New Britain herald., 1924-04-22
THE MAN AND THE OFFICE

THE MAN AND THE OFFICE
 The Herald, not being participant in the discussions of either the demo- cratic or republican leaders ot this city, knows little of the contemplated plans Of those leaders That is the position this newspaper prefers to oc- cupy.
 II is for this reason that the Herald is iii a position to consider and dis cuss contemplated changes" in city hall, for instance. without prejudice, and to, advocate the application Of general principles which, in its opin- ion, are sound. It is, in this spirit that emphasis is now laid upon the~neces- sity for public official especially one who has the power of appoint ment of others to paying positions, to disregard his own prendices and in- tcrests completely in favor of absolute consideration of the interests of the city above all else.
 Sometimes 1t is humaaly impossible for a mayor of a city, for instance, to forget sights against himself per- sonally in the appointments he makes, as it is almost impossible to refrain from allowing his appointments to be influenced by personal likes and dis likes, It is easy for him--and in some cases he may be wiseS-to remove one who has been what he considers dis loyal 10 him personally, and replace him with one who has shown devotion to his interests. This case is mentioned merely to Illustrate the general rules application.
 Frankly. this is the situation that confronts Mayor Paonessa in regard to William Cowlishaw. who has been an efficient official at the head of the charities department He is repub- lican and is in the mayors bad graces according to reports, not be- cause of his alleged activities in sup- port of Judge filling for the mayoral- ty-.a strictly proper attitude for him to take if he considered Judge Alling would be the better man--but because Of personal remarks rencciing upon Mayor Paonessa's ability or intelli- genee.
 It would be a little more than what is popularly called human" for. the mayor 10 fail to resent such remarks if Mr. Cowlishaw has made them. Tho natural thing to do would be 10 dis pose ot Mir. cowlishaw and replace him with another who might or might moi be as efficient as he has been, but who a, least would be more pleasing 10 the mayor.
 But Is there not a bigger, broader viewpoint? Tho Herald holds no brief for Mfr. Cowlishaw except as he is re. ported 10 have been remarkably ef- ficient official in a position which re- quires not only understanding of hu- man needs Of the poor and suffering, but also s knowledge Of the law in regard to persons who may properly be taken care Of by th. city, and Of the law regarding the duties of other cities and towns as well. 10 the end that New Britain shall be forced 10 assume no expense which should he borne by some other city Or town. Ex- perience gives this knowledge and Mir. cowlishaw has this experience.
 This ono instance is referred 10 merely to bring out that bigger, broader attitude which II is possible for q mayor Of a city 10 assume. After he has considered all sides of the ease-any case; after he has heard remarks Of possible sppointees about himself: after he has observed the att ttude Of men toward him personally would not the attitude Of absolute severing himself personally from the cfiice he holds be the splendid attitude 10 take? Should not, after sli the question be Who will serve the city most efficiently"
 We are all human. Circumstances may alter cases with which we think we arc familiar, and no man has the right 10 say Of the action or another That is a wrong thing to do.' But, as general rule, any man is deserving Of praise who displays breadth Of vision, devotion to the interests Of the people he serves, if he is able 10 put his own feelings entirely aside in his official acts and do the thing that is best for The city. This may not be practical politics" but is is practical idcaiism.