The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-05-21
MUNICIPAL SOCIALISM.

We run to the close of the century at
a rapid pace. Projects pitied a decade
ago aresnow endured; those then endured
are now embraced. Ten years ago social
Ism was term of reproach, Indignantly
repealed by those to whom it was ap-
piled; today men discuss socialistic meas
ures with calmness. Then it was svn-
nonymous with anarchism and nihilism:
today its synonym is progress Hardly
more than decade ago any proposition
to extend municipal activities beyond DO
Icing or giving water supply was pro-
tested against as trenching on the do
main of private enterprise; TODAY we find
propositions to own and operate light
plants, street railways and telephones
discussed without question Of the pro-
priety of municipal occupation of these
utilities.
On the surface conditions seem to ms
tify the socialistic theory of the assumD-
ton by the municipality of the control
of all means of production and distribu
ton, taking from each citizen accord
ing to his ability, and giving to each ac-
cording to his need. Where is the line of
plain demarcation at which public exer-
else of these powers shall stop? Where
this side Of Bellamyism does the logic
end? Thus ask those who still see with
apprehension this encroachment Of the
city or the state upon the Individual. If
light be supplied, why not heat, or food.
or raiment? If free baths, why not free
laundries? If free text books, why not
free shaes? Finally, why not regulation
and oI4cction of everything? But a
closer scrutiny detects individualistic
forces at work that promise to preserve
the proper mean between private and
public enterprises. Under many of these
propositions for extension of municipal
functions the real motive is an individ-
ualism that insists upon being served in
stead of serving some franchised cor
poration. In several states we find the
demand that cities be given home rule.
the right to make, amend or unmake
their organic law, admitted by the state,
and this is but the insistence of individ-
ualism on its rights. Public opinion is
constraining legislatures to cease inter-
ference with localities or individuals by
special acts, and to enact only laws of
general application.
With this free play OF these two OPP
posing tendencies the ideal socialism will
never be attained, but to see that the ex-
tension Of municipal functions will go
on is but to run out into the future line
of direction of present extensions. Po-
litical parties in cities are putting into
their platforms demands for the munich
palization of all public utilities, and win
ming elections. Reservation of the right
Of purchase by the city is being put into
grants of franchises. Public gymnasia
fifty follow public libraries. A Demo-
cratic mayor of Boston substitutes direct
employment for the contract system; in
stalls a printing and electric construc-
ton plant, operated by city employees;
builds public baths and makes them prac-
city's children; inaugurates indoor win
ter concerts, with an admission fee so
low that wage earners fill the halls; and
he sees still other directions in which
| the city can better the condition Of
| its citizens, to be attained in the future.
San Francisco adopts a home-framed
home rule charter. after a long struggle,
| that contains an article on Acquisition
! Of Public Utilities" which declares 1t to
| be the purpose of the people of that city
that its public utilities shall be grad
ually acquired and ultimately owned by
| the city and county" Detroit is nego-
tiating with the street railway COM
panies for the purchase Of their systems.
These are but instances Of general
| movement. Timid persons may see it
with fear, and interested persons may