The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1905-04-04
Chicago's Election To-day.
While Richmond has been agitating i

While Richmond has been agtating tho
question OF expansion, the citizens of
Chicago have been agiating the question
OF municipal ownership of street car
lines and other public utilities. The
Chicago campaign came to d close on
Saturday night. and the election will
take place to-day. The candidates for
Mayor are John Maynard Harlan, son
of Justice Harlan. OF the United States
Supreme Court, Republican,, and Judge
Edward T. Dunno. of the Cook county
Circuit Court. Democrat Sentiment is
much mixed, however, and 1t is probable
that in many cases party lines will be
ignored. Chicago has for years been a
'hotbcd OF Socialism,, and Mr.. Altgcld, WHO
ran for mayor rs an independent can
ddate four or five years ago, polled
$4,000 votes on platform Of municipal
ownership. In 1902 public sentiment was
tested by special referendum, and by
n vote Of 1854 to 25.9s7 tho voters de-
clared In favor OF municipal traction.
In the following year another referendum
gave majority of $4,000 III support Of
n measure known as tho Mueller en-
abling net. which provided for the pur-
chase by the city Of unexpircd franchises
and street railway property.
That was hardly fair test OF sentl-
ment, because the people were voting
on question of theory and not of prac-
ticc.. This time however, the test will
be between those who believe III the Inn
mediate purchase by the city of all the
street car lines. Indeed. the main Issue
between the two candidates is that Of
immediate purchase or postponement.
Mr.. Harlan agrees that municipal owner
ship must eventually come. but no favors
Il waiting policy, and would grant the
corporations a new short-term franchise
In favor OF tho nnety-nlne-years fran
chises now held by them. II X
Judge Dunno. however. is In favor Of
immediate action, and wants the city to
| buy out the visible property OF the COM
| panies at once, either by voluntary no.
| COLLATION. or by condemnation proceed
| lngs that the city may take entire con-
| troll OF the street car lines at the earliest
possible moment,
1t would appear from the test vote
taken on the two occasions above re-
ferred to that a great majority OF the
people are in favor of Judge Dnnne's
plan. but there Is difference between
voting for theory and voting for prac-
tice. and it will he determined in the
election to-day whether or not the voters
have the courage of their convictions.
Democracy Is ms Far removed from Com
munism as tho east Is from tho west.
and yet in civilized government there
| must be more or less OF sociallstlc prac-
tice This Is particularly true Of munc-
palitles where tho streets. the public
buildings. the parks. the public schools,
the drainage system, and. In some cases,
the water works and gas works are
owned by the corporation and operated
for the general good 1t has been demon
strated that such municipal ownership
J is wise, and II 1t he wise for the city ia
4 own It's gas works and water works, ii
would seem equally wise for II to own
It's street car lines and even the tele-
phone system. But when II comes "a
operation that is another matter We
believe that in most eases of this char
. aeter the best results are 10 be obtained
y under policy Of municipal ownership,