Pullman herald. [volume], October 20, 1911, Image 5

About Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989

Image provided by: Washington State Library; Olympia, WA

                
rE BANK THAT HELPS THE
■)'■ FARMER IS THE
PLACE THE FARMER DEALS
A: That is why the deposits of the First National Bank of Pullman
re now mounting upward, because all through the past season we
'have furnished the sinews of war to keep the wheels moving in 'he
production of a splendid grain crop. Therefore, when a farmer
sells his grain he naturally leaves the proceeds here and settles all
bis obligations by check and leaves the balance until needed in his
business next year. He is all the more willing to do this because he
||- knows, from past experiences, that he can safely rely on us to help
X him again in the production of next year's crop, If you are not
* already a customer of this bank and this system of mutual helpful
ness and co-operation appeals to you, you should establish a finan
i cial connection with the "Home of the Palouse Dollar."
The First National Bank
"HOME OF THE PALOUSE DOLLAR"
Capital and Surplus, $60,000
jjShe Pullman Herald
''imiis_ffi**£_?
■tg-yy *►_-''
WM. GOODYEAR, Lessee. KARL P. ALLEN, Editor
|TT Published every Friday st Pullman, Washington, and entered at the Pullman
*_\ postoffice as second-class mail matter.
< $1.00 par Year if paid in advance; if not paid in advance 50 cents additional.
Pullman, Wash., Friday, October 20, 191 1
Study! Investigate! Think!
The Herald is glad that its edi
torial on the commission form, of
government has caused a discussion
of this important question and that
arguments for and against the adop
tion of the system by Pullman are
being advanced. This paper will be
glad to publish the ideas of any
citizen on the subject, regardless of
which side of the Issue he advocates.
All, are desirous of doing what Is
for the best interests of the city,
and there is room for an honest dif
ference of opinion on the advisability
of making the proposed change.
The Herald has advanced three ob
jections to the adoption of the com
mission form of government by this
city, which the editor does not think
have been satisfactorily answered by
the advocates of the change.
First — "The same results can be
attained without the additional ex
pense, it the citizens will do their
duty." It is no answer to this argu
ment to make the assertion that:
"The citizens' privileges of exercis
ing their duty have heretofore
stopped until the next election, when
they had chosen on election day
their representatives to administer
the law, but under the new form the
citizens' privileges to perform this
duty only begin when they have
elected their officers." It is a fact
beyond dispute that the city council
men of Pullman are ready and
anxious at all times to do what a
majority of their constituents de
sire. If the citizens have taken so
little Interest in their'government as
to decline to inform the council
what they want done, there Is no
valid reason for assuming that they
will take any more interest under
the commission form of government
The initiative, referendum and re
call are all excellent policies, but
citizens who have declined to exer
cise the right of petition are very
likely to refrain from using these
powers. It is almost a certainty
that at the next general election the
people of this state will ratify the
constitutional amendments which are
to be submitted, providing for direct
legislation and the recall, and th
citizens of Pullman will then gain
these privileges without the expense
of changing the present form of gov
ernment. The kind of administra
tion the city will get, either from j
councilmen or from commissioners,
depends entirely upon the men
elected and that depends upon the in
terest taken by the citizens.
The second objection advanced by
the Herald was that: "The commis
sion form of government in places
the size of Pullman has not yet
passed the experimental stage and
.the financial condition of this city
* does not justify any experiment at
Fta minimum cost of $1000 a year."
This objection was In answer to the
I arguments that, because the commis
i sion form of government has proved
I beneficial In large cities and because
"It has been adopted by a number of
i cities with a population of less than
f 3000, it would prove a benefit' to
MPullman. What:is a,benefit to one
..city might'prove a detriment to
.another. For instance, a paid fire
; department is a benefit to the tax
y Payers of Spokane, but would be an
OF PULLMAN
expensive luxury to the taxpayers of
Pullman. A city which has suf-
ficient business might find it eco
nomical to pay good salaries to three
or five commissioners to devote all
their time to the city's affairs rather
than to pay smaller salaries to a
larger number of councilmen for de
voting a portion of their time to pub
lic business, while it might be an ex
travagance for a city with compara
tively little business to pay $1000
a year to three commissioners, when
a mayor and seven councilmen could
be secured to do the work for noth
ing. in a big city, divided into a
large number of wards, in many of
which the population is almost en
tirely composed of denizens of the
underworld, or of ignorant foreign
ers, organized by political machines
for the purpose of plunder, it would
prove advantageous to elect city of-
(trials at large, while in a small city,
divided into three wards, each popu
lated by the same class of people,
all mutually interested in the wel
fare of the community, it might be
better to give each ward representa
tion in the city government, there
by guarding against undue influence
by the more populous section.
It is a good thing for a farmer.
who has plenty of money, to experi
ment with a new machine, but it
would be very foolish for a farmer
who needs every cent he has to pur
chase the new machine until its
worth has been demonstrated by
tests under the same conditions
which obtain on his farm. Letters
received from the mayors of cities
the size of Pullman, stating that they
have found the commission form of
government a success, are ex parte
evidence which should be given little
weight, because these mayors are
prejudiced witnesses, who could not
he expected to discredit their own
administrations.
