Evening star., 1895-06-01

Municipal corruption cannot long survive
the assaults of such men as those who
have since Thursday been in session in
Cleveland for the purpose of organizing
and asitating in the interest of clean,
honest government for the cities of the
land. More than one hundred and twenty
five delegates have been in attendance. but
that comparatively small number repre-
sents lenven which has in 1t powers suf-
ficient to result in permeation of the whole
national mass. Such record of the proceed
ings as has reached the general public
shows remarkable harmony in the work of
the convention. There have been no diff
ferences of opinion upon matters essential
From all points comes testimony that the
public conscience Is being awakened, and
that this is the time to agitatc and educate.
TIE speakers were practically of one
mind as TO this most important matter.
Lucen b. Swift of Indianapolis said:
There can be no permanent reforms so
long as city's public service is open to be
preyed on by its ward bummers.
George w. OcEs. mayor of Chattanooga,
said:
THE good citizen must be taught that
no city government can rise above the level
OF these governed. He must be taught
that theories do not work reform: that
these can be attained only by energies in
civil government
Mayor Kennedy of Allegheny said:
1T is quite certain We have too many
laws and not enough enforcement. We
have good laws in plenty, but it is the dis
regard to the sacrednesS of the laws and
the Indifference of the people to their OBJ
Servance which gives rise to much of the
corruption of the day. 1t is not in the law,
but In the observance thereof, that the
virtue lies
arty Of fha
ment Club of Louisville declared that:
THE spoiIs system is the great oc. opus
which is strangling virtue. truth and
honesty in public life. The weapon of de-
struction that must be used Is the search
light of public opinion, binding and de-
stroyinS the evils which follow the creed
that to the victorS belong the spoils; that
dishonesty is legitimate in politics; that
the political party man belongs to must
De his nfallible guide III municipal politics;
that a public trust. is no trust; that po-
iitcal boss is the boss, and that his man
date Is law the right to the contrary not
withStanding."
President Loomis of the Buffalo Good
Government Club concluded his argument
by saying:
Despite aught that may be argued to the
contrary, l assert as a matter OF positive
knowledge, based on the experience OF
European cities and of Buffalo, that the
absence of salary is no impediment to Cb-
tanning the services of our very best citi-
Zen5, provided only that official duties are
as they ought to be-only legislative and
supervisory Finally. it IS pre-eminentiy
the business system, modelled almost ex-
act.y after that of every business corpora
ton, and such may well command the
approval of those whose motto is that
Municipal government is business, not
politics."
These declarations are good things for
the citizen 10 read and to think of. Only
a little while ago those who called them
selves good citizens Were. as q rule, care
less in all municipal matters. The revolt
of outraged decency in New York, followed
by thorough smashing of the ring" at
Chicago, have encouraged reputable dwell
srs in combine-ruled cities to stand up
boldly for the best interests of the COM
munities in which they reside.