The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-07-05
LIKE PHILADELPHIA.
clear water.

The shame of Minneapolis and the shamelessness
of ST. Louis far surpassed by the degradation OF
Philadelphia, which is wildly described by Mr. Lin
coin Steffens under the caption, 'Phadelphia Cor
rupt and Contented.' But Philadelphia is worse than
Pittsburg only in that the people, having lost, won
and lost again, have become temporarily passive, ana
is only worse than New York in that 1t seems to be
incapable of momentary redemption
Philadelphia is corrupt and satisfied; Pittsburg Is
corrupt and ashamed but Inactive New York is cor
rupt but alive; Chicago is corrupt but ever progress
sive Minneapolis and st. Louis were corrupt, but
met the dragon. bravely and proclaimed unending
war; New York is BETTER ST. Louis Is better; Mime
apolis, Plttsburg and even Philadelphia are better.
The periodical revivals for reform have not been
without effect Through the darkness the light of
day Is visible.
Comparisons among large cities are scarcely fair,
however. The fact remains that one corrupt city is
as bad as the other. Another fact is that every
metropolis has its share of corruption in public office
another fact is that the corruption is not limited
to large Cities to departments Of the State and
Federal governments, but that IT reaches into town
and county boards and almost every public office,
howsoever small unimportant and Improbable.
If St. Louis is worse than Minneapolis and Pitts
burg Is worse than st. Louis and Chicago, If New
York and Philadelphia worse than any, 1t Is be-
cause conditions vary and opportunities are more ia
vorble and temptations greater in one place than
in another. New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, ST.
Louis and Pittsburg have fought the foe again and
again. Each has had its dramatic cmaNes of mu-
ncipa betterment and no cities have contended
courageousy bitterly or against greater odds
than Philadelphia and New York. which are cassed
the meanest examples of corporate debasement.
Most of the people love the right and prefer the
good But, as in Philadelphia, not enough good cit
liens take active interest in public business When
issue ponds the agents Of the gang" work and
vote; while the friends Of good government smoke
cigars after lunch and tell each other how public
business should be run.
Under the new order. which is nearing adoption
corruption in public office will be the exception
Every big city will have good governmental 1t de-
sres good government-and the city which lacks it
will be held in contempt from end of the country
to the other. But what is the new order? How will
lasting good government be realized?
Every city will have to solve its own difficulties
in accordance with certain principles which may be
applied advantaseously everywhere. The cardinal
system of municipal government may not differ in
the principal cities but the details and methods WILL
for the good reason that conditions not the
in various municipalities. Conditions vary because
the resources and active forces, of all kinds, are
diversified.
Improvement in the organic laws and in the
much Of the "freeand-easy" about public business.
The correct tendency is toward stronger safeguards
with complete home rule; yet, while the safeguards
should be more effectual there must be no curtail
ment Of that freedom of action which is necessary
for progress. The drift Is not toward socialism
paternalism. but toward middle course which con-
templates that the officials shall have ample author
ity and latitude under clearly defined general pol
ICY but subject to reversal by the voters prompt
appeal
Whereas, the one hand, better and more
thorough system is required, the administration Of
municipal affairs will not be successful unless on
the other hand, the citizens recognize and respond
the duty Of voting. In America the people are and
will continue to be the Federal State and municipal
governments The inference u.s. consequently, that
good government is dependent upon the voters Pub
lie spirit and civic pride can accomplish more than
elaborate systems and perfect laws.