example of what I'm
organized. honest and intelligent opin-
ion permits No one denies that fraud
was prectieed in the recent election,
but some for reasons of their own
seem to seek a justification in saying
there was less corruption than in any
elections in recent years. No one be-
licves that it is the desire of the great
ma jority of this or any other self-re-
speeding community that such prac-
tees exist. There is no honest man
but would put a stop to it if his action
would do SO. Such practices are not
stopped by individual action. They
will end only as the result of united
effort and unselish cooperation. Our
organization is offering a basis for
tons. This is mentioned first because
this purpose gave reason for exist
ence to the Good Government League,
but this is but one of it's aims.
Those who know of the history of
commission government in Galveston,
where its success was SO pronounced
as to cause IL to spread with such
rapidity. know that 1t initial success
was due to the efforts OF Just such an
organization as we have formed That
organization. composed OF the most
public spirited and unselfsh citizens,
had as its purpose the selection of suit
able credentials for the commissioner
ships. giving their backing TO the can
didates elected. The men chosen were
not seekers after Office. They were
selected because their services were
needed and demanded, and they were
kept In offfce through this organiza-
ton until the success of commission
government was assured. 1t took unit
ed effort to do this. But see the re-
suits accomplished for Galveston!
The work OF our organization is not
to be confined to choosing and elect
ing officers. There are other ways 4
serious political organization can serve
a community. 1t is proposed that the
members In Joining 1t assume the OBJ
legation of informing themselves on
any question Of local importance and
discussing 1t frankly among themselves
in their meetings; then if occasion de-
msnds. offering their suggestions or
advice to our city officers. I daresay
that at the present moment the city
commissioners would be glad to have, |
on more than one question, such an |
expression OF public opinion as that of |
the Good Government League will rep |
resent Our work will be that of Civ |!
ing moral support and appreciation just |
as much as criticism. AS an instance, |
the city commissioners, have no
doubt, would be glad to have the moral |
backing in the establishment of civil |
service rules. or in the settlement of |
such a question as is involved in the |
adoption of the Somers system of real |
estate valuation.
Your reporter made reference to a |
motion that was made by Mr. Clubbs |
az the meeting in a way to cause a |
nisconstruction of the purposes of Mr.. |
Clubbs and the motives of the league |
The report made II appear that the |
motion was intended to obligate every /
of the league not to be a can
didate for municipal Office. 1 did not |
Sd understand Mr.. Clubbs. and as his |
purpose seemed to be that stated in the |
call for the meeting-t1at we organize |
as disinterested. unselhsh citizensI |
reminded Mr. Clubs of that stated |
purpose and he agreed with me that |
such motion was unnecessary. But |
what he and the rest Of us who have |
Joined this movement wish is to pre- |
vent, is that members of the organiza-
ton became active seekers after any
city Office. It is our hope and belief /
that the most public spirited and, |
hence most eligible men in our city. |
will be members of the league Any
resolution as that attributed to Mr.. /
Clubs would have defeated our pur-
pose.
H CLAY ARMSTRONG.
nHt fn1a