The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-03-19
DISCUSSED
DUTIES OF
CITIZENS

Last evening the second meeting of the
Municipal league was held in GeIb's par
lors. where the questions pertaining 10
reform In local politics was discussed.
The meeting was called TO order at
o'clock by the president OF the league.
Amasa NJ. Eaton. With few introduc-
tory remarks he introduced the first
speaker OF the evening. President Faunce.
OF Brown university. who spoke on the
as follows
Though II must be conceded that Eu-
rCpean countries are ahead OF this land
In the management of municipal AFFAIRS.
yet in national politics there is much
that the other countries can learn from
us. This better control of the muntci-
palities of foreign countries is largely
due to the very rapid growth OF our
cities.
'Ureat care must be exercised IN the
future government OF our cities II we are
10 approach that form OF government I'm
municipalities abroad. one OF the causes
OF special comment in favor the munl-
cipallties here was the system Of public
schools He said that he believed that
school centers should be made the CEN
tres OF hoCldl NE Oi tHc Couiihuihty bS
well as the churches.
In concluding he said that II a public
spirit can be created which Will teach
sense OF beauty as well AS utility we
can do much for OUT cities.
The next speaker OF the evening was
Mr.. Sam IL. Bullock. who spoke on the
police commission. He said that the
board was elected and not appointed. the
commission being created In 1901. He said
that II was a source OF chagrip that the
body was not representative OF Provi-
dence voters. since the voters on the
general list all over the state had the
privilege OF choosing the city commission.
The fact was all the more calling since
the measure was enacted at the request
OF the city council.
There was now nothing 10 be done but
10 elect TO the city council such men as
will place the control OF AFFAIRS in the
hands OF the mayor. This was not desired
that the old regime OF affairs might be
resumed. nor was II believed that such
would be tho case. That very condition
Of affairs was approaching now since,
only such members were desired upon
IL was would fawn for favors.
Some years ago the appointive power
was I'm the hands OF the mayor and bet
ter discipline was the result then than
later when the aldermen relieved him
OF some OF his powers He was willing
to give credit where IL was due. and.
therefore, acknow ledged that conditions
we're better now since the responsibility
was fixed but II the board Is 10 he con-
trolled for corrupt political purposes re-
version 10 former low conditions Will
speedily follow.
IL was the duty OF the citizens 10 unite
without regard 20 party politics and to
shown real zeal when putting into office
candidates controlled by the city and not
from the outside machine IA needed
but NOT TO dictate 10 candidates. The
necessity for the machine comes when
IL is to place the candidate and his quail
ications clearly before the people.
There is no desire to cast any aspersion
upon the city fathers but they are allied
too closely 10 party. There is gen
eral disssa tisfa ction In politics through
out the state for the reason OF this clan
nishness in political affairs. The pres
ent management is not approved by the
ma iority of the voters but they will not
stand out and say 80.
Professor Gardner OF Brown university
then spoke upon Taxation. He said ne
could only speak in general terms be-
cause Of the lack OF fixed rules for guid-
ance The details OF finance are con-
stantly changing but the general fea-
lures do not change as rapidly. While
not following the details OF finance for
the past few years very closely. he had
kept I'm touch with the general features.
1t is we'll known fact that along with
the growth OF wealth there has been
growth of expenditures What Is true OF
the private citizen was also true with the
public life New needs OF public life have
come I'm and the old ones have become
more luxury. This is illustrated In the
new charges brought about by the care
OF the delnauents dependents, consump-
tives. and the public parks. with this
has come an increased need for the
sources OF revenue. One method Is 10
practice a little more economy, de-
yelopment OF the tax machinery 10
greater extent than ever before. Observe
the practices in other states where there
are three sources not recognized by Rhode
Island. These are general corporation
taxey. railway taxes and inheritance
taxes
Ehode Island must look To these Tor IN
crease in revenue. The question must be
solved later but when the question ~
solved for the state It will also be solved
for the city. Tangible property shouid
be taxed but at times there was much
| Injustice done In the assessment. Larger
proportion OF the revenue OF the city must
come from the rental value or its land.
| When he had concluded a collation. was
served. Then there was some further
general discussion and adjournment