St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-12-09
FINANCIALLY SOUND.
That's What st. Paul Is-The
Chamber Wants Judges to APP
point the Park Board.

pOtnC the 1'ark Board.
Yesterdays session of the chamber
Of commerce opened with an inflamma-
tory speech by E. j. Hodgson. denying
that he had ever said there were 10000
vacant houses and Offices in st. Paul,
and that he had been called down by
William nj. Bushnell for so stating.
Mr.. Hodgs0n INDUCED in few re-
marks uncomplimentary to reporters in
general, and to those in particular who
persisted in referring to members of the
chamber as a set of grandmames. The
Important business OF the chamber was
then Introduced. 1t was the report of
the executive committee on the resolu-
ton offered by M. b. Curry last Monday
morning, which was something in the
nature OF an inquiry concerning the
present financial status and future
prosperity of the city. The report is as
follows:
Your committee respectfully report:
s.That In their opinion the city of st. Paul
rs stronger financially and more solidly pros
porous than at any time in it's past history,
and its future never brighter or more secure
than at present.
Its increase in population. wealth. and the
development of its general business Interests
has been phenomenal. and this growth has
been steady and well sustained.
The increase OF suburban communities
tributary to and dependent upon this city,
has also been notable. and while we get no
credit for this, we do get. practically. the
same advantage as If they were incorporated
with us. We believe st. Paul to be to-day,
without question, the most healthful, beau
tifdl, substantial ana important city in the
Northwest.
The further development of the industries
we have, the encouragement of new and de-
slrable manufacturing enterprises, the use of
our capital at home and the willing and
earnest cooperation OF all good citizens will
accomplish all we desire. and St. Paul will
easily hold its place in the front rank among
The cities of the West.
Mr.. Curry accompanied the report
with brisk and well-timed address.
He said there had been needless talk
and bottomless scare over the financial
situation. The report did not go far
enough In its assurance, and he wanted
the chamber to take hold with will for
the interest and prosperity of the city.
His remarks went home. and were fire.
Quently applauded, especially when the
chamber Was referred to.
The committee then proceeded with
another report, which was net so ac-
crptable. 1t was in reference to the
parks. and contained the following:
Resolved, That i'll the opinion of this
chamber, the dnty and authority of acquir-
parks and parkways Ill the city of st Paul
should be vested in board of five 81 COM
misslouers. TO be appointed from the city at
large by the judges of the district court of
Ramsey county. and to be known as the park
board of he city of st. Paul In order to Sc
cure cont nuous policy on the part OF said
board this chamber is further of the opinion
that the terms Of effice of its members should
be five (o) years each, and so arranged that
not more than one ~ member should so out
Of ottce III any one year.
Resolved. further, That this chamber is in
favor OF the acquisition of reasonable area
OF land for public parks and for system of
parkways, and of giving the board of park
commissioners, when constituted as men
toned IN the foregoing resolution, power to
acquire Land for such. purposes. by gift, pur-
chase or condemnation. as the case NAV re-
quire, and also TO determine how much of
the cost of acquiring each park or parkway
shall be paid by assessment, and how much
from the general park fund: provided. how
ever, that i'll no case should more than forty
(4o) per centum of such cost be paid out of
the sand park fund.
Russell X. Dorr was the leader of the
fuSiiade of remarks that followed. He
Rgeyed to strike out the words Judges
OF the district court and insert the
words 1.-The mayor of the city of st.
Pdul;" also to strike out the words in
the second resolution las the case may
require and insert the words "subiect
to the approval of the common council"
Mr.. Dorr, i'll very forclble speech, in
formed the chamuer why the proposed
amendment. in his Judgment, ought to
be adopted. We have had somewhat
bitter experience caused by the courts
declaring the present law relating to
parks unconstitutional. He did not be-
lleve that the judges OF the district
court would accept such a responsible
ity, and hoped the chamber would adopt
his amendments.
Gen. Andrews talked Interestingly of
various park systems lie had seen.
George ii. Hazard volunteered 4 little
sarcasm touching competition among
merchant princes of st. Paul for the Of
flee of mavor. Col. Clough explained
that the idea was 70 take the park board
out of politics. The mayor was elected
merely as politician. and not a bust
ness man. j. B. Merwin started out ON
roast for the park board, and was
promptly side-tracked by President
NOyes. He apolOgiZed. and diverted
his roast to the report of the committee.
Mr.. Lindeke roasted all boards appoint
ed by the mayor, and made the board of
education special target. ruthlessly
crushing w. Pitt Murray. VINO need
lessly got into his way. Col. Davidson
sandwiched in an amendment, which
was lost in the shuttle. Park Commits
sioner Wedge attempted to defend the
park board by blaming the laws. but
was coughed down. All amendments
were then voted down. and the report
was adopted. Mr.. Dorr suggested that
perhaps the judges had better be asked
whether they would accept the respon-
sibility, but was froWned down. Some
little minor business was transacted,
and the board adjourned.