New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-06-01
THE CLEyEL4ND CONVENTION

The convention OF the National Municipal
League. which has just concluded its sessions IN
Cleveland was a somewhat academic body ana
probably the professional politicians have SUI
preme contempt for it. 1t nominated no can
didatcs. adopted 10 definite plan Of action, made
no ARRANGEMENTS to carry the next election In
fact. it must seem to the casual observer, and
no man in spite CT his reputation for shrewdness
Is \ more casual observer than the ordinary pro-
fcssional politician. TO have been largely given
IN 70 talk. Nevertheless. the convention was not
without bearing or practical politics. 1t showed
that all over this country the sentiment against
bosses is spreading. and the Importance OF giving
attention TO the management OF Cities which Oh
all governmental organizations touches most
closely the citizen. his health and comfort, IS
being better understood.
Under boss rule the city Is the worst sufferer
There is greater chance for stealing then, ana
greater difficulty in getting permanent body OF
experienced and able men 10 take oversight ana
hold subordinates TO strict accountability. Inc
United States Government has been the victim OF
corruption at times, but never to the extent 'hai
orr cities have suffered. The people have always
come more quickly to a realization OF the SHAME
and have found 1t possible TO get trained men
TO carry out reforms who had no petty obliga-
tons to neighbors and heclers 10 swerve them
from their duty Seldom Is any complaint made
of the faithfulness Of officials Entrusted with
Government finances. Federal works are COM
monty we'll done and at reasonable expense.
But in the city 1t Is different We do not realize
the importance Of city administration. Much MS
we talk about the dignity Of city office, the old
village notions cling TO us. The path-nastcr and
poundkeeper and constable were not officials OF
great dignity They had little to do In priin-
tive community. and their honors. and often
their abilities were In strict accord with their
duties With the growth Of cities the Importance
OF local offices has greatly increased and the
responsibilities have grown heavier but the pop
ular appreciation Of the dignity Of those Offices
has not grown IN proportion. Consequently, the
most selfish men, whose desire for office was
purely mercenary, have found in the manage
ment Of cities their most favorable field, while
the men Of ambition for office because Of the dis
| tinction and power which 1t gave have sought
It in the wider field Of State and National politics
| The opportunity Of the boss was the public
| apathy TO the issues OF city government consid-
cred by themselves. and the small temptation OF
men to oppose them except under the spur Of In
| dgnation at their rascalities Mems sentiments
are easily aroused 10 protest against National
dsgraces, but It requires abiding perseverance
| to keep up earnestncss In dealing with the small
details OF municipal administration. and ordi
| narily the work has brought little reward in the
way Of public gratitude. But the change Is com
| ing. In every city OF the country people are
awaking to the need OF giving attention to the
things at their own door instead Of leaving them
as too petty for thought. TO the care Of the poll
| tician who can make money by them. That Is
the meaning Of the Cleveland convention, and IT'S
value is not In any specific thing that 1t did, but
| In the interest that II aroused.