The Washington times., 1895-05-27
Coming Third Session of the Ma
tiOnaI Municipal League.
DISTINGUISHED. DELEGATES
The List of Those Who VIII Attend
and Speak Includes Many Names
known the Country Over-Inter-
esting and Important Subjects
Planned for Discussion

Philadelphia, Pa, May 26-Judging from
the very general attention given by the
newspapers to the forthcoming meeting
of the National Municipal League, to be
held the last three days of this month in
Cleveland, the concern for the future well
fare of the larger cities is growing.
This meeting will be the third of its
kind held within two years. AT the first
conference. held in Philadelphia, the
general features of the problem We're given
consideration, and the municipal con
ditions of the leading Eastern cities were
described.
This meeting was followed by the or
ganizationoftheN ationaI Municipal League.
The second meeting was held in Minneapolis
and western cities were given attention
and specific remedies, such as proper
tional repre- sentation. discussed. Both
of these meetings were influential in bring
ing together the prominent and active
workers in the cause of municipal reform,
and the interchange of views and expe-
riences has proved to be Of value in the ad
vancement of the cause throughout the
country.
MEETS IN CLEVELAND.
The third conference, in conjunction
with which the first annual meeting OF the
National Municipal League will be held,
meets in Cleveland upon the invitation of
the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and the
Civic Federation. The former is an active
usiness org ganization of nearly l 800
members. 1t has headquarters in the
Arcade where the sessions of the conference
will be held; but at an early date it expects
to begin the erection OF a building of its
own.
The Civic Federation is q new body,
which has been about year in forming.
Hon. +. j. Blandin, the author OF the
present chapter under which the city is
working, known as the Federal plan,
is the president.
The arrangements for the conference
have been placed in the hands of a COM
mittee of seyenty-two, with Hon. l.. +.
Holden as chairman, and Prof. Mattoon
NJ. Curtis as secretary. Mr. Holden, as
editor and proprietor of the Plain Dealer.
occupies position OF influence and is a
most devoted worker in the cause of
municipal reform. He co-operates with
Judge Blandin in giving TO Cleveland its
present charter.
Among those associated with him on
the committee are Luther Allen, president
of the chamber of commerce; Hon. Robert
b. Porter, editor of the World; j. b. Nor
row, of the Leader; II. A. Griffin, secre-
tary of the Ohio state board of commerce;
H. A. Garfield, son OF the late President;
Postmaster Hutchins, Rev Hiram D. Haydn,
d. D., ex-president OF the Western Reserve
DR.. Charles F. Thwing; Hon. Z. j. Blandin
and Ryerson Richie, secretary OF the
chamber of commerce.
EIGHTEEN CITIES ANALYZED.
The present prospects indicate the pres
ence OF a large and representative gather
ing. The programme as arranged, is most
comprehensive and provides for the con-
sideration of the municipal condition Of
about eighteen cities, mostly OF the second
class This portion OF previous programmes
has always proven OF exceptional interest
and judging from the prominence of this
years speakers the same Will be true at
this time.
The three Pacific coast cities, San Fran
cisco, Seattle and Portland, will be con-
sidered by Messrs. 1. T. MiIliken, Edward D.
Graces and Thomas n. Strong respectively.
The latter is leading attorney of Port
land, and president of the committee
who have been battling for reform. Mr.
Graves is president of the Washington
National Bank, Seattle, and like Mr.. Mil
nkeu, has been identified with every move
ment for better government In this city.
Ex Mayor Platt Rogers viii give au ac-
count or the political conditions or Denver.
Rev. Gregory j. Powell, although an ac-
tive Congregational pastor, finds time as
secretary OF the Omaha Municipal League,
to contribute a large share to the effort
making to put the government of Omaha on
higher plane. Another minister who
wills with Mr.. Powell as an illustration
of the increasing part taken by clergymen in
public affairs, will speak for Detroit-the
Rev. Douald d. McLaurin.
REFORM MAYORS GALORE.
Mayor George W. ochs, who will read
the paper on Chattanooga, Tenn, is cred
tied with reducing the city's running ex-
penses during his administration from
| $500 i A per annum to S1s9 200. This,
| it is said, was accomplished without cur
/ failing any legitimate expense, or in any
way crippling the healthy development of
| the city.
| Hon. William NJ. Kennedy, the reform
mayor of Allegheny, has prepared paper
! on that city. Among other cities, the
/ municipal conditions OF which will be de
scribed, are Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Co
! lumbus, Louisville, New Orleans, Jersey
| City, Buffalo and Washington, d. c.
At previous conferences, various types Of
reform bodies have been discussed. Thil
year, law enforcement societies and civic
declarations are on the programme for treat