POLK SEES DECLINE OF PARTY SPOILS SYSTEM

College graduates who desire to pursue a political career should first of all join a local party club," said Frank L. Polk, Under Secretary of State in the Wilson administration, when be was interviewed at the Union yesterday, where he presided at a luncheon of the National Municipal League.

"It is not necessary," said Mr. Polk, "for men to hold office in order to engage in politics. In my opinion, it is far better for a young man to manifest interest in his local problems and affairs than to start off with definite opinions and set ideas concerning the League of Nations and such international matters about which his information must necessarily be second-hand."

Law Not Best Preparation

When Mr. Polk was asked what in his opinion was the second step to take after joining a political party, he said: "There are various and equally advantageous modes of preparation. It so happens that the majority of men in politics have been trained for a career before the bar, because on entering a law office they have been immediately thrown into intimate contact with legislation. There is no reason, however, for supposing that the law is the best preparation.

"The Diplomatic service now is conducted as nearly on the merit system as any human organization can be. Young men who enter can be reasonably sure that they will have the same opportunity to show their stuff that they would have in some business concern. The only branch in which the merit system is not exclusively employed is in the appointment of heads of mission. In this regard, the President still keeps his right to reward prominent men at home with ministerial or ambassadorial appointments abroad, but at the same time he has not disregarded the capable men who have risen from the ranks and are fitted to assume the responsibilities of heads of mission, as the present status of the diplomatic service conclusively shows. Men are also being called home to the State Department to become Assistant Secretaries of State and are being retained in these responsible positions regardless of their party affiliations, which certainly is a tremendous step away from the old spoils system."

Politicians Need Not Cater to Voters

Mr. Polk was asked whether it was possible for a man to engage in politics now without being forced to cater to the wishes of his constituents in order to retain his office. "It certainly is," he replied. "I can name several prominent instances where a man, either Senator or Congressman, has disagreed with the electors of his state or district on many issues, and voted the way he thought best and despite his refusal, to follow the orders of his constituents has been returned to office again and again. People will uphold an upright man, and admire him, whether they agree with his ideas or not."