The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-30
GnVERNTNG Al CITY

An article in the National Magazine, en- titled Governing City on Business Lines | is interesting and timely in that it tells how an Illinois city solved most of it's municipal problems by electing a successful business man as it's chief executive. The writer says :: s"There is no doubt but that incompetence and corruption have often been dishearten- ing to good citizens. There is gleam of light when the successful manufacturer is willing to accept office, for it is safe to say that the administration of affairs will be conducted along business lines" Continuing, the write says that the business mayor of the Illinois city believes that certificate of the citys character is written in the city streets; that health must be spelled in cap itals, meaning physical, economic and com mercial health, and that ultimate solution of all the major problems of American cities lies in the education of the children to their responsibility as the future owners and man agers of our municipalities.
 These are sound principles. One of the most important requisites for the injection of business capacity into the administration of public affairs is realization by the people of the importance of bringing out candidates for office of known administrative capacity and unprecedented integrity, then getting be- hind them and seeing that they are elected. instead of waiting until the field is full of candidates of little or no qualifications, and selecting the least objectionable. If the peo- ple who stand for honest and economic ad- ministration of the public affairs would do this, there would be less difficulty than now in getting capable candidates to offer for election. =
 In Virginia city a successful business man, who had made fortune, was appealed to by citizene to become candidate for head of the city commission. An able and constructive administrator, he at first de- clined on the ground that he was too busy with his personal interests to be mayor, and could not afford to make the financial sacri. flee and devote the necessary time to the duties. One of his intimate industrial asso- ciates said This community has done much for you; it has contributed very largely to your productive and financial success You have amassed a fortune largely from the opportunities which this community of fered you. Without its aid you could not have become one of it's leading business men, Don't you think it is time for you to show your appreciation of all that this city has done for you by devoting some of your time and effort to your benefactor when it needs you?" The business man looked serious for offer for the mayoralty, if you gentlemen in sist that my services are needed: but my election must not in any way be identified with politics. I will not ask any man to vote for me; nor will I make a speech, If the people want me as their chief executive, will give them the best that is in me; but they must show that they want me by their action without solicitation on my part"
 The executive was assured that the con- structive interests would elect him. He kept He refused to express himself directly or in- directly as to appointments, and declared he would obligate himself in no way to any class or interest. He was elected by more than ninety five per cent of the votes cast, against three active candidates, and made the best mayor that city ever had, pulling it out of financial difficulties, making extensive improvements at less cost than his predeces- sors, and enforcing the law better than any one had thought possible.
 It is question of wholehearted concen- tration of the supportJof the citizens on can didates who are capable and honest. This nation is more and more becoming under control of the cities, because of their rapidly increasing population and material interests. As this aforementioned successful business man said If we are to have national pa triotism, we must begin it's development by creating in the growing generation impulses for good order, cleanliness, honesty and economy in the physical growth and political conduct of our cities" The sooner such a spirit and purpose pervade the American cities, the better not only for them, but for the nation.
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