New-York tribune., 1903-02-08
TOPICS IN CHICAGO.

Chicago, Feb. 6-Of the many plans and sug-
gessions to secure much needed changes in the
government Of this city. none have so recon-
rnended themselves to the best citizens as the
measures introduced in the legislature this week
by Representative CIettenberg, providing for
liberal salaries for aldermen. thereby insurins
a better class Of city lawmakers. Two bills have
been offered by Mr.. CIettenberg, one of which
provides that only alderman, instead or
two, as now shall be elected from each OF the
thirty-fve wards Of the city. each 10 receive
salary Of $4,000 On petition of one thousand
voters the proposition shall be submitted to the
people if the bill becomes a law. The second
bill makes the salaries Of the aldermen S3,etp,
without specifying the number There IS a
general leaning toward either one or the otner
Of the measures as a means of filing the Coun-
ell with a desirable class Of business men. hon.
est intelligent and willing TO give the best or
service for the general welfare OF the city
Franklin Macveagh declared himself emphati-
caIly in favor of the one alderman plan at
5000 year. In his opinion it would be far
easier to get one capable man than to get two.
and il would be easier TO concentrate the at
tention Of the voters of the ward II there were
only one candidate for alderman Ex-@iayor
Hempstead washburne warmly indorsed the
high salary plan. holding that a liberal COM
ne1satton for devotion to the interests Of the
people would be certain 20 attract 70 the ONCE
n1sn of business ability and knowledge OF public
affairs willing to devote all or az least the
greater part of their time to the duties OF the
place and who would be vigilant in protecting
the welfare Of the city. Edwin BUrritt Smith,
leading attorney favored making the Office OF
alderman desirable by providing adequate COM
peusation to justify able men in assuming the
duties and responsibilities and putting forth
their best efforts. John G. SnortaH expressed
himself as fully in sympathy with the objects
Of the proposed measures holding that the gov
eminent of a city as large as Chicago should
be in the hands OF a body Of men who could
give their entire time TO that business Fewer
aldermen would make il possible 70 concentrate
the responsibility. With salary OF SJ,V'o
year the aldermen could afford 10 devote al
their time TO public duties The interests OF tn-
city would be better served by daily sessions
OF the aldermen, held in the day time, instead
of the night. unless necessity demanded an extra
session. Other prominent citizens. business and
professional men, tndoTsed the measures Win
equal warmth
The most powerful workingmen's organlza-
tion in the Middle West. il not in the entire
West, the Chicago Federation OF Labor. is about
to enter on a more dignihed career OF useful
ness and influence ia the affairs Of union labor
The first step taken by the new administTa-
ton lust installed in Office is for the 'iinina-
ton OF all that has heretofore tended toward
demagogery in the federation The new presl-
dent Immediately taking Office. few days
ago read a written message addressed TO the
organisations members. in which he declared.
This federation must and shall be non-DarttslR
In politics. and no delegation viii be permitted
10 involve this body embron US in that dan
gerous element. and those who connive 10 use
rs ror the advancement OF any man. faction
or party are our most bitter enemies and ought
IN he treated as such" President Schardts
declaration was received with every denonstra-
tton OF approval BY the great majority Of real
yorkingnlen IN the federation. In addition TO
condemnfng politics IN the organization the
new executive outlined his policy on puoiic
anaIrs He said that strikes should be the last
resort Of ls Dor organization. and that con-
tracts with employers should be considered rul'y
as sacred as other business agreements