The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-12-21
wanted protection, and they are getting
tin the neck
NO LIVELY INTEREST.

NO LIVELY lNTERESI.
The resolution introduced in the
chamber of commerce by Mr.. b. V.
Smalley, looking toward the appoint
ment of committee to consider the
possible future union Of ST. Paul and
Minneapolis as one city; will meet
probably neither with lively favor nor
bitter opposition. The interest that at
one time centered about this topic has
largely faded: and men on either or
neither side Of the question are incl1n-
ed to ask themselves what it would
amount to in any event.
We do not agree with Mr.. Smalley in
considering the rivalries Of the past
an entirely unwholesome thing, or an
unmixed influence toward retardlng
municipal progress. We do believe that
the time has come when the perpetual
ton of bitterness that has existed at
times in the past is extremely hurt
full. Up to certain point the growth
Of communities is fostered by the
spirit of emulation. 1t is hardly open
to doubt that, had there been no con-
test in the earlier days between st.
Paul and Minneapolis, the one city TAX
ing their place would not have the pop
ulati or resources which they combin-
ed possess today. The struggle to be
first was a large element in the up
building Of both; and we consider it
fortunate incident Of their earlier his
tory.
It is just as true that the time has
come when a continuance Of warfare
helps neither and hurts both. A physf-
cal contest between two boys develops
muscle, strengthens and hardens the
frame, conduces to vigor, and its
scratches and bruises are not worth
reckoning. Let two men Of full growth
and mature powers engage with equal
fervor and feeling, and either or both
may be injured for life. The illustra-
ton fits the case. The last great fight
between the cities did great damage to
each of them. So will any such con-
test in the future. So does every at
tempt by either of them to injure the
growth where either active friendship
and close unity or, at the very least
and worst, an armed neutrality is de-
manded by the interest of both of them.
So far. the argument moves toward
union; but there may be union Of in
terest without municipal combination.
What, after all, is the gain from formal
consolidation in such circumstances?
There are two business centers, and
such they must remain. There are two
residence sections, and they cannot
coalesce. There are duplicate munich
pal departments, and that organization
must continue. If you could make
dual city whose heart. whose COM
meFce, whose business and transporta-
ton facilities should be found in the
Midway district, about halfway be-
tween them, you might make a single
city of them both. That is forever i'm
possible; and, whatever the mode or
extent of combination, the duality must
remain.
Wherein, therefore, lies the advan-
tage of physical union? What is the
gain of Greater New York? The con-
solidation has not been Of the slight
est benefit to any IF the cities under the
new government 1t is admitted that
their government as Greater New York
cient than as different municipalities.
1t is conceded that, if Plat were to
decide to punish Croker by repeating
the Greater New York act when his
legislature meets the different Dor
oughs would fly apart with relief. The
metropolis is no larger than it ever
that has been made, and in no practical
aspect is it an improvement We be-
lieve then, that the people of st. Paul
and Minneapolis are ready for more
cordial relation, for greater harmony Of
action and unif1cation of interests; and
we believe that whatever brings this
about will be helpful to them both. 1t
remains to be seen whether talk of act
ual consolidation under a single name
and government would not actually in
terfere with instead Of promoting it.
At any rate, such scheme will not
provoke a very lively interest, we i'm
agine. in either st. Paul Or Minneap-
oils.
The holidays of the season have been
marked by some of the rural papers