The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-18
Prober Says Civic Pride in Birmingham Is Second to
 no City in Country
BEST PAVED STREETS
 IN UNITED STATES
Says Success of Commission Govern ment Will Depend Entirely on Cooperation of Citizens
 With Commissioners

James Cameron of New York, the man who achieved his reputation in the east as a prober into municipal and govern mental conditions returned to New York last night after spending several days in Birmingham He had nothing but com plimentary things to say about Birming- ham.
 MT. Comeron says the standard of civic pride in Birmingham is second to none in the United States and that this city Is the best paved municipality In the country for it's size.
 Mr. Cameron has recently been en- gagged on some investigations in New Jersey and he first became generally known for his activity in Investigating matters in connection with the Harris Durg capitol scandal fin Pennsylvania. Here is what MT. Cameron had to say before leaving Birmingham
 Wont you permit me to make clear, came to your city not to probe in any manner unless you will construe It In its most superficial sense. Probing into affairs of public corporations, municipal
  study of the problems peculiar to the re- speetive confines. Any other method or procedure stamps the investigator with a lack of understanding. It has been my pleasure to talk with your city com mission and many prominent business men and lawyers of your city. l nave had the criticism from those who have had the opportunity to get line thus far, on only what we might call the sub- structure.
 "The expressed opinion of the members of your governing body is an emphatic declaration that they appreciate their trust-they know what is before them. It Is not for me to say, 1t Is clear they will proceed with caution. Your reor- ganization is not yet year past. lAttie could be expected under ordinary condi- lions in such a short time and the public must be patient I have had the oppor- tunity to see a good many things In my short stay and I am convinced that you have one of the most beautiful munich palities in the country. It is my candid opinion that the standard of civic pride In Birmingham is second to none In the Tinted States. Without this conditlon the most intelligent body of men could not be successful in the administration of affairs The commission must have the support of the people. and from every thing I can gather they do have H. ana this means success.
 "The affairs of a municipality can and should be conducted just as the admin- istration of a private corporation is had with the single goal always. that Is to say. 10 get the most and best for me lowest outlay of money. There IS no more interesting science of business ex- tant than the operation of n public cor poration. It's one peculiar difference from that of a private corporation Is that It's object is not one of profit. Unlike private corporation, it asks no favors and violates it's conscience when it grants one. In consequence it affords to my mind the only real standard to which we may turn as to the actual cost of doing business.
 .,rs there more in the science of bus mess that affords men the opportunity 10 show what can be done?
 "All of which brings 70 our mihos most forcibly that success in this form of gov ernment or any form is dependent fore most on the right men in the right places and the absolute trust in these men oS the people. The remedial features or your commission bill so to complete it's efficiency, but we must be mindful that our most eminent physicians give us the mildest doses of the powerful until they are sure of their diagnosis. Commission government Is new. but I feel 1t has come to stay. Regulation, order and economy can not be had without con- centration of power and authority
 ."Power and authority can not be aoso- lutely concentrated without the support of the people. We trust ourselves. How can if be failure?
 1T have learned great deal In my coming here and shall never forget the many courtesies extended me-