St. Paul daily globe., 1889-02-20
IF ~, WHY?

III ~, w ny!
Is it true? If SO, why is it? These are
practical questions in connection with a
statement made by prominent member
and director of the chamber of COM
merce at the regular meeting last Mon
day morning. A resolution expressing
the sense of the chamber as to the pro-
posed increase in the indebtedness OF
the city was being discussed. when the
member above referred to arose and
said that it made no difference what ac-
ton the chamber of commerce took in
the matter, as no attention would be
paid to its opinions.
Is this true? If SO. why is it9
There certainly was time, and not
so far back as not to be within the MEM
DRY of us all, when the chamber of COM
merce was not only the most influential
body in the city, but it was virtually
the controlling power so far as the man
agement of the financial affairs of the
city was concerned. Its opinions were
respected by all, and its dictum had the
force of law. The body was known to
be thoroughly representative of the
leading business interests of the city,
and its opinion was considered to be
the consensus of the best thought and
most intelligent ideas respecting public
improvements.
We may well pause to inquire into
the truthfulness of the statement above
referred to; and, il found to be true.
i, thaf inVagfjU9f-
ing the causes which have led to 1t. Ii
it is true that the influence of the cham
Der of commerce Is OH the wane, and
its opinions are no longer respected.
then it becomes the duty of our bust
ness men to reorganiZe and reconstruct
the body upon a basis that will again
elevate it to the position of power and
to the plane of usefulness that it for
merly occupied.
To be frank, the GLOBE is of opinion
that the statement we have quoted is an
exaggerated description of the situa-
ton. The chamber of commerce is not
so utterly lacking In influence, nor are
its opinions so entirely disrespected, as
has been represented. 1t includes in
its membership and in its directory
many who have been most active in its
past influential career, and who have
been foremost in inaugurating and
pushing to completion the various. ell
tcrprises of a public nature which have
made the city the marvel of modern
metropolitan growth. And yet, in the
same spirit of frankness, we are forced
to admit that unfortunately there IS an
apparent foundation for the statement
that the body's power and influence are
on the Wane.
Why is 1t?
Is it because the more influential
members have ceased to take an active
part in its proceedings? Is it because,
as asserted in certain quarters. the body
needs an infusion of younger blood
in its directory? Or is it because, as
has been asserted, that a few selfish,
designing persons, without regard for
the public interests, are seeking to ma
nipulate the body for the promotion of
private enterprises? Tt is not because
we have any definite knowledge on
these matters. but simply because these
questions are being discussed in private
among the members, and by those who
have the real welfare of the body at
heart, that we PROFOUND them here.
They are questions which merit the con-
sideration of the entire membership of
the body, and which equally interest
the population of the whole city.
We venture single opinion. If the
chamberof commerce expects to retain
its past position of power and influence,
1t must demonstrate to the public that
it is not only thoroughly conservative
body, but that it is also thoroughly un-
selfish and pubIic-spirited. Any organ
ization which permits itself to degener-
ate into the business of aX-grin ding for
Individual spectators is absolutely
sure to be without influence.