The Daily Alaska empire., 1931-05-16
The Specialist.
CNew York d-TelegramD


 (New York World-Telegram) Better State Government, cheaper State Govern ment simpler State Government is admittedly one of the countrys chief needs. In this field the Nation is lucky enough to have outstanding expert. He is expert who not only knows the subject but who has proved that he knows it by concrete, highly successful improvements in the Government of the State of New York. Is the country wise enough in this particular direction to listen to this expert to seek his advice, to make use of his experience? His name is Alfred E. Smith.
 In the latest of his series of articles in The rld-Telegram former Governor Smith again speaks as he has earned the right to speak, in the not too common role of the practical statesman who thinks it not beneath statesmanship to save the peoples money. '"The whole trend of business reorganization" he points out lis in the interest of effiency and economy of operation in its manage ment to say nothing of responsibility. Unless we are prepared to say that the management and op- eration of State is not business there is no reason why all the States of the Union should not follow the example of a well-rlanaged and we'll conducted business by bringing about responsibility efficiency and economy through process of bringing the machinery of government up to date"
 From Al Smith these are more than words. For had to do with securing the Consti tutional amendments by which 140 scattered over- tapping boards and commissions in this State were reduced and simped into seventeen State depart mens, each with responsible head accountable to the Governor. Taxpayers of other States-New Jersey, for example where seventy-two boards and commissions are administered by 800 persons-ought to rise up and demand like modernizaton of their States Governments Nor is there any bigger spec ialist to consult than the former Governor of New York State.
 Moreover he is bold and thoroughgoing spec ialist. At the present moment many persons will be startled to hear from Tammanys most eminent member the following
 There is fundamental objection to re-
 
 chaotic, incomprehensible system of govern
 ment of the past do so to serve the purpose
 of political machine. The com
 plcated you make government the easier
 it is of manipulation by those who would
 use it to serve their purposes
 That is frank, indeed. For it thrusts straight to the sorest spot in our whole political system the underlying, half-concerned but always potent theory of party organizations that chief func- ton of government is to put many jobs pos sble at the disposal of the party that controls the government. Not that principles and policies do not something to thoughtful members of party But to politicians who do the practical" work of the party machine principles and policies too often seem window dressing Patronage jobs their business. Eliminate patronage and the professional party worker would the end of politics
 For patronage is power. Unfortunately, it is kind of power that is too easily persuaded to look the other way when privilege and graft reach for thelr tou. Un1ortunately IL IS Klnd oI power that has consideration for the taxpayer his pocketbook. Unfortunately, it is kind of power that neither a Democratic nor a Republican or ganizaton enjoy too long without grave risk to honesty and economy in government.
 Al Smith is wise, therefore, in insisting that carefully thought out changes in State govern ments should be fixed by constitutional law Such reorganization in the interest of efficiency and lower cost to taxpayers should not be at the mercy of changing Legislatures under varying party control. By the same token the people of this great city, which contains than half the population of the State, would do well to keep similar thought in mind during the coming inquiry into the work ings of their city government and the adequacy of their present city charter.
 In the whole nation there is more competent authority the machinery of State and local gov ernment than Al Smith. He knows the mechanism itself. He knows all Its intricate relations with politics. He be practical any politician and at the time purpose beyond politics.
 Here, then is distinguished advisory job for Al Smith, nationwide in its scope. States should hast en to consult him. Taxpayers everywhere can orof fron