Imperial Valley press., 1919-02-14
WILL THE OLD METHOD STICK?

Possibly it occurs now because certain men
are about to be elevated in congress who are not
retarded as possessing the necessary qualifca
tions for the new responsibility.
In cold analysis it is rather difficult to defend
the rule which gives the craftsmanship of a com
mittee to the member who has served longest,
rather than to the man best qualified for the
duties involved. In committees constantly
changing, by reason of the fortunes of politics,
the weakness of this rule so far service to the
state is concerned is quite apparent.
1t is well established, that the chairman in a
very great degree controls the actions of the
ommttee over which he rules with more or
less of an iron hand
Nowadays there is growing popular desire
to get away from political methods as far as
possible and to substitute in their place methods
that obtain in the best business institutions
Approved standards of business efficiency are
difficult to establish under a politically con-
trolled legislative body.
The seniority rule so far as it does not impair
the efficiency of business organization, is
tolerated but not much further. Ability and
apacity are the factors that are sought for and
they the elements that rise to he top by
main at the top which is the only proper
reward.
We may look constantly for mistakes and
blunders so long as the conduct of governmental
business goes by favoritism and for purely polit-
lcal purposes. 1t is quite apparent that mem
ber of congress may stick along on a certain
committee year after year, possessing apti-
tude for the place and learning little regarding
the problems that are encountered. If he is one
of these cOlorless "trimmers' he may avoid open
offense, but he may be devoid of originality and
possess no intelligent ideas to the work for
which the committee is created
And yet under the seniority rule, this member
of the most mediocre ability, wholly lacking in
the necessary information and preparation to
render the country efficient service NAV actually
be placed at the head of committee He may
indeed be placed at the head of very important
commttee-possbly the most important COM
mittee in the house or the senate.
In such system of selection it is all too evi-
dent that the country suffers from stupidity and
inaction. 1t is asserted that the seniority rule
is fair so far as the distribution of favors is
concerned.
What of it?
The country is interested in service, intelli-
gent purposefu service 1t is not interested in
a distribution of the favors that happen to
please the members or is merely fair" to them.
What is fair to the country?
That should be the question for the gentlemen
at Washington to study. Their own individual
advantages are Of little account The wise ad-
ministration Of the Legislative branch of the
government is Of tremendous Importance. The
taxpayers who finally settle the bills are deeply
concerned with the introduction of the prin-
cples of business efficiency. We fail to see where
the seniority rule has any place in an organiza-
ton built up on this principle
Daring all the years the Republicans were in
the majority at Washington they failed to abro
cate the seniority rule although its wisdom was
rot infrequenty the subject of debate outside
of congress.
The Democrats have been alike equally fear
ful of disturbing this ancient creation of the
politicians.
Now that the Republicans are again to as
sumo congressional control and in view of the
completely new organization of both houses, the
subject is being considered again. Will there be
further lack of courage to organize on busl-
nesslike basis with the needs of the personal
fortunes of members a secondary considera-
tion?