Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-04-15

l topOIt Ssh1t ~ kHSeHuS W lin WVSIu AA2n
lin the administrative personnel At the outset OF his
executive career 1t seems proper at this time to review
the conditions under which the once of mayor has been
filled this year.
AZ tho time for the city election approached the
conviction grew that the time wac decidedly inoppor-
tune for any local contest that could ~ avotded. There
was a growing realization that the war conditions which
exist, and tho war needs which are constantly develop
ing made it imperative that the energy OF the people
be conserved for the real business Of the nation instead
OF being frittcred away in personal. facional or party
controversies. In view Of the fact that a contest for
tho ONCE Of mayor invariably creates divisions which
project themselves far into the future, and ensenders
great bitterness, there was a general Desire that such
d contest be avoided this year, il possible. Accordingly,
steps were taken to bring about the election Of q mayor
by general consent II this could be done. In pursuance
Of a plan unanimously agreed on at a meeting attended
by men who may fairly be considered representative
CT every shade Of party and factional thought in the
city. a committee of twelve was appointed, six repre-
senting each Of the groups into which the people Of
the city have divided themselves at the last two cleo
lions, the duty Of this committee being to select one
man as the candidate for mayor whom all persons par
ticipating would agree to support with their votes and
influence. There were suggested several men who were
satisfactory to one group, but not to the other. DR..
Wheeler was suggested as a man who would be accepted
by both groups. and, while he was not the, first choice
Of either. he was chosen. All persons concerned stood
by their agreement and DR.. Wheeler was elected.
The element in a mayoralty election which always
engenders the greatest bitterness is not the contest for
tho Office of mayor itself. but the struggle for the posi-
tons which are to be within the gift Of the mayor.
The hope of being appointed to Office, the fear Of losing
an Office. disappointment over failure to receive an cx-
pectcd Office at some previous time, and the desire to
express appreciation at the polls for some favor already
received all enter in greater or less degree into every
contest for this office, and before tho struggle is over
tho people find themselves divided into two groups. each
interested not so much in a particular candidate for
mayor as in the list OF appointments that he is expected
to make If he is successful. 1t was a struggle Of this
kind. with the bad feeling which it would necessarily
leave. that it was desired to avoid, and it was because
Of this desire that the Office of mayor was presented to
DR.. Wheeler.
So far as tho filling of tho office OF mayor is con-
cerncd, tho plan has worked out as was desired. but,
with an amazing lack Of appreciation Of the circun,-
stances attending his election. and the purpose for
which he was elected. DIR. Wheeler has declared it to
be his fixed intention to make. il not the traditional
clean sweep such changes in appointive officials ms
might have been expected at the end Of a bitter contest
when free rein is given to the doctrine that ITO the vic
tors belong the spoils.''
In order to learn at first hand just what truth there
was in the reports in circulation. DIR. Wheeler was in
terviewcd a few days ago by a group Of local men repre-
sentns varied interests. both business and political, and
was asked to state his intentions. This he did frankly
and fully. Tho committee learned that it was the in
tention Of the mayor-elect to begin the harmony work
of his administration with an AK; "Reminiscences were
made. 1t was pointed out that the course proposed
would defeat the very purpose that had been in mind
in the elimination Of a contest at the polls, and would
inevitably create the spirit OF dissension which at this
time would work such injury to the cause which. more
than anything else. it is the business OF the city to pro-
mote. Remonstrance was unavailine. The mayor-clect
declared that he had decided on his course and intended
to follow it. The suggestion that the wise course would
be to take over the administrative work substantially as
it stands. to observe the work of the officials. and to
make such changes. one at a time. as were demonstrated
to be for the interests of the city, met with blunt re-
lection. t
The announced purpose of the incoming mayor has
been received with varying degrees Of evaporation and
indignation. Reprisals of various kinds have been sug-
gestcd. 1t has been suggested that an effort should be
made to induce a sufficient number of the members of
the council to reject nominations made by the new
mayor IN pursuance Of his announced policy. 1t has
also been suggested that petitions be circulated calling
for the submission of the commission form of govern
ment at the earliest opportunity.
Under the circumstances the feeling indicated by
these proposals is natural. The Herald is convinced
that br. Wheelers attitude is unWise. and that the action
which he intends to take will be injurious. But to adopt
either OF the courses proposed would merely add to the
complications and intensity bitter feeling which it must
be the business Of all good citizens to allay. A change
IN the form of government Of the city ought to be UNI
dertaken soberly, and with ample time for the consid-
Grafton Of all the features involved. There is no time
to spare for this now, and, in the absence of conditions
utterly intolerable. We believe that there should be no
attempt to undertake such a change at this time. As
to the council arraying itself against the mayor, that is
not to be thought of. The mayor is the head Of the city
government He is responsible for the character OF his
appointees. He ought to be allowed reasonable latitude
in naming them. It is the business of the council to
lconhrm or reject nominations. but that action should