The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-05-16
REMEDIES FOE CITIES
REV. WASHINGTON GLADDEN. TALKS
ON MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.
He Urges the Abolition OF the Wards
His Views : of Rational
Civil Service.

For twenty years Rev. Washington Glad
den has given such careful and intelligent
attention to all the topics which come under
the general term sociology that whatever
he had TO say on any question e~ffecting
society is better worth attention than are.
perhaps, the opinions of any other man in
this country. Last evening he was the guest
of the Congregations Club, which held its
meeting at the May Flower Church, and
spoke upon the Government of Cities" He
said that while we surpass the world in
many things. and while our national execu-
tive control is probably the best in exist
ence. our municipal government as a
whole. is a failure. The causes are: First.
the debasement of the average intelligence
and morality Of city populations by immi-
grafton; industrial crises like the present.
which bring poverty and lead many to ac-
cept charity and thus TO lose Individual in
Dependence; the constant influx of the ne'er-
do-wells from the country who can beg in
the city but must dig in the country; in
tellectual and civic debasement due to soft
hearted people whose indiscriminate charity
invites the fraudulent pauper and encour-
ages the mendicant; the abandonment of
large populations in the hearts of cities by
the churches, and the absenteeism from the
cities of business men who live In the
suburbs.
Out of these conditions spring the dema-
gogue. His interest lies in the perpetuating
or all that is vicious. The vast moneyed in
terests in saloons, gambling houses and
houes Of prostitution. help the demagogue.
Bad government permits these evils to exist
and they help to maintain bad government.
The thorough craftsmanship of good people
can be relied ltnOn m xnfa the rar.,lo =.
ticket. The demagogue presents the candi-
dates and controls the balance Of power.
The bad element is thoroughly nonpartisan.
The custom of appealing to the Legislature
To be protected from the populace has re-
suited in a government by committees
whose divided powers fail to improve the
worst conditions. The system of wards I'm
Cities TO elect the council is a vicious one.
Inc member OF the ward wants something
Tor his ward. and, in fighting for wards,
the interests of the whole city are sacri-
need. II Is ward government rather than
city government.
Turning to the remedies for the evils of
city government, DR.. GLADDEN. urged the or
ganization of leagues for the study of
municipal topics, open TO all, to be partici-
pated in by all. The leagues business is to
educate. 1T can investigate every branch of
city government impartially and report the
not come from the Legislature entirely. The
state should have a few general PRINCIPLES
M Jaw, defining and limiting charters. but
cities should frame their own and submit
ton. ieJe0
Restricted suffrage is of doubtful utility
out, as In England, no person should vote
VINO cannot prove himself an occupier of
property In person. All men and women
IN cities, and who are taxed, should vote.
whether they live within the CORPORATE lin,
It's or not. They are stockholders in the
municipal corporation, and are taxed, and
consequently should vote. New York would
not be as IT Is If the men doing business
IN TIT " were permitted to vote for city officers.
ward; elect the Council on one ticket. with
some sort OF minority representation or
members to elect, take the twelve highest
candidates on the ticket having a majority
IN the city voting at the election, and the
eight highest on the minority ticket. Cen
tralize the executive authority in the hands
OF the Mayor. 1t is more democratic, be-
cause ne is then responsible to the people
ana can be reached at the next election.
One man for executive; many for legisla-
ton: The best charter cannot save, but.
as in Brooklyn, n. Y, last fall. ii can
make it possible for an incensed people
to make a change.
There should" said Mr.. GLADDEN.. 'be
The applicant for the police should not be
in Latin, but he should be able
to read and write, and to show the intelli-
better be ascertained by independent ex-
animation than by a ward boss"
Inc speaker thought that the government
OF parties, which divide along national lines,
should have no place in municipal affairs.
There should be municipal politics relating
70 municipal affairs. separate from national
politics.. There should be a coordination
of socialism and individualism. Cities can
do some things better than individuals.
They can better supply water and market
places; they may suppl light and own
street transportation, but the city should
not go too far. The area of private enter
prise should not be circumscribed. A pub
lie spirit, a love for the public welfare, q
| government should be cultivated. This is
most needed. The sentiment of community
| should be fostered. The individual should
be socialized. The doctrine thai no man
ives to himself alone should be vitalized
in communities.
Mr.. Gladden's address occupied an hour,
and every point was emphasized by force
| fuI axnraScfOn and mt fIustrotion