The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-12-12
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WORK AND PLANS
OF THE LEAGUE.
To the Editor of The Republic.

To the Editor of The Republic.
st. Louis. Dec. 10.-Your friendly edi-
torial comments upon the Civic Improve
ment League have been noted by its Ex.
ecutive Committee.
The league deems is province to be one
of friendliness toward all the city Off
GERS a.id institutions to the point where
1t may appear that there Is intentional
neglect or dereliction In the performances
OF duty. While 1t is true that it's consri-
tuition forbids its entrance into the domain
OF politics proper, the policy Of its COM
mittees is not to hold back upon any sub
tect OF public interest for the mere rea-
son that the question may be drawn into
political discussion. 1t Is not municipal
voters league, provided with the machin-
cry TO enter into contests at the primaries
and polls; but It stands ready to give
iorceful aid In all matters of civ.c interest
aud to use its best efforts to prevent i'm
proper legislation.
The league is now actively engaged
upon the following subjects Of municipal
l. The support of the majority report of
the commission upon public sanitation,
anu the preparation of u careful scheme
OF Improvement In this respect which 1t
VIII shortly print and submit for the in
formation of the citizens and the use Of
the public officers. 1t recognizes that the
paramount , necessity upon this subject is
sary. call meetings of citizens to protest
against delay. ~ p-N'
~, opposition to the proposed change in
d me ordnance respecting inspection Of
or amendments to such matters as may be
Just cause of complaints.
D. Support OF the ordinance for waste
paper boxes. introduced at its instance.
and opposition to the amendment of that
ordnance providing for the use Of waste
paper boxes for advertising purposes II
Is i, possible that the confusion OF the ques-
feat of the ordinance. The league hopes
that the Municipal Assembly will dis
cr1mlnate in this regard and provide for
the boxes without advertising.
4. A scheme for the general improve
ment of the right-of-way of the Suburban
Railway west of Vandeventer avenue, and
OF the grounds adjoining the same. This
could unquestlonably be accomplished IL
of-way would enter into the matter with
public interest and submit to a change Of
alley grade.
s. An endeavor to bring about co-opera-
ton In the work of the vacation play
grounds between the league and the Va
cation Fairgrounds Association. organ
lied by the ladies Of the Wednesday Club.
6. Improvement Of the health conditions
In the tenement districts. It has an eff
cient salaried agent continuously engaged
in this work.
same general objects as the City League
has been formed in st. Louis County at
its invitation and under its auspices.
8. Arrangements are being perfected for
the delivery of lectures upon civic sub
jects In variour parts Of the city during
the coming winter.
.. The wide-tire ordinance, provision
for public baths enforcement of the
moke-abatement law and the antispifting
law. the subjects of uns:ghtly billboards
nuisances in vacant lots and a consider
able number of other matters Of like ma
ture are receiving the attention of the
leagues committees.
1t may not be inappropriate for me to
say to The Republic as the advocate OF
civic interest that the condition which
chiefly hampers tho league in the extension
of its work is the lack Of adequate pc
cuniary support from the public. II the
league were provided with a guaranty
fund of $4,000 year, 1t would have sal
aried employees inspecting conditions I'm
many appropriate ways, which 1t cannot
now handle. Its efficiency would be easily
doubled. and 1t could afford to take the
aggressive action which Is unquestionably
desirable upon many radically important
subjects. In the enforcement of existing
ordinances. the league is particularly In
need of money. without which efficiency is
very difficult. The Civic Improvement
League. If 1t receives the moral and finan-
cial support of the people, is ready by It's
vigilance and activity to stand for the
citizens in general upon public questions.
EDWARD c. ELIOT,
President Of Civic Improvement League.