The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-03-25
Chicago Wants a Charter Like st.
Louis and Rest of Illinois
Wants to Curb Chicago.
COMPROMISE MAY BE EFFECTED
Representatives of Southern COun-
ties Seek to Have Basis of AS
sessment Changed in Order
to Increase Revenue.

BY STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Springfield. H.. March 24-Ffght between
The Chicago and country Representatives in
the Illinois Assembly developed this morn
Ing in earnest.
The. question, so bitterly contested last
session, as TO the limitation of Chicago
delegation in the Assembly was raised in
the House. The country members suffered
temporary defeat, but the matter is not
ended
Neither did the Chicago members get that
for which they contended-the passage OF
the Greater Chicago or charter resolution.
Chicago is dependent upon the Legisla-
ture under the existing conditions, as the
municipal legislative body is much limited.
1t Is unlike st. Louis In relation to the
Legislature. Missourians remember that
the Constitution of 1875 endowed St. Louis
with n Scheme and Charter, which was
drafted by thirteen freeholders, and which
now 1t is proposed TO substitute by a new
charter fitted TO new conditions, and to
prepare which other freeholders will be
elected.
Chicago is in the field. endeavoring to OBJ
tain such a charter. At present the govern
Ing power and the taxing bodies in the
Windy City are scattered Misgovernment
and mismanagement are charged. and It is
said by the friends OF the charter idea that
an economical administration of affairs will
be possible only when the governing power
and taxing bodies are consolidated and COM
pact, and when the city's interests are dis
ISOLATED, as far as possible. from those Of
the rural districts.
AMENDMENT NEEDED.
Inc procedure involves a constitutional
amendment The charter resolution pro-
vides that an amendment be submitted at
the next general election which will give
the Assembly power to delegate the law
making and taxing prerogative to such
bodies as may be named in the Charter
bodies which would correspond to the st.
Louis Council and House of Delegates
The majority Of the Cook County mem
bers favor the resolution, and consider IT,
Tor them. the most important work before
the Assembly. Some opposition comes from
that part OF the county outside of Ch.cago's
present limits. which would be included In
the Greater Chicago" and subject to the
city rate of taxation. But the enmity to
the resolution lies in the fact that, by with
holding 1t, the country members hope to Sc
cure legislation TO their advantage, and to
prevent the future domination of the State
by Chicago, should its population continue
increasing so rapidly.
TO LIMIT POWER.
Schlagenhauf of Quincy offered an amend
ment which would limit in the future the
territory now consisting OF Cook County to
seventeen senatorial districts, and the re-
rnainder of the State to thirty-four This
allows the city one-third the representation
in the Assembly. His aim frankly stated
was TO use the occasion TO protect the coun-
Try from the growing city. Give US the
luton. We don't feel that We can give YOU
more territory without limiting your repre-
state was taking care of itself in the mat
Ter of Chicago's representation in the Leg
islature; Our experience is that the mem
Cook County vote for Chicago and for Chi
cago alone. and that they do not give any
assistance in legislating for the re-
any old measure. so 1t doesn't affect Chi.
cago. and they have no notion of RESPONSE
billy Etg,d in any other portion of Illinois.
from the Cook County men, such as .'Do
you believe in taxation without representa-
ionF He answered that he adheres to
N course which eventually would subject
The entire State to the dictation of one cor
d ian OF 81 IT. ,s, me ne vote occurred upon mo,
voting.
The question then was upon the adoption
If the resolution. A two-thirds majority
was required. and though some of the coun-
~ members, including Indy, McElvain,
montgomery. Murray, Sunderland CariI-
Ion. Gaunt and Gray. voted with the Cook
county men, the necessary 102 votes were |
lot obtained. The vote was not announced, |
md the final disposition of the resolution
Was postponed until next week. !
SWAPPING VOTES. |
An earnest effort is being made by the |
naJoflty OF the Southern Illinois members |
of both parties to obtain. in return for their !
votes upon this resolution, a compromise |
from COOK County upon the Bundy assess |
nent bill. The latter changes the basis OF |
assessment from one-fifth to one-third OF |
The cash value of property. With the pres |
ent basis of assessment. the southern coun- |
les cannot obtain sufficient revenue. Many |
IF them are behind in their accounts and |
he county, Neutrality-suspicious. particularly |
ARE poorly sustained and equipped In
Chicago and elsewhere in the State where 4!
values are high this situation does not ex- |
st. and a change of the basis is feared |
nIIrR SAnN ~ n - - Nas