The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1915-04-24
PART1zAN PoL1TICs ABOLISHED?

That is hard to say Rid OF one evil apparently, an
other arises. A: - -:
When Duluth adopted the present charter two things
in particular by the citizens of Duluth
First, that there would be government by five
missions; second, that politics applied to appoint
ments would be abolished in favor of efficiency. =:
The first expectation has not yet been fulfilled al
though it is expected that the commission will
work this feature out satisfactorily. 49, ~
Partizan politics. however, thought had been
tabooed around the city hall behold, the
two new commissioners with the and the head
of the public utilities department GUST the city clerk
who was recognized being most efficient in his de-
partment and who has served in the office for four
years. having graduated to speak, from the position
of assistant city clerk. .~ -,
The public would like to know why the city clerk
was discharged? Can not Mayor Prince give better
reason why he voted as he did? Did not Mr.. Palmer
give efficient service? Did he fail in the perform
ance of his duties? Commissioner Merritt probably
sought to two year old campaign debt in addi
ton to his alleged complaints If this is true, did he
not sacrifice efficiency for politics.? What other nspir
alton did he receive to induce him to vote against Mr.
Palmer in favor Of his former campaign manager if it
were not politics?
Will Commissioner Farrell, who elected an
efficiency program tell the public why he voted he
did? Was it in politics? Was it because
of personal dislike for the city clerk? where
does his efficiency program in?
Commissioner Silberstien, the business man. he
also paying debt? If to whom? Did he also
rfce efficiency in order to satisfy jealousy?
These are the four who played politics. Com
missioner Voss alone stood true. in favor
of politics. Four to against efficiency. Four to
one in violation of the spirit of commission
Probably the four commissioners thought Nh. Palmer
had served long enough? If may ask, is that
good business?" Would Mr. Prince, the banker, use
the method in his bank? Would Mr.. Merritt the
| broker adopt the method in his business? Is it
customary for Mr. Sberstien to discharge employees in
his store because they have proficient through
service? And wonder if Mr. Farrell would sacrifice
a competent engineer in favor of novice.
What the public wants to know is why was Mr.
| Palmer deposed
be Mr. Carmichael What bearing may that
have the appointment. Two years hence new con-
tract is to be drawn with the Duluth Edison Electric
company 1t will necessarily go through the hands of
the city clerk. Probably Mr. Palmer noticed things too
! easily for the comfort of the electric company
What part did the Duluth Edison Electric company
play in the campaign? Were they dormant did they
favor reelection of Hicken and Murcson they
have criticism to make of the city clerk? The
pie of Duluth want to know.
The Labor World has particular interest in Mr.
Palmer or any luminosity for Mr. Bergen Both of
are excellent gentlemen who anyone would pleased
to meet. The principles of Commission Government,
however, are of greater than any individual
and it is against the violation these principles that
we protest
Duluth has to be proud of this action on
the part of the commissioners Duluth has every rea-
son to feel deep disappointment. While the new city
clerk develop into competent efficient clerk
that is for his appointment 1t is not BUSH
ness 1t is not in the spirit of the charter