New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-03-09
BRYCE CITY CLUBS GUEST.
Ambassador Compares Local
Government Here and in England.
MAYOR NOT AT DINNER
Speaker Refers to Absence of
Politics at Home in Municipal
Elections as Chief Contrast.

James Bryce. tho British Ambassador
was the guest OF honor al q dinner given
by the city Club last night with the eS-
cepuon of Mayor Gaynor and Borough
President Steers. Of Brooklyn. all the iG-
roTtant officials OF the city We're ar the
guests table. Seth Low presided Let
tiers Of regret We're read from Whtte!aw
Reid. American Ambassador 70 the Court
OF 81 James's. ard from Joseph r. Choate
tile former Ambassador
The subject Of Ambassador Bryce's ad-
dress Was Municipal Government in Eng
land and lie drew an INTEREST," COM
parison between the conditions existing
under the local form OF government in
this country and England. Mr. Bryce was
heartily spplauded and cheered by the Two
hundred and nifty members Of the club
when he arose 20 speaS.
In Introducing Ny. Bryce Mr. Low said
that there was probably no public man
who had travelled 30 widely and made so
careful study of the people and forms
Of government In all parts Of the world
as Mr.. Bryce. The latter had peculiarly
endeared himself 10 the American people.
Mr.. Low said
After outlining the form and develop
meut Of English municipal government
Mr.. Bryce approached the matter Of COM
PARSONS with the same form of govern
ment in this country with considerable
difidence. he said. one Of the greatest
differences between the city governments
i'm the two countries. he said. was that
politics figured practically not q all in the
election Of tire municipal officers in the
English cities. I'm contrast TO conditions
here.
Party lines we're never closely drawn by
the Liberals and Conservatives. he said.
and sucn a thing as any one aspiring 10
become boss" as the term IS used In
this country. was practically unheard Of
Politics enters so little into our municipal
governments" he said "as 20 be practi-
cally a negative factor We haven't the
difficulties 10 solve that you do hear and
our troubles do not multiply "a they Dc
with YOU. owing TO the fact that none Of
our cities have grown with anywhere near
the rapidly with which your cities grow
There IS always time for Us 20 forestal
many Of these difficulties that you have.
we form in our municipalities habits
OF government. generous relationship
exists between he people and the city Of
hcials. The people have habit OF looking
up to the local government and trusting 1t,
a condition which Is hard % maintain in a
very large and rapidly growing community.
The English people cannot understand
the necessity OF continually changing pub
lie officials. II man IS competent, honest
and popular, he has no difficulty In securing
q reelection. Men in both parties vote for
him There are very few cases OF dishOu-
esty I'm municipal offices. So-called graft
is seldom found. II doesn't pay. financially
or otherwise under our form Of municipal
government Tie Mavor. who is the NOM
inal head u the city government and has
practically no Influence IN conducting the
municipal business IS the only salared Of
fcer. and his salary is usually not sufficient
10 cover the expenses Of meeting and en-
PERTAINING distinguished guests which ne is
supposed 70 do.
THE affairs OF the municipal government
we're most generally conducted by men Or
substance and social standing in the com
muuitv. but this IS not 80 mucn the case
to-day. Because OF the great increase o.
business throughout England IN tne as as,
few, rears Il man IN active business DOES
not now have the time % devote 10 tHe
Office that he used 10 nave ana, on NE
other hand. if he Is politically amuitlous u"
had rather try for seat IN ParhAmcnt
Nuuiciual office holding is not a stepping
Stone 10 Parliament I'm England
-nder the system We do succeed n GET
ting The fullest publicity for every grant
or franchise 10 a municipality. said Mr..
BRYCE. and a far as We have got We
md our system honest. efficient and sue
ceesfUI'
Ambassador Bryce's remarks we're FIRE
ouertlv appauded bv those present, and
nome Joined moro heartily IN tnS applause
chan the members ~ Mayor Gaynor
Dr Albert shaw. editor Of The Review
If Reviews" spoke briefly.