The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-08-02
MUNICIPAL LEAGUE.
Observation-Disclosures Mar the Opening
Proceedings at Detroit.

DETROIT. Aug. Lowing to a mis-
understanding 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 order today. About 200 were
in the proper hall. VIZ, the Light Infan-
try Armory, while a scattered few as
sembled in Light Guard Armory. three
blocks distant. Gov Pingree was
among those who waited at the wrong
place, but he delivered his welcoming
address later, nevertheless.
Up to noon 200 visitors indentifica-
ton cards had been handed in. and pos
sibly 100 more representatives Of Amer
lean municipalities had arrived.
Mayor Maybury cordially welcomed
the city'S guests. The president, Mayor
John MacVicar, Of Des Moines, To-. aft
er short response, delivered his an
nual address.
to the leagues constitution, providing
that dues be paid to the treasurer di-
rect, instead Of through the secretary,
the convention adjourned until 2
o'clock
AT the opening Of the afternoon ses-
sion, Gov. Pingree welcomed the con-
vention and characterized 1t as the
most important which had met in De-
troit, because it's object was the study
OF the great problems of municipal
affairs.
About 500 municipal officials had ar
rived and reported when the evening
session began. The principal feature
was an address by James A. Lavery,
of Poughkeepsie, president of the New
York state branch Of the Federation Of
Labor on Relation of Municipalities
n lky~rrn try05 TrI%~
fuller recognition Of the rights of la
Dor, and condemned all favoring of
monopolies, especially by those holding
public offices, legislative or admins
trative.
A discussion concerning civil serv-
ice in city affairs was postponed, and
Gov. Pingree, being called upon. made
an Informal talk. The governor made
light of any benefits which might arise
from acquisition of the Philippines,
for the reason that the islanders are
unlikely to become consumers to any
extent. He said he was sorry he had
heard nothing Of any action by this
administration against the monopolies
which had become so strong and dan
gerous. He hoped when the war was
over that more attention might be CIV
en- to these threatening dangers. The
opportunities for the young business
$1,000 W oOoA
ed. was largely lacking now because
the country had been catering by its
legislation to the monopolies. The
governor concluded by advocating a
universal eight-hour law.
A preliminary injunction will be serv-
ed today upon City Treasurer Thomp-
soE and Comptroller Blades, restrain
ing payment of any portion of the sum
of $1,000 recently appropriated by the
city council for entertainment Of the
League Of American Municipalities
The compliments are Clarence A.
Rack and dozen other prominent citi-
zers. The city charter permits an ap-
preparation Of $4,000 as entertainment
fund. The $4,000 which is enjoined is
a balance received from a lighting debt
owed to the city by the county. The
complainants aver that the use of this
money for suoh purpose Is unauthor-
lied. A similar injunction was recently
served upon the city school authorities.
The circuit Judge decided that the en-
tertainment appropriation by the
school board is Illegal. but the question
whether private citizens may bring
such a suit is still pending with the
courts.