St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1892-04-25
WHO is RESPONSIBLE?

The GLOBE denies unqualifiedly that
the debt Of ST. Paul has increased
S5,0JO,OO0 during the past five years. or
any other sun: out of proportion to the
citys own growth and development. 1t
further denies that, if there has been
any increase whatever, it was occa-
stoned by expenditures authorized at
the instance of Democratic councils.
During the past year the city's debt has
not grown at all, because the Bell char
ter forbids it. During the first two Of
the other four years to which Col.
WRIGHT and his organ refer, the Re-
publican party had majority in the com
mon council. CHARLES ID. KERR, now
an honored judge OF our district court,
and against whom eve n the Pioneer
Press will hesitate TO cast mud, was its
presiding officer; and il there was any
rascaity or dishonesty in It's methods
the Democracy is not responsible for
them. In order, therefore, to sustain
its indictment, the enemy must IN ain
tain that the city's debt has grown
$1,000, 600 within two years. win its
mendacitY go as far as this, or will it adj
NIT that halt OF whatever blame there
is rests on its shoulders?
In point of fact, there was period
during which not only this city, but
many OF its citizens lived beyond their
incomes. This was not the result of
dishonesty, but was one of a generally
prevalent feeling of prosperity, buoy
ancy and sef-c0nldence. Public i'm
provements were pushed with the great
est rapidity III response to clanor in
which all classes joined. The chamber
of commerce, the jobbers' union, the
newspapers. without regard to party,
insisted that new streets should be
opened and paved, the water mains
should be extended, sewers constructed,
parks be bought and beautified, public
buildings and school houses be erected,
bridges be built. In an incredibly short
time st. Paul was converted from a
struggling village, with dirt roads and
unkempt aspect, to the haEdsomeSt,
brightest, cheerleSt, most delightful
city in the Union. All this work took
m0ney-more money than could be de-
rived from taXati0n-and bonds were
issued and sold that il might be rendered
possible. There were no dissenting
voices in that hour. If the programme
was unwise or unfortunate, the whole
city will have to acknowledge itself at
fault. 1t is the glory of the Democracy
that all these splendid achievements
were made without penny of defalca-
ton, without the cOnsummation of
single job, and with the most satisfac-
tory results as far as the character and
permanence Ut the improvements them
selves are concerned.
st. Paul is marvel among the Amer
lean municipalities. 1t has we'll paved,
well lighted streets, well managed pub
lie schools, an admirable drainage SyS-
TEN, au efficient police and fire depart
ment, good transportation facilities in
all directions. convenient and adequate
public buildings. There are some pe0-
pie who think it would be better with
out these things. but even Col. w FRIGHT,
who recklessIy accuses men of dishon-
esty, will have to admit that they have
been secured with economy, Intelligence
and success. We have spent great
deal of money, but we have a great deal
to show for it.