The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-08-05
WARD REPRESENTATIONS.

Colonel Edward Butler. whose works generally
known in st. Louis said last summer in an inter-
view that there will always be combine in the
House OF Delegates. Combines always have existed,
he said, and they always will exist He did not quail
fy his generalization: and it taken for granted
that he did not except the system governing the
isting legislative body
With many Of Colonel Buffers views thousands
Of citizens disagree But it must nevertheless be ad-
nitted that he is master Of legislative details and
knows well the methods which rule in the Municipal
Assembly. His philosophy about combines is cor
roborated by the ctys experiences for quarter of
century and Is confirmed at present. by happenings
in of the best lower houses which the city has
had in many years.
AFTER the spring election the house organized by
suppressing the combine forces. But the clement
that stood for reform had only vote the good,
although unusual efforts had been made TO elect Il
reform House. Since this improved organization was
effected, for the first time in decades. the combine
minority has been constantly alert and active. re-
solved to gain control the first opportunity and it
was with both surprise and satisfaction that the
citizens saw the reform element retain supremacy.
1t seems. however. that the House cannot exist
without combine, and that whether there is a
bine or not reorganization is abit.For reason and
without reason members join the dissatisfied pugna-
cous minority, and ultimately there IS demand for
reorganization The probably is that too few
Delegates are trained to place principle and duty
ahead Of patronage fayoritism, prestige and some
times extra remuneration Ward representation
with its thousand bubbles, is the fundamental cause
together with insufficient salary.
The trainers Of the Charter doubt thought that
service in the Municipal Assembly would be sought
only by Of ability and integrity, and that the
voters would elect no other kind. But they did not
understand ward politics ward politics is to-day.
They thought that it would be an honor to be a
Councilman Delegate and that the honor attached
to the position would inspire the legislator to make
an enviable record. They probably did not suspect
that any Councilman or Delegate would risk disre-
pue by trying to get contracts and offices for friends
that legislation would be impeded account of de
mand' for patronage and personal material
grounds For the very that the best citizens
expected to serve in the Assembly the COM
pensation made merely nominal.
Maybe a dual legislative body is the best or maybe
a single body is the best, or maybe some other kind
fs best. That is question open to debate. But three
points there which do not admit OF discussion.
II there must be two houses then the representation
should be fixed by larger districts that the intu
ence of ward politics may be dissipated The salary
Of legislator should be made large enough. The
voters should have recourse against the act of any
legislator.
At this time several Delegates in arms over
patronage Some of them seem to consider patronage
prerogatve Often in the past legislation Of public
porance has been INSTRUCTED because legislators have
been unable to get patronage, favors and contracts
for friends and relatives Some day there must be
an end to all O.. ..is. 1t cannot be tolerated.