Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-17
Chicago Overturn Declared
Opportunity for New Mayor

Anton j. Cermak, elected mayor Of
Chicago In a spectacular defeat Of
Mayor Thompson, begins the new ad-
ministration with the favorable consid-
Grafton Of the country. The fact that
he Is himself machine politician Is
freely recognized, but there is q feeling
that the great opportunity which is his
win not be entirely neglected.
Chicago WINS" says the Toledo
Blade, with the feeling that "the vote
for change in administration Is q
compliment to Chicagoans," and con-
cludes: Anton J: Cermak becomes
mayor with mandate from the people
to establish a decent and effective city
government. His instructions are def
mite. He has had long political ex-
perience. Now the test will be how ef-
fectively Mayor Cermak can combine
his experience and the offered Coop
Grafton Of leaders and citizens at large
in giving Chicago . worthy govern
ment."
"IIis election" as viewed by the Port
land Oregon Journal, "is one Of the big
supplies almost nm1tless instances. His
elevation to the i11ayoralty Of Americas
second city is hailed by his followers Is
the end Of Thompsonisn, waste, ex-
travagance and crime The rise OF
this immigrant boy to chief executive
of the second city in the United States
should be stimulation and hope to the
youngsters Of the country. We may
have defects in OUR system, but the way
Is wide open to even the humblest boy
who has the goods and grit and go-get-
U. s. A."
"In bringing about the defeat Of Big
BILL" comments the Hartford Courant
"Mr. Cermak was merely an instrument
In the hands Of the voters, not ideal,
but the best at hand. Primarily q poll
tician, Mr.. Cermak In the past has re-
vealed no exceptional qualities, but the
opportunity before him should tempt
him to do his best. During the CAM
paign he shrewdly perceived that his
best strategy was to contrast himself
sharply TO his opponent, to be dignifled
rather than clownish, to speak quietly
rather than boisterously, to discuss is
sues rather than personalities. To keep
I'D the contrast In office would seem
the best possible politics.
Municipal government in the United
States has long been just cause for
reproach, and In Chicago 1t has been
q cause for shame. The Democrats Of
that city have an opportunity to show
that conditions Of the past can be cor
rected and that government In q large
city can be decent. The eyes Of the
country will continue to rest on Chi
caso to see the results Of turning
raScals out"
"Chicago's race for mayor" accord
ing to the Little Rock Arkansas Demo-
crat, twas true to type. Cermak prom
ised to clear the town of gangsters,
straighten out the tax muddle and
otherwise carry on for the glory and
financial benefit Of the populace.
clownish parades, vaudeville perform
ances and bombastic speeches. But
there 10 q bit Of sour humor In the
results. Cermak II the typical political
boss and has been for many years.
Voters do not have to stand the
kind Of government Chicago has had"
declares the st. Joseph Gazette. THAT
Is the lesson of the election" The
Gazette also comedies: There Ia bound
to be o critical attitude toward Mayor
Cermak. We already hear that he Is
planning another Tammany by virtue
of his control Of the city of Chicago
and Cook County. He did not win be-
cause he was an outstanding citizen,
but because he was the Democratic
candidate against Thompson and by all
odds the lesser Of two evils. However,
that does not remove the fact that no
itself for public ofncial TO build for
himself Al enduring monument In the
hearts OF the ReGse.
Pointing b The smpntia nature q