New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-07-10
Continued from page one)

himself into ten-year job paying $4,000 or
SO, 900 year and his worries are over
The man who has never taken an active
interest in politics, or in civic work, and has
never held office, has perhaps the hardest task
in getting quick action upon sudden decision
that he would like to help guide the ship OF
state-for suitable consideration. But even
the politically and civically unknown has
way open to him This type Of office seeker
is the sure-enough summer or early fall va
riety. He sends FRIEND or, If sufficiently
bold, goes himself to the editor of the local
newspaper and hands in for publication
touching little tribute reading like this:
'"The friends of John Smith [John being the
would be servant of the peope are urging him
to accept the nomination next fall for Member
of Assembly and declare their belief that he
is eminently qualified for the position and
would, if nominated, be certain of election.
Mr.. Smith laughed when asked about the
matter and said it was news to him but that
he appreciated his friends esteem and their
belief in his integrity and qualifications for
Office"
The editor of a local paper usually publishes
item Ike that, unless he is personally an
tagonistic to John Smith. He prints it be-
cause he wants the good will of Smith and his
friends and because the publication Of such
an item injuries no one. And If, he thinks
Smith should get the nomination, he (the
edtor) could take credit for having first
brought his name to the attention of the
public.
Anyway, the item is printed. Smith, if the
IL g..
little longer item in the next issue of his
paper to the effect that, while Smith is highly
gratifed at the many pledges of support he
has received since his name was mentioned,
he regrets that his business affairs make it i'm
possible for him even to consider accepting
nomination.
The next step is to obtain the Endorsement
OF some organization-any organization will
do, political or otherwise. If need be, Mr..
Smith can form an organization of his own
for the purpose, but this is not usually neces-
sary, for, no matter how little man is known,
he always has few friends who belong to
clubs, and they do the work for him. At the
next meeting of the 198th Ward Taxpayers
Association, for instance, a member arises,
makes a spread-eagle speech about the quail
fications of Smith and puts through a resolu-
ton indorsing him for the regular nomination
for Assemblyman. If the Taxpayers Associa-
ton has bylaw against political indorse-
ments, as most organizations of the kind have,
Smiths friends select the Neighbors Benevo-
lent Society or the Saturday Night Pinochle
Club as the scene of their activities
If the friendly editor will print an item
about the Endorsement he is permitted to do so.
The more items the better, and the more in
dorsements the nerrier. Then follows call
upon the Assembly district leader by dele
cation of Smiths friends. They reveal to him
that the voters demand the nomination of a
high class man like Smith, who at the earnest
solicitation of his friends, has reluctantly con-
sented to sacrifice his own wishes and his
business interests and will accept the nomina-
ton if it is thrust upon him.
The reception of this news by the district
leader is important. 1t may mark turning
point in Smiths political career. If the
leader frowns upon the suggestion and gives
one or more sugar-coated reasons for declin-
ing to consider it, Smith may, if he feels that
he has sufficient political strength, enter the