The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-02-10

hilOulO " tl6 WGlLdlG Va oils CANNA NAiAS
theory the municipality should not stop
with the exercise of such negative pow
ers as the restraint of the dangerous
classes and the protection of the person
and property of the Individual. Its func-
tions are not simply negative, but posi-
tive as well, and should be so extended
as to enable the government to become an
active agent In the promotion of
higher civilization.
This conception of municipal govern
ment is comparatively modern, and has
been slowly evolved In the cities of Great
Britain and continental Europe, from a
condition of affairs little better than
chaotic. In Great Britain marvellous
success has already been achieved In
realizing this modern idea of the objects
and functions of the municipality. Ae-
counts, published within the last few
years, regarding the development Of
municipal functions in Glasgow, Birming
ham, Manchester and Liverpool, seem in
credible to those who have not followed
the swift evolution of municipal admin
istration In Europe. In our own coun-
try municipal institutions are undergo
ing radical reconstruction, but owing to
obstacles that are peculiarly American.
they are as yet very far behind those
of Europe.
There is a growing sentiment in this
country, however. in favor of enlarging
the scope of municipal activities, and of
expanding the powers of the municipality
so that the common welfare may be bet
ter advanced. This sentiment, no doubt,
is largely In the nature of a protest
against the power, greed and rapacity of
government created and government pro-
tected monopolies, that in our large cities
have secured valuable franchises belong
ing to the people, and, under municipal
protection, are thriving upon the common
necessities of civilized life. The present
reform agitation demands that old defni-
lions of the objects and methods of gov
eminent shall be revised and that the
economic functions of the municipality
be so extended that the people shall be
afforded protection, not only against COM
mon law-breakers, but also against those
foes of society who rob under color of
law.
Municipal government may accomplish
q great deal more than 1t does at present,
without the assumption of any new pow
ers. The expansion and perogatives In
volve the Introduction of no new principle.
All that is required is the application
of old principles to new conditions and
the extension into new fields of powers
already possessed.
LII. -l,,I1 tie
economic powers and functions in order
to realize the modern ideal of govern
ment is not a question of theory; 1t is
simply a question of expediency and
practical efficiency. Neither is It dues-
ton that can be determined by any gen.
eral rule; in each particular case local
and practical considerations must deter
mine the course of municipal action. IL
any city should propose to own and
operate a system of waterworks, or an
Illuminating plant, it Is not a valid
objection to say that government
should not engage in business, but
should leave it to private or cor
porate enterprise Neither is it
valid argument to say that quasi-public
business should be managed by govern
ment Street lighting, water hydrants
for street cleaning and sewer flushing,
fire alarm telegraph, police telephones
and other subsidiary branches of public
service are protective functions, and
come within the well recognized police
powers of the city. They are public
functions and involve only the practical
business question, whether they can be
supplied more cheaply by contract with
a private concern, than by the city Itself.
The same consideration would prevent
the city from engaging in the manufac-
ture of steam engines, dynamos and other
appliances; on account of the limited sup
ply needed, they can be purchased more
cheaply than the city can manufacture
them.
Recent municipal movements in Europe
and this country, may be regarded as an
extension of the primary functions Of
government for the promotion of the well
fare of all the people. The trend of these
movements indicate the expansion of
municipal power along three distinct
lines:
The function of municipal inspection in
our American cities, will bear considerable
expansion before we get such efficient
service as is provided in European cities.
In our large cities we need thorough in
spection and supervision of food and drink
products. Consumers are too far re-
moved from the sources Of supply to