Democracy vs. Politics, Editorial, 1938

Friday, March 25, 1938

The West Asheville News

Published every Friday by Walter A. Ward, 508 Haywood Road, West Asheville, Telephone 4817. Subscription rates by mail $2 per year.

This newspaper is dedicated to the upbuilding of Asheville and Buncombe County, protecting their citizenship and promoting their interests.

This newspaper is the authorized spokesman for Organized Labor in Asheville and vicinity. It champions the rights of the workers in fair and honorable manner, convinced that Asheville’s best interests can be served only through protection of the interests of the working masses.

editorial

DEMOCRACY vs. POLITICS

If Democracy breaks down in this country not the least cause will be an order of politics whose system of spoils and favoritism place efficiency and conscientious public service of secondary importance. The party or a faction within the party must first be served; only after that may the public benefit.

Such a system has been in vogue for a long time; it is still going on with increased viciousness.

What appears to be the latest example in point is what seems to be the forced resignation of Test Farm Superintendent S.C. Clapp by the State Agriculture Commissioner Scott.

From what we can learn, Mr. Clapp is doing a good job. Perhaps he is not; there may be warrant for his removal. But until more acceptable grounds are offered, the incident will smack of rank politics.

Favoritism, it might be said, does not always take heavy toll of efficient public service. For this reason perhaps the system of spoils is still able to exist. Mr. Clapp’s successor is doubtless worthy and capable. But politics alone does not justify a change in an office or job.

No successful private business would think of discharging an employee who is meeting his responsibilities well. Why, then should any unit of public business countenance it?

This does not preclude the oft necessity of a purge of incompetence, but neither does it mean that reform should be based on favoritism. Certainly competency should be retained.

Not only is the professional politician to be blamed for this condition, but also the attitude of a large part of the public which aids and abets by erroneously feeling that a public servant should not remain in office too long. Prudent and sound business enterprises look upon length of service as an asset. Strange the electorate, so far as its employees are concerned do not.

Europe has it over America in this regard. Tenure of office over there extends over a long period of time. Here performance of efficient service is oft subject to the caprice of the party in power. Should we be surprised if Democracy crumbles?