The salaries of the three commis
sioners under the proposed form of
government would amount to $1000.
The monthly printed summary of
their proceedings and the annual
printed report required by law, to
gether with the cost of special elec
tions and other Incidental expenses,
would swell the amount in all prob
ability to at least $1500 per annum.
The estimated expenditures of the
city for 1912 amount to $16,940.
Of this amount $10,100 is for in
terest, sinking funds and paying off
old debts, $1500 for street lights,
$1540 for salaries and $3800 for re
pairs and Improvements on streets,
bridges and sewers and Incidentals.
The commission could evidently
make no reduction in the interest,
sinking fund and old debt Items, for
they are fixed charges which must
be met sooner or later. It Is not
reasonable to suppose that they
could make any material saving on
salaries, for it would be almost im
possible to secure two men to act as
marshals for less than $600 a year,
a man to discharge the duties of city
clerk at less than $360 a year, a
city attorney for less than $180, a
treasurer for less than $300: or a
health officer for less than $100 per
annum. Street lights would also
come under the head of fixed
charges, for the service is a neces
sity, and there is no. reason for be
lieving, that, a reduction in pric«
could be secured. It appears then
that the only place where the com-
mission would have a chance to save
money would be in the item of $3800
for repairs and Improvements oh
streets, bridges and sewers and mcl«
dentals. Is it reasonable to figure
that the three ablest business men
in Pullman could save $1500 or even
$1000 in the expenditure of $3800?
If the commission could not save
j money for the city, then the only
I argument In favor of making the
change would be that the govern
ment would be enough more efficient
to justify the additional expense,
and this leads up to the third objec
tion of the Herald, that: "There
Is very grave doubt if as good men
could be induced to serve as com
missioners for the paltry salaries al
lowed, as could be secured to serve
on the council without pay." It does
not solve this doubt to ask why
as good men would not serve for pay
as without pay? Many a good man
will do something as a favor for a
friend or a community who would
absolutely refuse to do It for hire.
Many a busy man will give part of
his time to the public service because
of his sense of civic duty, who would
scoff at the idea of giving more of
his time for $250 a year. A man
who is serving the city out of
patriotism and whose only reward is
the knowledge that he has done his
duty faithfully, cares little for
criticism and to a certain extent is
immune from it, but let him receive
a few dollars from the public treas
ury and every taxpayer claims tht.
privilege of roasting him. The small
salaries allowed would be no induce
ment to able aud busy men, but they
would appeal to the kind of men
whom the city does not want to
govern it. Business men who might
be willing to give one-seventh of
their time to the service of the city
would balk at selling one-third of
their time for $250 or $500 a year.
The efficiency of the government un
der the commission plan would de
pend entirely upon the ability of the
commissioners and the time they
would devote to their duties, just as
the efficiency of the government un
der the present plan depends upon
the ability of the mayor and council
men and the time they give to their
r
duties. The change in number cuts
no figure. The school districts of
this city and state have been run by
boards of three directors, but they
have, as a rule, been no better man
aged than the towns. The present
financial condition of Pullman and
other cities in the west is due to
boom conditions in years gone by,
rather than to the system of gov
ernment. The city officials made too
many improvements and contracted
too many debts, but they did it in
compliance with the wishes of their
constituents. The system of govern
ment by county commissioners has
been cited and the question asked:
'"Would the people of Whitman
county do away with the three com
missioners and elect seven men to
handle the reins of county govern
ment?"
The people of -Whitman county
and several other counties in this
state proved at the last election that
they were not satisfied with the
present form of county government
by voting overwhelmingly for town
ship organization, under the best
developed form of which each town
ship elects Its own board of select
men, and the county is governed by
a board made up of the chairmen of
these township boards. It is also a
fact that there is a very strong sent!
ment in this county in favor of elect
ing the commissioners by districts
instead of at large.
If a majority of the people of Pull
man want to adopt the commission
form of government, the Herald
will cheerfully acquiesce and do all
in its power to make the experiment
a success. But they should not ad
vocate the change blindly and sup
port it simply because It is some
thing new and has proved a success
in large cities where conditions are
entirely different from those obtain
ing here. They should act with the
same caution as would a manufac
turer or a farmer who is in the same
financial condition. Would a manu
facturer or a farmer, who is as badly
in debt as is this city, discard a
machine which Is not entirely satis
factory for a new machine, which be
would be compelled to use for a
period of six years at an expense of
$1000 or $1500 a year, until the new
machine had been thoroughly tested
and its efficiency and money saving
possibilities had been demonstrated
under conditions similar to those un
der which he would operate it?
Study! investigate! think! before
you go to the booth to register your
vote for or against adopting the com
mission form of government for
Pullman.
Deserves Promotion.
Governor Hay has under con
sideration a number of candidates
for the vacancy in the public service
commission caused by the death of
Harry Fairchild. If he places
capability above politics in making
his selection, he will appoint A. W.
