St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1891-04-02
MINNEAPOLIS EVENTS
Desperate Eleventh Hour
Methods Of Republicans
Against the Charter.
4 Strike for Short Days Among
the Building Trades In
nlinent.
The Romance Of John Henry
James--A Great Railroad
Owner.
Mrs. Thomas Lowry Seriously
Ill--A Sad Divorce
Tale.

Gov. Merriam has but one day in
which to take action on the Minneapo-
lis charter-to-day. Will he sign it,?
Will he veto it? These are questions
heard on every corner. The answer
usually reveals the politics of the an
swerer. Republicans are circulating
petitions far and wide. All day vester-
day yesterday they were as busy as the
traditional bee. Every good Republican
was supposed to carry petition in his
pocket. The petitions will be presented
to the governor to-day. 1t is needless
10 add that all are against the charter.
The governor will be asked TO veto
the measure. Many Republicans be-
lieve that he will disregard precedent
and follow the wishes of the MinneapO-
lis Republicans.
"In my opinion said one prominent
Republican yesterday, there would be
no question about the signing of that
charter under certain conditions. If a
few Objectionable clauses were elm
mated, the governor would never hest
tate a moment. Now, the Hennepin
delegation has overreached itself.
I hose fellows are good deal like the
chumpS we sent down there two years
ago. \ trust was committed to them.
They were too weak to stand up under
it. They could have prepared amend
ments to the present charter
which would have given them
supreme power just as well
as the present charter does. Those
amendments could have been passed
without any hurrah at all. There never
would have been kick. But they have
tackled on a few clauses which have
converted the charter into an abortion.
Now. believe the mayor should be
given more power, as the charter coll
templates. l believe the mayor and
council should be brought closer to-
gether. But this charter does it too
much. The idea Of compelling all pres
ent city officials to leave office on the
LIST of Junei And, mind you. the cOan-
ell doesn't have TO concur in the APP
pointments to ill their places. The
mayor may appoint whOmsOeYer he
DleaSeS TO those Offices, and they shall
hold office until such time as he gets
ready 10 make appointments which the
council viii confirm. That gives the
mayor too much power.
Then here is another provision. If |.
Dr. any other man, 90 to the mayor or
The head of department and speak
good word for an employee of that de-
partment, or for some applicant. that
mans chances are dead. He is debarred
from receiving all appointment for one
year. 1t almost denies the right of free
speech.
"A few fool clauses like that are
what will cause the governor to veto
That charter
1t should be remembered that these
sentiments were expressed by Repub-
lican. and show the dire straits to which
he is put to raise Il reasonable objection
to the new charter. He misunderstands
The charter, and he is in that same state
Of blissful ignorance concerning the
provisions of the charter which obtains
among the people of Minneapolis gen.
orally. At any rate it is evident that
The Republicans can give but
title more than selfish partisan
reasons for asking the governor to set
aside the action of both branches of the
legislature. The scramble that is being
made at the eleventh hour somewhat
resembles the action that is taken to
save man from the galloWs who has
0een found guilty and sentenced to be
hanged The spectacle of such political
ightweights as John Goodnow and Aid.
Potter attempting to dictate what sort
IF charter the city of Minneapolis
shall have is a refreshing one.