The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-12-15

come the staunch. unfinching upholder of a
municipal merit system definitely and per-
manently established"
After reciting numerous Illustrations Of
this thought. Mr.. Woodruff said: Nv ..hin
the past few years there has grown up a
group OK men deeply interested in the de-
Veiopment OF our municipalities, who, none
the less, do not wish 10 be classed as NUM-
cipal reformers. They are nevertheless
striving to make the city a more wholesome
place to live in. and using the words OF one
OF the most active member of the group,
TO minister to the social needs OF the peo-
pie
1T has been an interesting study to OBJ
serve the growth Of sentiment among them
along distinct reform lines, although the
bulk OF them would repudiate the d~esigna-
ton OF reformer. Their public utterances
show a gradual strengthening of opinion
In favor of civil-service reform and munich
pal reform. In fact, they are beginning to
realize that their plans cannot be consum-
mated without them.
While emphasizing the close relation
ship sustained by the two reforms TO each
other and their interdependence, we must
not overlook the fact that municipal reform
includes something more than civil-service
reform. For example, IL involves an APP
proprtate conception of the city as a means
OF promoting the comfort, well-being and
happiness or its inhabitants. True civil
service reform is an important factor to
this end, but instances are not wanting
where a substantial service TO the cause of
better government has been rendered with
out the question OF civil-service reform be
ing in any way involved"
In referring to the stand of Mayor Har-
rison. or Chicago. IN the fight against the
street-railway corporations. Mr.. Woodruff
said a still more recent instance in the
same line is TO be found In the bold stand
of Controller Coler. of New York city,
whereby he defeated the Ramapo water
deal and saved the city.
Mr.. Woodruff referred TO the fact that
the machines within their own organiza-
lions and in the conduct of their own af-
fairs follow the merit system, appointing
and promoting only those to important posi-
tons In the organizations who had demon
strated their fitness. He said: I'VE have
this situation to confront. A measure of
municipal reform can be achieved independ-
ent of and irrespective of the question of
civil-service reform, and secondly. the prin-
ciples of the merit system can be accom-
plished In a way and to a set Of conditions
directly opposed TO the public welfare, so
that while IL is true that civil-service re-
form is a factor and an important factor
In municipal reform. 1T is not the sole fac
tor"
Mr.. Woodruff pointed out that the fall
ure Of the Philadelphia gas works had not
been caused by the nonapplication of the
merit system; not because municipal own
ership had proved a failure; but because the
legal representatives of the people were
recreant to the trust imposed In them and
had failed to appropriate Sufficient moneys
TO maintain the plant in good running order
and to enlarge its facilities as the demands
upon Ii increased. He said:
The tendency to strengthen the public
demand for the substitution Of the merit
system for the spells system has. how
ever, been most marked in these m
ties where the city undertakes TO do the
most for It's citizens. In Glasgow, Birming-
ham,. Manchester and Berlin. We find a
great extension OF municipal functions and
q well-established merit system.
These two have gone along hand In hand
in the cities mentioned. Whether the form
er. Is responsible for the latter, or vice YER
sa, / cannot say, but / do know that no
other cities do as much Cor their citizens
and in none other is the merit system so
The history of municipal government in
our own country bears evidence to the same
effect Boston stands at the head of Amer
lean cities in point of municipal service
and the maintenance OF the merit system.
What Is the obvious conclusion?
Private ownership OF municipal monopo-
lies Is indissolubly linked with the spoils
system. They foster and support each 9TH
er. They are essential one to the other.
The spOils system means the utilization of
public assets for private proft-so does
private ownership Monopolies and private
companies enjoying municipal franchises
frankly admit that they are not in business
for pleasure or public veal. They are N il
TO make money and as much of Ii as posi-
bic. The politician is in politics for the
same purpose. A similarity of purpose
leads to a unity Of interest. Show me pri-
vate ownership and nine times out of ten
VIII show you the political machine in
full force and operation. 1t Is a conspicu-
Gus instance of a vicious circle of selfish
interests. What then is the remedy? Ar
extension OF municipal functions and the
Introduction of civil-service reform. These
p to keep the power from the machine and
corporations and bring municipal business
under municipal control on business prin-
cfpleS. L care not which comes nrst, in
order or procedure, so one comes. The
other will surely follow"