St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1893-03-14
THE DIFFERENCE.

The difference between the city ad-
ministratiOn and the preceding one is
now apparent. 1t went in under the
popular feeling that the affairs of the
city were being conducted eXtrava-
gantly. 1t is. therefore, forced to show
areduction in expenses to avoid censure
from the people who helped it to power.
1t was declared by the socalled reform
advocates in the campaign OF lS92 that
the city government was squandering
money at an alarming rate; in fact, some
went so far as to charge corruption.
The new administration went but little
way until the idea that anything was
stolen was effectually exploded; 1t
has gone so far now that intelll-
gent and fair-minded people can form
pretty good idea as 10 whether the
funds had been squandered. 1t was the
belief of nearly all the substantial men
who joined the reform movement that
our streets could be kept clean and Ill
frst-elasS repair, and the departments
up to suitable standing, at much less
expense; and it is doubtful If any or
them were willing that the cost of run
ming the government should be reduced
below the amount necessary to do so.
The new administration, no doubt,
shared the feeling IN every respect, be-
lieving at the outset that it could Keep up
the reputation of st. Paul as being the
cleanest city in America, and all the de-
partments TO the required strength,
at a greatly reduced cost. 1t has some
time since discovered its mistake, and
in its dilemma it places its reliance
solely upon reducing expenses.
What is the result? 1t has been many
wears since our streets were in such
wretched condition as now. The city
engineer is making no effort to keep
them clean, and for the evident reason
that the mayor is holding him in check.
Comptroller MCCARDY appeared before
the conference committee last evening,
and showed from figures that it is abSo-
lutely necessary that every city depart
ment shall curtaiI its expenses to the
most extreme limit in order that its
funds may hold ont to the end OF the
year. There is even great danger that
the amount>set apart for the general
fund will prove insufficient to pay the
warrants which must be drawn upon 1t.
Some of the departments will be COM
PEELED to reduce their forces; there is
no other way in which they can squeeze
through. 1t will probably be necessary
to again weaken the fire department,
and possibly the police department.
1t comes from one of the most prom
inent Republicans, who is in position
to know whereof he speaks, that never
in the history of the city has so much
money been expended in charity during
a winter as this. And hundreds OF the
dependents are those who used to be
employed upon the streets. Most OF
them received small wages, but enough
to keep them off the town.
The difference between the two adj
minIstrati0ns is very apparent. The
former administration expended enough
| money to keep the city clean and every
thing in good working order. and we
had few dependents upon charity; and
the present administration is taking the
other tack in order to reduce expenses,
and we have many dependents upon
charity. We have the two methods
plainly before US, and 1t is for the st.
| Paul public to decide which they pre-
| fer.