Perley, present state Inspector of
railroad tracks and equipment. Mr.
Perley has earned promotion by the
faithful and efficient service which
he has rendered the state and the
traveling public. He Is a practical
railroad man, well versed in many
of the problems which the public
service commission will have to
solve. He is also a close student of
public affairs and has manifested
such sound Judgment and courage In
the discharge of his duties that he
has won the confidence of the pub
lic.
Politically, the only argument
against his appointment would be
that he Is a resident of the same
county as J. C. Lawrence, another
member of the public service com
mission. But political geography
should not be allowed to outweigh
merit and capability in filling this
most Important position, and Gov
ernor Hay would strengthen him
self in the estimation of the people of
the state by the appointment of Mr.
Perley.
Civic Government by Com mission.
Government by commission In-
Pullman simply means the placing of
all municipal affairs in the hands of
three men elected by general vote
for a term of three years. These
men are clothed with ample power
and made directly responsible foi
every incident in connection with
civic administration. One, the
mayor and chairman of the body, is
paid a minimum salary of $500 per
year and the others are paid $250
each per year.
The business of the city under this
form of government will be divided
into three departments. One com
missioner is placed as manager of
each department and is held in
dividually responsible for everything
pertaining to his department. Full
responsibility for all departments
rests with the three commissioners,
who form the legislative as well as
the executive body of the city.
All meetings are open to the pub
lic.
The question naturally arises: "Is
it safe to entrust so much authority
to three men for so long a period?"
This is taken care of under the law
by the privileges given the people of
direct legislation, or the features of
initiative, referendum and recall,
three strong points in the people's
favor in commission government
over the present form.
In a word, government by com
mission is merely the application by
the people for the people of strict
business methods to the business of
their city.
The initiative and referendum
places the power with the people at
all times by their votes to prevent
unwise and wrongful acts on the
part of their officials and permit a
direct voice in enacting or repealing
wise or unwise measures.
The recall makes possible by a
vote of the people the dismissal from
office and election of successors of
one or all of the commissioners for
misconduct or inability without wait
ing for their terms of office to ex
pire. .
Eighty-five cities and towns in the
United States have adopted it and
many more are considering it.
Salem, Ore., votes on it October 26
and Chehalis, Wash., on Novem
ber 6.
Shall Pullman adopt it?
FRANK M. SLAGLE.
Dew has a bath.
0.-W. R. & N. Time Card.
To Colfax—7 a. m.
To Moscow —11:66 a. m.
To Colfax—3:2o p. m.
To Moscow—6:66 p. m.
Passengers going to Spokane can
leave Pullman at 7 a. m., reaching
Spokane before noon. Connecting at
Colfax with the Soo train for St.
Paul and Chicago. Through with
out change.
For Sale Cheap.
One hundred acres, two miles from
Pullman; good land, good buildings
and plenty of water. Price $7700;
$2000 down, balance as long time as
you want.
I Oct. 6 Sanger & Dow.
For HOUSE
REPAIRING
And Furniture
Repairing
Phone 123 J
BAILEY &
PRICE
i mm mill
lias now been thoroughly overhauled and put in an up-to-date
condition and is turning out the best of Flour and Feed
WE INVITE THE PATRONAGE OP THE SURROUNDING
COUNTRY
Guaranteeing our goods to be as good as the very best. We make
a specialty of Farmers' trade, giving them inducements to
exchange their wheat for our Flour. Special prices on 5-barrel
lots and over. A TRIAL ORDER SOLICITED
OUR CHOP MILL
.
has been newly remodeled and we are well prepared to do
STEAM ROLLING and CHOPPING on short notice. Our Seed-
Cleaning Machinery is the best made. We can do thorough
cleaning . Give us a trial order and convince yourselves
Yours for business,
THE PULLMAN MILL CO.
1 Tf VERY DOLLAR you
I |*^ Put in the Bank strength
[ J®*"^ ens the Wall between
f You and Adversity.
I Every dollar you put in the bank means
_ another step toward success. No suc
k cessful man has ever been without a
l bank account. A bank account means
l increased prestige and a sense of relia
\ bility and security, well worth the great
p est effort in order to acquire one.
*>
L
3 ___' ___
_ Pullman State Dank
I
i nil.
FURNITURE
Now is the Time to Get the House
Ready for Fall and Winter
We have our store full of beauti
ful things that will make your home
smile. You love a beautiful home,
don't you? So why not spend some
of the money you have harvested to
Make Your Home Happy
_________■.
KIMBALL & ROTH
Furniture and Undertaking
. ■ i
Opposite Artesian Hotel. - - - PULLMAN, WASH.
! ■
"~~-~"~"~"~~* Special attention giv-
Horseshoeing UK ,""
nun Howard &
Ml Bartell
IN MOSS BUILDING
Specialty ._
%JjJ U UIUIIJ • Qppogjtestar Bara _w_WL
■■■■••••-. I Pull man. - Washington
Sept.29