Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-10-02
EITHER BOOBIES OR soREHEADs
COMPOSE THE .CHARTER PARTY
Last Aeonies Of the Wares Are Wearisome
to Decent Citizens Guaranteed Good
Government by the Verdict Of
the Prim aries

Government by the Verdict Of
the Primaries
THE formation of the new sCharter
L party in this city IS fatuous and futile
In the past membership in the politi-
cal awkward squad has often consisted
largely of well-meaning, but inexpert re-
formers with a chronic inability to face
existing facts. But the motives behind
mishandled independent movements were
beyond suspicion. Nobody, not even the
most ardent champions of party "regu-
larity," ever accused the foes Of the va
rious powerful political organizations,
which too long and far to arrogantly
controlled the city, of being poor sports.
There was a romantic courage in their
endeavors, a lofty spirit of unselfsh sim
cerity. Many an honest believer in the
best Republican principles called for a
straight party ballot at the polls and
then half-regretfully filled in the ticket.
He would have been easier in mind could
he have believed that the candidates
whom he indorsed were equal in merit to
those opponents who were almost auto
matically destined for defeat.
Such apologetic sentiments can be dis
missed this year.
The most wholesome revolution which
can have permanence in Philadelphia was
recorded by the verdict of the recent pri-
mary election. Unsavory elements which
besmirchcd the name of the Republican
party here were then repudiated by a
majority of the voters Reform within
the party" was then revealed, not as a
mere stale and empty phrase, but as
solid and invigorating reality.
Fortunately, too, the publication was
accomplished not under the shadow of
defeat. but in the light of certain vic
tory. What was tantamount in effect to
the election of J. Hampton Moore as
Mayor of Philadelphia took place on
September 16.
1t was. of course, not to be expected
that the breakup of the Ware machine
would be hailed with Gelight by politi-
clans who suddenly experienced relaxa-
tion of their stranglehold upon the city.
To be "'sore" when a decisive antago-
nistic blow has been delivered is human
enough. But to exhibit this resentment
with clumsy chicanery and shallow pre-
tense is not only to court further disaster,
but to strip from "professional' politics
the attribute which even its righteous
foes have reluctantly admired in 1.-THE
practical appreciation of incontestable
realities.
The MacLaughlin candidacy for Mayor
can mean only two things. 1t may typify
ludicrous personal vanity. In that case
it is worth no more consideration than
the aspirations Of John Parker or Pierson
NJ. Stackhouse. 1t may on the other
hand, denote the irritation of the dis
credited Ware organization and frantic
desire to get eyen.'
Figaro laughed in order that he might
not be compelled to weep. Promptly
drying up any tears. therefore, it is ex-
ceedingly easy to behold Joseph S. Mac
Laughlin, ostensible leader of the Char
ter party, filling the post of director of
supplies under the, administration of
Thomas B. Smith.
/. >
successful candidate for Mayor four
years ago, and everybody has since been
made well aware just how much the
Wares did for the sensible new funda-
mental code of municipal government.
Upon its behalf they labored just about
as earnestly as did Germany to have the
peace tEeaty drawn up in its present
form.
So far as independent and reform sem
timent in Philadelphia is concerned. Mr..
Mclaughlin actually represents none of
it. 1t was the Republican celebrates
interest in good government, its Convic-
ton that J. Hampton Moore stood for
civic development along honest and
stimulating lines, that made him the VIC
tor in the Republican primaries
Mclaughlin reform" is either an alb
| surd superfuity or else it is mask for
disgruntled Frog Hollowism. And if this
disguise is worn, it is quite the thinnest
ever assumed in municipal politics. Not
much polished professionalism about
| this!
If veteran ward leaders, assiduous
door -pullers, division deliverers and the
! like do not blush with modification when
the Charter party proclaims the names
! of James NJ. Hazlett as candidate for
recorder of deeds and William R. Knight
as coroner, then experience is, after all,
| a wretched teacher.
Hazlett and Knight as Ware henchmen
defeated the Moore aspirants for these
respective offices in the primaries. The
game of running on two party tickets at
once may seem alluring, but from the
standpoint of regularity" it has its
drawbacks. An inquisitive public can.
not be restrained from questioning the
motive. 1t is natural to recall the fact
that two years ago, in the Town Meeting
campaign, the Wares and the city com,
mittee insisted that all Republican can,