The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-05-06
That Philadelphia Investigation.

a large number OF the foremost citi-
zeDs of Philadelphia, feeling that tho
public interests We're not receiving
proper attention from the municipal
councils of that city: and, also. that
under the Bullitt charter, no effective
inquiry into suspected dereliction could
be accomplished by local initiative
have petitioned the Pennsylvania SEN
ate to appoint a committee to investi-
gate the workings of that charter. Tho
request is not parallel to that which
called the famous LeXow committee
into existence. for the reason that it
contemplates merely such an inquiry
into the workings Of the Bul!itt charter
as will enable the legislature to decide
whether a revision Of that charter will
be necessary. 1t does not start with
the assumption that the municipal gov
ernment of Philadelphia is honey
combed with fraud and rottenness; nor
is it likely that it would end with such
an assumption verified. Therefore, the
warning cry Of certain Philadelphia in
fuences against such an inquiry, as
expressed last week in councils, may, it
would seem. be fairly dsregarded.
it would be better from every point
Of view If the people of Philadelphia
could muster up the courage and the
strength to do their own investigating;
but the virtual confession of consid-
cradle number of them that they cam
not do this brings q manifest duty to
the door Of the state senate. The charge
has been publicly proclaimed that GER
tain branches Of the city government Of
Philadelphia are utterly unsatisfactory.
This charge is brought by eminent Re-
publicans and eminent Democrats alike.
1t is non-partisan, and it is generally
believed. Under such circumstances we
do not see how the Republican party
can well afford to deny it, by refusing
the request for an inquiry, preferred
by the pcople most interested. IF it
should transpre that the suspicious OF
these persons were Groundless, no harm
would be done If it should prove that
they were founded on fact, the Repnbli-
can party would get the credit for do
Ing it's duty toward the public; just as
1t would be condemned If 1t should
shirk that duty.
The current notion that Senator Pen
roses resolution is q. piece Of factional
warfare does injury TO the opposite fac
ton by presupposlng that it would
suffer from a senatorial inquiry. The
| point at issue. however rises far above
personalities. 1t rises to the plane OF
public duty. If the people Of Philadel-
| phia are being misgoverned it ought
not to make any difference which party
or faction is in control; the evils OF that
| misgovernment ought to be eradicated,
| and the Republican party ought to be
glad to be the means of that eradjca-
| tion. Parties exist for the welfare OF
the public; the public does not exist
solely for the welfare of parties or fac
| tions Of parties. AS we have said, 1t
would be better, very much better, IL
| Philadelphans themselves could do
| their own investigating; but If they are
unable to do this-and the consensus of
opinion seems to be that they are un-
| able-then the. sooner the senate at
Harrisburg comes to their rescue. the
| better for the future interests of the
Republican party, both in Philadelphia
| and throughout the state.
In view of all the circumstances, the
Penrose resolution should pass.
The contention of Rev. J. c. Hogan