Feb. 13.
Discussion gently turning to thoughts of the forthcoming annual elections in the International Settle ment reveals the difficulty of adjusting ideas to the reality of the Council's position. That body has sprung from the modest appoint ment of "three upright merchants" to a Roads and Jetties Committee.
Its municipal attributes are sug-expenditure of much argument, eloquence and trouble in the Secretary's office, Not otherwise has It been with the Shanghai Municipal Council, from time immemorial as the lawyers say. Yet this knowledge does not for one moment diminish the validity of the plea for tasting the net of nomination wider, order that the electorate may feel confidence in the breadth of representation secured, But modesty plays a part in obstructing the cur-Tent of reform, Much effort has to bbe expended in persuading the cultable candidate to stand, and when acceptance of the invitation involves: submission to a double test of the electors' approval, modesty is likely find the spotlight all too fierce for its shrinkingly "demure vision to bear.
During the coming year the Inability of certain members to stand for re-election owing to their impending departure on home leave, affords a real opportunity for recon elling the demand for "new blood" with the need for retaining tried hands in continuity of service. It believed that the British organiza tions have managed to induce a fair number of ratepayers—comprising members of the present Council Well as ingénus—to agree to be regarded as potential nominees in in order to obtain a preliminary senso of the community's attitude in their regard. Whether this _re-agnized device for arming a candidate with comforting authority will achieve its promoters' object remains to be seen. It deserves the strong support of all who have claimed to po interested in' municipal affairs. The chief consideration to be borne In mind is, however, the assertion of the right note of international endeavour. That can
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.