St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1891-07-04
COL. KING ON UNION.

The Minneapolis Tribune Yesterday
printed a letter from Col. w. S. KING ON
the growing topic of the union or the two
cities. Col. KING has not been among
those who would be named first as pro-
mOters of unity. His local loyalty has
been so fervent that he has been in
clined to circumScribe his vision by
names rather than interests. He does
not now go beyond the suggestive, in
quiring as to to the degree of mutually
desirable for the future welfare of the
two separate corporate communities.
He states the ground for the inquiry
and discussion admirably in this:
1t is simply a great business enterprise that
Is proposed; one which involves not only
every dollars worth of real and personal
property within the corporate limits of
both cities, but which also relates directly to
the future growth, progress. and material de-
Yelopment of both, as we'll as to the equally
Important question Of political influence and
power now possessed by both, or TO be pos
sessed by one, under the proposed union. 1t
is problem, therefore, that can be wisely
discussed, and should only be debated from
the most substantial and material standpoint.
II such a union can in any event prove hurt
full to either city, then neither should desire
it. and neither would urge It, II union
would bless and benefit both, then every
hand should be raised for it.
He is altogether right in regarding
this as the lone great underlying ques-
ton to be considered in discussing this
proposition" There needs first to be
an earnest and pervasive conviction
among the people of the two cities that
their interests are very largely in com
mon, and detriment from the outside to
one equally touches the other. After re-
ferring to the possible danger from other
powerful committees competing for the
traffic of the vast empire unfolding to
the north and west that should flow to
the twins, Col. KING says further:
Now, it is in the march of events that we
are to consider the desirability of cOncen-
trating the strength OF the two cities in the
coming struggle Tor the control of this new
Northwest. What numerical influence and
power is in such a contest we all under
stand. Even concentrated capital is not
more powerful in such a contest than num-
beTs and both should be combined to be
most influential and successful. But what
them Let it be conceded for arguments
sake that union is desirable, nay. more, i'm
pOrtant, how and upon what terms can union
be accomplished?
The answer to the latter question
seems to him difficult one. He glances
at the rising throng of matters of detail
that would make the work of corporate
and political unity arduous to consum-
mate The Tribune, in some favorable
comment upon the letter and the general
drift of the local thought, is inclined to
believe that when il is determined that
the common business interests urgently
demand union, 1.-THE details can be
easily adjusted" The GLOBE has al
ways favored concord of sentiment and
mutually of action on business lines.
1t has steadily deprecated any sort of
rivalry that disparaged either COM
munity, or that gave rise to unfriendly
feeling in any quarter. 1t has seemed
manifest destiny that the two cities
should become one vast municipality
with acknowledged identity of interest
and moving forward to the grand materi-
aliZatiOn of greatness and prosperity
with clasped hands and equal step,
whether there were a formal cOnSumma-
ton Of municipal union or not. There
is no room apparent for controversy
that the future of the twins is largely
in their own hands, and it may be grand
and comprehensive or meager and cir
cumscribed, as they act. Yet it is not
clear that the difficulties of detail pre-
sent themselves in unnatural proper
tons to Col. KING. Discussion in a
friendly spirit, which alone can accom-
plish anything, may greatly simplify
them. 1t is gratifying to rejecting and
good-tempered minds in both cities that
the subject is approached in so consid,
crate and judiciOGs a manuer.