The record-union., 1899-08-14
THE MUNICIPAL LEAGUE.

The League of American Municipali-
ties is to again assemble in annual ses-
sion at Syracuse September 10Th to 22d
inclusive, This league has proved
great beneficence. 1t deals with the
foremost problem of the age, municipal
government 1t brings together the best
minds engaged in governing
cities who exchange experiences
and take counsel of wisdom
1t collates the reports Of cities
showings. 1t draws to it's sessions,
scientists, engineers, sanitarians, fnan-
ciers and practical workers in the sew
eral branches of city government 1t
uncovers the truth concerning water
supplies, the proper drainage of towns,
the disposal of sewage and garbage, the
making and economic maintenance of
streets, and generally the improvement
of all municipal service in all depart
ments.
A city the size and Importance Of
Sacramento ought to be represented in
such an organization. Unquestionably
membership in 1t would prove of bene-
fit to the people. The highest forms of
human wisdom have their genesis in
experience. Instead of bungling along
with experiment in all departments,
why not avail ourselves through the
readiest means of the results of expert
ence of towns and cities which have
travelled the path for hundreds of years,
perhaps, in which we seek to walk.
The league represents the only united
effort in the country on the part of de-
partrnent heads to study the various
and complex questions involved in
municipal government; it enables its
membership to avail of the expert
ments of one another in economic pro-
cedure; it enables US to improve the
public service at the least possible cost,
by placing at our command the results
of the output Of energy and@outlay of
money by the cities of the union and
likewise the cities of the old world.
The league is wholly unselfish and
exists only for the purpose of doing
good. It's work is not confined to an
annual session, but its officers and
COMMITTEES are at work the year
through in making research, in study
ing problems, in gathering testimony,
and in unearthing truth. Really here is
a means open to Sacramento of gaining
a great deal of information and of
availing of the experience of others,
which is cheap-the cost of member
ship being but a trifle-and personally
consulting with the representative peo-
pie of the cities of the country on prob
lens which vex us.
Why should not Sacramento send
delegates to the next session of the
league. All that is required is that the
governing body of a city shall pass a
resolution expressive of desire for
membership. Where the population is
In excess of $4,000 and under $4,000 a
fee of $50 is required annually. From
that figure the admission fee runs up
to $50, which takes in cities having
population in excess of 100000. The
head of every municipal department
and the members of councils are enti-
tied under the membership rule to sit
In the conventions Of the body and to
receive copies Of all documents and re-
ports it issues. The present Executive
Committee which is arranging for the
session of 1899 is composed of the
Mayors of Columbus, O., Detroit, Mich,
Bridgeport, Conn, Charleston, S. c.,
Des Moines, Ia, and New Bedford,
Mass, the Secretary representing the
largest of all our cities, New York.