Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 15.djvu/529

 MUNICIPAL REVIEW, 1908-1909 515

local affairs. Seattle is trying an experiment in municipal edu- cation to be watched with interest in a series of addresses being given under the head of "Know Your City." They are de- signed to inform the people, and especially the voters, of the exact facts concerning the municipal government. Tacoma, which has recently adopted the commission form of government, has formed a strong organization to secure the election of the right sort of men to carry out the new charter.

Portland, Oregon, has a distinguished mayor, a former United States Senator, who is fulfilling his campaign promises and carrying on the city administration in an effective, business- like way. In the words of one who opposed Mr. Simon at the election :

Undoubtedly many saw in his election the outward sign of a restored though chastened Republican harmony. I think in general it may be said that Mr. Simon has made good. He has given assiduous attention to the duties of his office; and most of the departments of the administration are running smoothly, and with greatly increased efficiency.

Heney's defeat in San Francisco is difficult of analysis at this distance. On the surface it would seem to indicate that the peo- ple of San Francisco had grown tired of the graft prosecution; but I incline to the opinion that one of the real causes was that the progressive forces were divided; while the forces on the other side were thoroughly well equipped and stood together to a man. Heney has fought against tremendous odds ; but it was thought that his personality would triumph over them. The re- sults seem to show that definiteness of purpose and thorough organization are still powerful factors in political campaigns. The independent and progressive element should take to heart the lessons which their brethren in the regular political organ- izations set before them. They must organize and, above all, they must be willing to lay aside personal differences of opinion as to the details, and be willing to submerge individual interests in the larger good.

Some of the men elected to the board of supervisors are said to be much above the average, and that the outlook is not nearly so depressing as the first returns seemed to indicate.