234 Bruncken — Use of Pm des in Municipal Government. 
the prejudices to which the official ran counter. But the per¬ 
son that thinks himself aggrieved is full of the spirit of re¬ 
venge, active and loud in his denunciations. In such a case the 
official is helpless and would almost invariably meet with de¬ 
feat, if it were not for the sentiment of party loyalty which 
keeps large numbers of voters from listening to or believing the 
words of a candidate’s personal enemies. 
Finally, all the things which may be said in favor of party 
government in national affairs apply likewise to party govern, 
ment in municipal matters, and it must be admitted that all 
objections to the party system are equally valid. Now, I know 
very well that it is easy to make government by party appear 
absurd. It may even be conceded that if the system had not 
grown up gradually, but were presented for adoption in its full- 
fledged forms to persons previously ignorant of its workings, 
few rational beings would vote for its introduction. But it 
should not be forgotten that the American people are so used to 
the party system that they seem to take to it as if by instinct; 
that under it we have achieved national greatness and a fair 
degree of good government; that any other system will upon 
trial prove to be faulty just as well as the present one. It is 
impossible for the voters to judge fairly and intelligently of 
the individual merits of candidates. This difficulty can be over¬ 
come by the party system, in an imperfect manner, to be sure, 
but still overcome. Therefore, it is not the part of political 
wisdom to throw aside this imperfect tool until a more satis¬ 
factory one has been fashioned. 
The improvement of municipal government lies in another 
direction. It must be found in devising ways to attract the 
best talent into public service, and keeping it there after it has 
been obtained. The administration of a great city in all its 
departments requires much special skill, training and experi¬ 
ence. It is quite possible for the common-sense of all to ad¬ 
minister the simple affairs of a rural township; but for the 
government of a metropolis that common sense must be assisted 
by specially trained ability or it will become common nonsense. 
The extension of civil service reform principles will go far to 
obtain such assistance. But lest, through civil service reform 
