Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-11-22
R1RM1NGBAM,s DEMONSTRATION.

An interesting article by Joseph Cham
berlain on the municipality of Birming-
ham appeared in the November Forum
The engrossment of most minds in the
election is the reason why the article did
not receive the attention it deserved. 1t
should be of the utmost interest to dwell
ers in American cities; for it makes clear
the difference in system which makes the
difference in results between one of the
best-governed municipalities in the world
and a number of what must be confessed
to be the worst governed in civilized and
progressive nations.
The splendid work which has been done
in rebuilding, improving and ornamenting
Birmingham has already secured world
vide fame Within the past quarter
century it has been practically trans
formed into metropolis, with its streets
well lighted, well paved and well
cleaned; with free libraries, parks, a
school of art, new Ass.ze courts and
courts of Justice, with ownership of gas
works, water works and street railways.
The splendid work that has
been done in this line has been
widely celebrated in various magazine and
newspaper articles, but what is not SO
generally understood is that these NUM-
cipal services are rendered to the people
of Birmingham at an annual cost of tax
alton about one-fourth the average of
American cities. 1t is calculated to arouse
stupefaction in the Pittsburg mind to find
it asserted that the municipal services Of
Birmingham, excepting public schools,
lunatic asylums and poor fund, is 81, ,665,
900, or about 40 per cent of Pittsburg's ex-
penses, while Birmingham has nearly
double the population.
What is the cause Of this remarkable
contrast? Some people are disposed to
attribute it to the large element of voters
who are not property holders. This may
have some effect, but not much in Bir-
mingham, where all rate-payers of any
sort, both male and female, have the right
to vote at municipal elections. The regis
tration shows total voting population in
Birmingham of $4,000, or about one to
every four and half of population So
that the suffrage as far as it affects
Birmingham's municipal affairs is as
widely distributed there as here Never
theless there is an important political
difference which Mr.. Chamberlain makes
very clear Although politics enter into
the composition of the Municipal Council,
they are not allowed to have the slightest
force in the election of the permanent
officials or the employment of workmen
by the city. The strongest evidence of
this is in the fact that, while the Council
has been for two generations Liberal or
Radical body, the majority of the high
officials of the city have been Conserva-
tives. Mr.. Chamberlain says,
When new official has to be elected, no
questions are asked as to his political
opinions and no interference would after.
ward be tolerated with his exercise Of
privileges. 1t is an unwritten law that no
paid official shall take IN active part in
political contests. He is expected to refrain
from the platform ard the press in relation
to such controversial matters, but his
private opinions and his votes are matters
exclusively for his own discretion. Once
chosen, If he discharges his duties we'll and
faithfully, he remains in office for life, or till
his resignation; with the probability that IL
he is disqualified by age or intirmities. he