The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-08-14
MUNICIPAL FAILURES.

Political economists are almost unit In conclud
Ing that municipal government has been failure in
the United States Many Of them think that in this
matter at least, If not also in others, may learn
from the successes obtained by European methods
and apply here systems and details of management
which are adaptable to our republican form of gov
eminent Some of the European agencies by which
municipal sovereignty has been realized unques-
tionably capable of adjustment to American condi-
tions
Washington and Boston probably represent the
approach the American ideal progressive
municipalities Both cities spend money freely for
civic betterment and in their works strive with not
able effect to combine the aesthetic with the utta-
Han. That Washington is model city is due to it's
fortune in having the national treasury ut command
and in being directed by the best legislators of the
whole country. Boston's advancement may be at
trtbuted to the wealth. refinement and local pride OF
its Inhabitants, well to its age and history.
Maybe no other American cities have had the advan-
tases which Washington and Boston have possessed.
The advantages Of most other cities, like Chicago,
St Louis and Pfttsburg, have been disadvantages.
What were commercial benefits, resulting in mercan-
tile prosperity and growth in population, were mu-
nicipal mpediments causing financial and legal en-
barrassments and disturbing organic laws. The de-
mands Of rapid advancement begot special grants
and privileges of quasipublc character, which
rched individuals and private corporations at the
pense both Of the community and the public corpora
tons. Had public officials had the monetary re-
sources and had they had the judgment and fore
sight at the command Of clever, aspiring individuals,
the histories Of American cities might be different and
there might not at this time, be many grave prob
lens awaiting solution.
II municipal government in the United States Is
the woeful failure that depicted the reverses may
fo oho
velous advancement, upon changes in the mode Of
living. upon the difficulty of arranging the theories Of
a new and untried form of government practical
basis suited to public habits and requirements upon
lack Of interest the part of citizens in their very
own corporations upon mechanical invention, to the
inefhcency and dishonesty Of public officials. to the
predomnance and intrigues Of practical politics and
to mistakes in systems Of municipal government. The
education that cities have received through their fol-
lies and losses and through the surrender Of princ
pie In valuable grants is the best hope that municipal
government will in future be successful in the United
States
Socialism does not offer, many observers pre-
sumo. a rectifcation Of abuses and evils. The ex-
IRENE tendencies Of socialism toward paternalism
the hand and anarchy on the other. Not a
few of the socialist leaders, In this country and
abroad, seek not alone to remedy defects in govern
mental systems but also to lead the public from re-
lgious ethics, which are the fundamental laws of
society. When American forms and systems
perfected the buncombe of socialism will have been
forgotten
Experience. as acquired by failures will evolve
systems for good municipal government. The punish
ment of boOdlers and evil officials shows that the
election Of good officials is necessary for good gov
eminent and indicates that good officials can only
be elected If good citizens will vote at all elections
1t shows also that municipal affairs should be kept
far remote possible from partisan tactics. The
people themselves, by simple means and by regard Of
civic duty, will ultimately find balance and make
good government O permanent institution.