New-York tribune., 1901-05-06
TOPICS IN CHICAGO.
A WAVE o. REFORM IN THE CITY
GOVERNMENT BUILDING boom
MINISTER'S AND ARMY OFF,
GERS FIGHTING OVER THE
CANTEEN QUESTION.
CANTEEN QUESTION.

Chicago May (speciaD-A general wave OF
reform seems 10 ha se struck Chicago. and since
the announcement by Mayor Harrison last week
OF most OF the members Of his new cabinet
Official circles have been stirred up out Of all
proportion 20 the regular spring programme OF
temporary reform. Chief of Police ONeil, VINO
displaces Joseph Ripley as head of the depart
ment, IS considered 10 be strong a man ior
the place as has occupied ii. he mas los'
nc time in getting down 10 work AFTER ISSUING
general orders the arbitrary tone OF Which
came as a shock TO most of his subordinates, he
stirred up the dry timber in an astonishing
way by calling before him every inspector in
the department and giving notice that If they
do not keep the city free from confidence men
and highwaynen he will replace them by men
who are able 10 carry out his instructions. The
peculiar feature about this refreshingly novel
method is that everything in O'Neirs past his
tory as a member Of the department leads to
the belief that he means exactly what he says.
The new chief is a peculiar character. He is a
student, a musician, an artist and an authority
concerning the Gaelic language. O'Neil is pas
sionately fond OF his bagpipes, and in the neigh
horhood of his home they tell some queer stories
about his faithful attachment TO this instrument.
In addition TO stirring up the Police Depart
ment. the Mayor has placed in the office of
Controller L. E. McGann. formerly Superintend-
ent OF Public Works. Mr.. Mccain has begun
his term of Office with the announcement of a
s3.o000G0 debt against the city which he pro-
poses 10 wipe out. The order has gone forth
for retrenchment in every department II re-
mains to be seen whether this is a spasmodic
attempt to make change lasting policy on
the part OF his administration.
deal of interest is manifested about the
place held by Dennis Swenie. the fire chief,
whose reputation a fire fighter is worldwide.
swenie has been at the head OF the Chicago de-
pnrtrnent for so many years and has given such
magnificent service TO the city that the majority
OF the people during the last twelve months
have failed TO notice that his physical powers
are RAPIDLY failing him. Swene believes that he
should be retained, and sticks with tenacity to
the place he has held so long. The Mayor.
however has been impressed by representatives
OF the insurance companies with the fact that
the old man can no longer perform his duties
satisfactorily and that younger fireman should
have the place.
A spring fever OF some kind seems TO have got
into the blood OF most Of the city aldermen
Some Of them started out at the first sign OF
spring in a modest way to clean up their wards
but Immediately after the city election, when
Honore Palmer and few other novelties in the
aldermanic line succeeded in procuring seats,
the competition grew at e furious pace. Young
Palmer has prevailed upon his father TO allow
the city the use Of several pieces OF vacant
property in his ward, and other aldermen are
evolving new schemes to keep up with the pro-
cession. One enthusiast has already provided
every HOUSEHOLDER in his district with flower
seeds, while others are forming clubs in their
precincts TO act amateur clean up squads.
The competition possesses peculiar features. but
there is no question about the benefit that will
come 10 the city through it.
Chicago has been ION the move with a ven
geance this last week. May Day broke all rec
ords in this respect. The trend Of householders
seems be TO spread further and further among
the outskirts particularly on the fashionable
north side. where half dozen new suburbs are
rapidly springing up. The largest building boom
since the year OF the Worlds Fair is now upon
Us. and apartment houses, wholesale and retail
establishments OF all kinds. and factories are
being erected in all parts Of the city. One feat
ure OF the demolition Of old landmarks TO make
way for these new structures is the passing OF
Central Music Hall, a structure that has long
been identified with the best things in Chicago's
advancement Central Music Hall has heard
more noted orators, musicians and singers than
any other building Of the character in the west
ern part OF the Union. Patti Nilsson Albani
Ole Bull Remenyi Paderewsd, De Pachmann
and hundreds OF others have faced audiences
there, while nearly all the lecturers Of the world
who have visited Chicago have spoken from its
platform. II has been the scene of every con-
ceivable kind Of convention. and has been noted
as the central point OF the ministrations Of
David Swing, DR.. Hills and Dr. Gunsaulus
Society. having patronized grand opera to such
an extent as to make both the pockets and the
heart OF Maurice Grau too full for utterance
has taken up the chain OF it's pleasures by flock
Ing IN crowds 10 the Mascoutah Clubs Kennel