The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-02-03
GRAND JURY,s OPINION.

Doubt may exist among rancorous partisans con-
corning the character of good government furnished
by the Wells administration, but no doubt exists
among good citizens in regard to the excellent service
being rendered to st. Louis. Results are sufficient to
satisfy the demands of the majority of the people;
the practical politician, on the other hand, likes, when
favorable conditions make his circumstances uncom-
Portable, to ignore acts and accomplishments. In
stead Of giving commentator for good deeds he viii
falsify motives and invent yituperahon.
The Grand Jury's opinion on the subject of good
government agrees with the popular verdict. The
Grand Jury, after making thorough inquiry, is i'm
pressed with results and especially in the fiscal de-
partments of the city. 1t has found that careful man.
agement Of public affairs is a reality and thatthe con-
sequent blessings have become assertve.
Mayor Wells stands as the representative Of this
reform. His business Is to see that officials perform
their duty In all directions. As general manager of
the corporation he weighs the heavy problems of gov
eminent and puts public affairs on the proper basis.
If system be needed he supplies it. If an important
matter must be solved he solves it, and in a business
like manner. He is conserving all his intelligence and
effort toward making public work true Investments.
That the Mayor is doing excellently well cannot be
disputed. Directing the city's business at a period
when the transformation is taking place, he is con-
fronted with greater and more perplex1ng financial
and technical problems than were any of his predeces
sors. And to his work he is bringing Judgment and
conscientiousness that must inevitably lead on to adj
vancement of a permanent kind. The Wells admins
tration Is a stable, progressive government.
The Grand Jury devotes praise to the License, Rev
enue and Water Rates departments, giving the chief
officials credit for having enormously increased the in
come without ehecting increase in taxation. This for
tunate result was achieved, says the report, through
strict performance of duty. The collectors made ev-
cry citizen pay his just taxes, without discrimination.
When there is no discrimination in pubic Office the
taxpayers have the assurance that professional poll
ticlans and their friends are not receiving favors and
clemency at the cost of the general public. Inferen-
TALLY, therefore. 1t becomes apparent that the city's
affairs are directed without political interference, that
example, to give away public funds before the money
gets in the citys Golfers; and it is easily possible to
hold down balances by distributing salaries to IN
necessary employees.
The Grand Jury report points to the annual saving
of 27,125. SO made by Collector of the Revenue Ham,
mer through choosing not to employ unnecessary
clerks or make wanton expenditures" The report
lauds License Collector Clifford for increasing the Ii.
cense tax revenue $256, 1872 In the last fiscal year
through diligence in compelling each citizen to con-
tribute his share Of public expenses"
The Grand Jury recommends yearly investigation
Of all city Offices. Such Investigations have been GUS
result. It would indeed be a good plan for at least
one Grand Jury to make a broad and searching ex-
animation every year into all municipal affairs. This
course would do the city no harm. And once In awhile
It would be apt to bring about very much good.