The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1918-07-19
DEMOCRACY AND INCOMPETENCE

lcannot operate as it has been doing in this coun-
try. The disposition of a people to lapse from
condition of enforced tense effort to one of per-
|mtted laxness is revealed often enough, but we
doubt that circumstances will permit general
|let-down. S5sz,,1i sa@t
Certainly whether it is permitted or not, one
of the possible benefits Of making great war for
the stability of democracy would be lost If the ma
ton did not make permanent for peace times the
efficiency demanded in war times.
War removes part of the instructive fear OF
democracy for competence. There is this inherent
fear expressed in politics and revealed in govern
ment operation. People politically fear cempet-
ence when it is offered them. They fear expert
knowledge and specialized talent The instinct is
one of dread that the particular talent developed
by one man will be used against the mass if power
be added to talent. i. .,
This is revealed constantly in politics. To It can
be attributed most of the success Of the political
buncombe which puts incompetent men in office.
Political popularity vote getting ability, depends
frequently upon the ability Of candidate to con-
vince the people that he has no particular talent
for the office he seeks, and for that very reason
is the safest man to have it. # he had ability
he might use it for himself. he has none he will
only misuse his power to the disadvantage Of ev-
erybody.:" ,.. 4 l .sE' .@.. \. ::*.@#
War breaks down some Of this popular aversion
to competence because people in dangerloo to the
best leaders they can see and competence more
and more asserts itself in the emergency. This
turning towards competence may not be q con
sccious movement in political action, but we can
see much of. it. . q, " Z i; sEt
The United States has drawn into its activities
the men needed in emergency SSchWab, Stettinius,
Ryan, Goethals, etc. If Schwab II peace times
were candidate for an office administering steel
fabrication for the government his very ability
to conduct such an office would make the people
fear his purpose in seeking it. 5ls 4. Il J !; M
War gives new standard Of competence in gov
eminent affairs by creating an imperative demand
for, efficiency. Some Of that new. standard can be
preserved even after the apparent pressure has
been removed At least it is worth while to make
the effort. .. o..
This effort demands as its first requirement
that the burden upon the voters information when
he enters the polls be lightened He cannot under
take, out of any information regarding candidates
he can reasonably be expected to possess to pick
the good men out of a great mass OF candidates
for multiplicity of Offices.
Such offices as are better filled by appointment
and as can be filled without impairing admins
trative responsibility to the electorate should pc
eliminated from the ballot.
( BY restricting the field in which the voters in
|telgence is required to operate to the smallest
area possible without impairment of substantial
Responsibility the ability of the voter to act wise
lily is increased. His real power is thus increased
and not diminished. He has no real power if gnor-
ance guides him. The casting Of ballot is bit
of the political mechanics which as easily hurts
an electorate as it protects one The voters can
turn their ballots against themselves as easily as
they can turn them against their enemies
To bring the demands of an election within the
probabilities of voting intelligence the short ballot
is recommended as needed reform. It will so
simplify elections by reducing the number Of cleo
tive Offices that it will be more nearly possible for
citizen to determine whether he is voting for
effective government or bad government:
The fear of competence which the war is 'dissl-
pating will not be banished and the short ballot
will not in itself remove such an instinct, but at
the time when war is breaking down it is advis-
able to collect all the gains possible and to hold
as many of them as possible. -
Illinois may obtain the short ballot only through
the decision of constitutional CONVENTION and the
decision of the people to accept the new constitu-
tion. The opportunity to decide that 9 .constitu.
tional convention shall be called will be presented
in the November election. Active, aggressive cam
paigning for the necessary vote probably will not
be begun for some weeks, but 1T is important To
attract the voters attention to this issue and to
hold it if possible Chicago Tribune. ~