The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-02
MUNICIPAL REFORMERS
MEN WHO HAVE THEORIES AS TO
GOVERNMENT OF CITIES.
Convention of Mayors and Other on
cials-An IOwan Who Is Opposed
to Private MOnOpOlies.

DETROIT, Mich, Aug. Lowing to q
misunderstanding about the place OF meet
ing, not all the delegates were present when
the second annual meeting of the League Of
American Municipalities was called to or
der to-day. About two hundred were in the
proper hall-the Light Infantry Armory-
while a scattered few assembled in the
Light Guards Armory, three blocks distant.
Governor Pingree was among those who
waited at the wrong place, but he delivered
his welcoming address later, nevertheless.
Mayor Maybury cordially welcomed the
citys guests The president, Mayor john
MacVicar, Of Des Moines, Ia, after a short
response, delivered his annual address. He
said, in part:
American cities must be made wholesome
in every sense of the word They must, if
such thing be possible, be MADE to con-
serve and not conSutne the energies they
slums to pollute their own lives and the life
of the Nation. The garbage question, the
tenement question, the water question, the
franchise question, the question of parks,
public baths, Fairgrounds and other means
and instruments of public health and recre
alton must be studied in their larger rela-
ton to the preservation of the life and
health of our greater public. We are at an
early stage of the movement; the country
has but recently awakened to the need OF it.
Some of the matters alluded to are for
future generations to adjust. 1t seems nee
essary as a preliminary measure to elimi-
nate from our cities the private ownership
of franchises for the monopolized use of
the streets, The public must own and OPP
crate all plants for the supplying of light
and water. Probably it should extend its
powers so as to take in street railways,
heating plants, telephone and other means
of intramural communication AT all events.
there must be an end to the controlling and
corrupting of our city governments by those
interested in the manipulation of public
comfort, even if the last vestige of private
Nj, -, Chn1l he Tod
these valuable franchises, these splendid
privileges were reserved to the cities, would
not this source of corruption, which has
caused legislative bodies to become by
word among the people, cease to exist?
ITO my mind it would be suicidal TO the
large good of municipalities if there is no
provision made for the thorough applica-
ton of the merit system in appointments
promotions and removals: We who believe
position of proclaiming that our cities are
doing badly that which they are doing, yet
urging that they assume new duties But
the logic of our contention is better than
it seems. Nothing could do more to bring
out the latent virtue of the Indifferent citl-
zen than to brighten the ship of state, all
dearer interests. | am not afraid to startls
our money-malxng voters by producing a
situation that will alarm them into a state
of perpetual political vigilance. They need
to be alarmed Arouse them to the serious
ness of the prevailing condition and the
spasmodic energy which now cleans the
Augean stables Of municipal corruption once
in ten or fifteen years will be harneSsed by
the unavoidable necessity for regular activ-
ity. So long as the corporate interests OPP
crate these public utilities for private gain,
just so long will we have uncompromisng
opposition to the civil service and good city
government Remove first the incentive to
the opposition, which, to my mind. can be
accomplished by removing our public fran
@ dawn me wRhch the best
will be the dominant force in municipal
government"
leagues constitution, providing that dues be
payable to the treasurer direct instead of
through the secretary, the convention ad-
journed until o'clock.
At the opening of the afternoon session
Governor Pingree welcomed the convention,
and characterized 1t as the most important
which had met in Detroit, because it's OBJ
ject was to study the great problems of
municipal affairs. Said the Governor: THE
final glory of this country will be the non
est and capable government of her cities:
During my public life have always claimed
the great body of our people are honest and
wish to see the right prevail. The enemies
of good government are to be found among
those who claim to be the ariStOcracy, but
who use money and position TO corrupt pub
lie servants and control legislative bodies.
Their power and influence are so great that
leagues must be formed to combat them
and they must be fought to the death inc
most vital question IS, now can you COM
pei those who call themselves our best cltl-
Zens to take an active part in city aHairs
in some other capacity than as mere fault
Secretary Gilkison's report stated that he
had technically violated the leagues consti-
tuition in paving over to the treasurer only
a portion of the amounts received from
membership dues. but that the amendments
to the constitution offered to-day would OBJ
waite the handling Of these les funds by the the
president was authorized to appoint a COM
mittee of three to audit the accounts of the
secretary and also of the treasurer.
Samuel L. Black, mayor Of Columbus, O.,
treasurer of the league. reported that he
had received $500. of which he had dis
bursed 1856. Mayor Black offered his ac-
counts and vouchers which will be audited
along with the secretary's accounts.
F.. A. Walker. president of the Trenton.
n. j.. Council. read a paper on the subject
of garbage disposal, which subject caused
animated discussion for the remainder of
the session. Mr.. Walker related facts re-
garding the garbage systems of various
cities. He contended that even with present
have an entirely successful disposal system
Mayors. health officers. etc. from several
widely separated cities gave their expert
ences In the garbage matter and exchanged