The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-06-14
POLITICS BLOCK
CITY OWNERSHIP
Scottish Expert Declares Munio-
ipal Proprietorship Won't Do
in a Republic.
New York Sun Special Service.


Philadelphia, June 14.-Coming to
this country an ardent advocate Of mu-,
nicipal ownership Of street railroads,
and at the special invitation of Mayor
Dunno Of Chicago, James Dalrymple of
Glasgow says he has seen enough to be
convinced that municipal ownership will
never do in a republic, and that it is
one of the greatest dangers with which.
the people of this country must contend.
He said last night:
To put street railways, gas works, tele-
phone companies and. kindred concerns
under municipal ownership would be to
create a political machine in every large
city that would be simply impregnable.
These political machines are already
strong enough with their control of police
men, firemen and other officeholders.
IT, in addition to this, they could control
thousands OF men employed in great public
utility corporations political machines
would have power that could not be over
thrown. I came to this country firm
believer in public ownership and upon the
special invitation of Mayor Dunno to adj
wise him upon the Chicago situation.
Private Ownership Better.
What I have seen here, and I have
studied the situation carefully, makes me
realize that private ownership under
proper conditions is far better for citizens
of American cities. have SO told Mayor
Dunno. He is disappointed, of course.
am not sure that he agrees with me at
all; nevertheless, my nveStigation, not
alone of conditions in Chicago. but in
every great American city, has borne
upon me with fnality that there is no
greater menace to your republic than this
idea of municipal ownership
r IN n
ownership of public utilities, but not for
America. You are too impregnated with
politics. Your government is politics.
What is good for Glasgow or an
other municipal condition Is not good
here. came to America thinking might
help. I see my duty is to warn you
against the greatest ideal Of my life and
what I believe is the greatest municipal
ideal. But there must be a, revolution
in political conditions In America before
it can fit in here.
Mr.. Dalrymple was in Philadelphia to
attend the last day g session OF the. ex-
ecutivea committee OF the American
Street Railroad association. 5. He has
gone to New York to make q study OF
conditions there.
Solution by the Scot.
Speaking Of what he believes to be
| the best solution OF the PUBIC FRANCHISE
question Of this country. the Scotch
man said: ...
In America should advise all cities to
sell their franchises upon the best pos
sible terms and protect the city by draw
ing up short leases. With a short lease
the city will always belin position to ex-
ercise a corrective influence upon corpora
lions If public rights are absolutely dis
regarded. Long leases are an evil
The American system of requiring the
/ traction company tosbes responsible FOL
paying gllsn cure
company gets in proper financial condition
it should give 3-cent fares. Once the
original cost of the system is provided for
3-cent fares will return sufficient revenue
to make the stock Of a company attrac,
! tive and at the time give the public great
j satisfaction.