New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-12-11
GOVERNMENT OF CITIES.
ADDRESSES BEFORE THE MINNEAPOLIS
CONVENTION
PROFESSOR JAMES. or PHILADELPHIA. TALKS
OF THE MODEL cHARTER-A BANQUET TO
TIE DEIEGATES OF TIE NATIONAL

y
THE DELEGATES OF THE NATIONAL
MUNICIPAL. LEAGUE.
Minneapolis, Dec. lO-In the Good city Govern
ment Convention to-day the principal address was
that Oh THE Elements Of Model Charter
for American Cities" read by Professor Edmund
J. James. professor in the Wharton School Of
Finance and Economy OF the University OF Penn
syl1ania. Professor James has made extensive
ana profound studies of municipal questions and
is one OF the leading authorities in the country.
In opening his address h. took occasion 10 deny
the statements credited 10 him in the last CONVEX
ton in Ncw-York that Philadelphia poorly
governed city. His remarks. no said. referred to
NewYork under the Tweed ring.
The ideal city charter he said was one that was
granted 10 particular city AT p particular time.
The conditions in the various cities were go different
that style Of charter could be satisfactory.
Tho system i'm vogue in London and Dublin had
proved failure when applied to American cities.
where universal suffrage prevails State i,egisla-
lures too much inclined to interfere win
municipal arairs. and charters. therefore. Lack
stability. The rulings Of the United States Su-
preme Court relative to the violation of contracts
permit the giving away OF valnable franchises
upon terms witch though they may b" other
than beneficial to the municipalities giving them.
cannot be altered. II private corporations can.
through moment Of public Indifference. secure
the election Of Their representatives, 10 IN" 'oun-
els. the secure granting OF franchises wnich
viii mako them immensely wealthy The Mayor
should bc at the head Of the executive department
with authority To appoint heads 10 all depart
ments upon a civil service plan. The organiza-
ton OF the Legislative body should be upon the
double cha mhcr plan. upon a minority representa-
ton plan IN addition 10 the power OF appointing
heads Of departments the Mayor should have the
mower az instantly dismssng them for any ade-
quate cause In brief. Professor Jamcs's IDEAS Of
an ideal government are the greatest possible
degree of self government, especial difference be
yesting of supreme executive authority in per-
son elected FOR too short aterm. the acceptance
~ heads Of departments appointed by the chief
executive and the general construction OF the
legislative departments upon the basis OF geo
In the discussion which followed Professor
the first speaker. He opposed the "council' sys-
TEN OF city government
think that there was the proper distribution OF
power between the Mayor and Council II" was
4 practical example OF the effects OF relieving
the Council Of appo!nting power wgs cited by
RoarI OF Public Works established there ~
TIE next election there was not SINGLE cqndiiaie
ton was longer desirable in the eyes Of the
s r Holden. Editor OF The cleveland Plain
dealer" thought the Federal model. as adopted in
his city wa the best IN rNistrnce. Munio.f ~
talks were also made by John \. Butler. of NIL
waukee. Professor j. K. F.ckon. ~ New-prleans.
". \ Farr. Of Chicago. Dr ". y. Sudluth. and
Frank = Stacey. ~ Minneapolis.
This afternoon the delegates visited St Paul and
wcr. entertained at the Commercial club.
Tonight banquet was given at the West
Hotel President cyrus Northrop 81 the State
University presided and the toasts and those Tho
responded were as follows civil Service Reform
I'm city Government" william Potts Of New
York secretary ~ the National ClV Service Re
form League. "Nunicipal Parties" charles Rich
arison Philadelphia. Vire-presidcnt National MUM
League. How MAY Muuripal Reform BE
Made Permanent9' clinton Rogers Woodruff.
Philadelphia. secretary National Municipal League:
THE Primaries" j T. Wyman member Of the
Minnesota state Senate Minneapolis. Some
l.n."i@ - ~" sew OK NY LECTION. l4Ilan
g. Low. Erooklvn. "Nuulcipat Sunrar.." Edward
Vanish. - Paul. ''Wcaknsss I'm Municipal Govern
ment." Professor T.. W Bcmis Chicago rniyer-