The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-04-05
THE PROCESS OF REFORM.

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Revolutionary and complete development OF re-
form In public business has been effected under the
present administration. The official records relate Il
total reconstruction of the governmental system that,
in its full scope. is. TO say the least. remarkable. most
beneficial 10 the city and in every manner and direc-
ton actually effective TO the advantage of all OF the
people. The results Of this general reform should be
considered by taxpayers and should serve to indicate
the duty OF every citizen at the polls next Tuesday.
II the officials who We're elected with the under
standing that they correct existing evils in municipal
departments and provide good government have failed
10 meet public expectations, the Democratic Council
Ticket has no claim at the polls this spring for the
favor of citizens. But If these officials have more
than fulfilled their promises, they are fully justified
in asking the voters TO approve their actions. plans
and policy by electing a friendly Council ticket. so
that reform and progress may proceed without OBJ
struction.
What the reform administration has done the of.
fetal records show. The officials have had two years
in which 10 demonstrate their capabilities and 10 in
dictate their future course. Whether they have sue
ceeded in achieving good for the city is a question
the decision Of which rests with Intelligent citizens.
The truth can be reached surely only by Investigation
OF the records. Taxpayers are advised to contrast
the work of this administration with the work OF
preceding administrations and let the records guide
them in forming their decision.
The House of Delegates WIS beIligerent from the
start and has maintained a cOmbative temper to the
last. 1t has accomplished more work than former
houses. but Is nevertheless open TO severe criticism.
In the beginning it held up appropriation bills and
stood nrm for patronage. Mayor Wells and the City
Council accepted the challenge and forced the House
to abandon its patronage attitude; it was compel: 4
to pass appropriation bills without Obtaining patros
age; in fact. Mt the loss of patronage However. the
House has. as usual, represented no party. Alleged
Democratic and Republican Delegates formed a COM
blne and resisted the reform movement.
The House was, collectively, OF such character that
IT could not be controlled. Yet, Mayor Wells and the
Council made 1t rise above itself and deal fairly with
many public measures.
Meanwhile Circuit Attorney Folk was directing the
force Of the law against present and former Dele
gates.
The Council adhered to Its sggressively honest
spirit and undd much of the evil that had been done
by the notorious combine In the preceding Council. 1t
took the public view OF franchise questions and re-
stored. in special laws, fundamental principles to pro-
tect public interests.
At this time. although large sums have been ex-
pended for sewer work and additions TO public buili-
ings and other public improvements, there Is a large
balance to the credit Of municipal revenue. Two and
a half years ago, when this administration took
charge, the city had no balance in this account. Us
tensibly there was a balance of s2S.595.85 but there
were outstanding obligations aggregating SIS. 591 IA.
Therefore. there was an actual deficit Of S39. g95. 10.
This deficit was overcome and a balance OF n
quarter OF a million dollars created by strict obedience
TO the law in financial Offices and BY enforcement Of
economy. Every taxpayer was treated alike. The
man who owed the city much. the man who owed the
city little. the man with political influence and the
man without this influence were compelled TO pay
exactly what they owed the municipality.
In two years the two License Collectors. Messrs.
Clifford and Whyte. have collected s5Oo.OOo more than
their predecessor did in his last two years. Under
the direction of President O-Brien of the Board OF
Assessors values were increased more than $4,000
O0 last year. resulting in an increase OF S4s2. ss2. IL
in the citys revenue. Harbor and Wharf Commits
sioner Whyte raised the values on Levee land owned
by the city and put rentals on n 6per-cent basis,
thereby increasing the revenue from this source. Cob
hector of the Revenue Hammer not-only collected n
vast amount more than his predecessor. but reduced
the current expenses OF his office $4,000 a year.
The taxpayers here have examples of the success
full achievements OF the reform administrat ton. II
they wish to have this kind Of good government con-
tinue they win support the officials who have done so
well and elect the Democratic Council ticket. II Is
clear that any opposition TO the policy that Is accom-
plishiDg beneficial results would be detrimental TO
public interests.
The Mayor and his competent. trustworthy as
sistants sheuld have a Council entirely IN sympathy
with their plans of progression. Should the taxpay-
ers permit partisan or gang antagonism they will In
Jure their own interests, as well as the interests of
the city. All intelligent citizens are urged TO in
v~estigate the work Of this administration and let re-
suits guide them in casting their votes.
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