The Saint Paul globe., 1897-05-27
WHY THIS DELAY9

The G | o b e calls attention again to
the superior activity and enterprise of
the people of the city up the river in
the matter of availing themselves of
the constitutional amendment permit
ting cities to frame their own charters.
Minneapolis. having seen where her in
terest lies, does not let the grass grow
under her feet. 1t was far more diff
cult to create a wholesome public sem
timent there on the subject of home
rule than in st. Paul, because, during
the controversies of years past, Min
neapolis has steadily opposed and rid
iculed the home rule scheme, has in
sisted upon modelling all city char
ters in the state after her own, and
has treated the home rule scheme with
open contempt, as a ridiculous inven-
tion of st. Paul. Neither pride nor
prejudice, however, stands in the way
see a good thing. They know how to
look after their interests and are not
slow to do it.
Various public meetings have been
held in that city to insist upon push
ing ahead the work for framing a new
charter, and it is now definitely de-
cided that if the city council does not.
within the coming month, pass the nee
essary ordinance requesting the dis
trict judges to appoint charter COM
mission, then petitions will be put In
circulation to secure the signatures of
per cent Of the voters to the same
end. So within thirty days the prelim-
inarles for preparing a new charter
will be settled in Minneapolis. What
are we doing about the matter in st.
Paul? The need of similar action is
as great here, If not greater. We are
not distressed by the inadequate secu-
rity for the safe keeping and honest
tates Minneapolis; but we are burden
ed with charter that we have out
grown In many respects. and we find
ourselves, d in particular, unable to
raise, Under 1t. revenue suff1cient to
defray the. minimum necessary ,ex-
penses Of our public schools. We, too,
therefore, must have new charter.
We need it at the earliest possible mo-
ment, and no time is to be lost in be-
ginning the work.
Fortunately, the proposition has not
even tho s1sDicion of a portisop ospoc+
While the G o e is the original NOV
er Of it, and has urged, early and late,
since the adjournment Of the legisla-
ture. the propriety Of acting under the
has done so strictly on public grounds
and Republicans have expressed them
selves as favorably toward the plan as
Democrats. There is, as far as we are
aware, no dissent in the press or
among the people of this city. All
want the new charter. 'Assemblyman
Daily has introduced an ordinance di-
recting the district judges to appoint a
commission, and it reposes peacefully
in the pigeon holes Of the committee on
streets. There it will stay and here we
will remain, while our rival sister is
getting into line with modern ideas.
unless the people take some interest In
the matter.
Every public body in Minneapolis has
not only discussed the subject, but TAX
en- an active part in pushing the new
charter movement. Where are the
chamber Of commerce and the Jobbers'
union and the Commercial club and the
other similar organizations in st. Paul
that should be helping to keep the ball
rolling? The development and progress
of this city are very intimately con-
nected with the framing of new
charter and it's submission to the peo-
pie at the next spring election. This
cannot be done unless we proceed with
out a days delay to secure the ap-
pointment Of charter commission as
provided for by law. Will the people Of
st. Paul ever quit gnashing their teeth
over past misfortunes and turn their
energies to building for the future?