The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1912-03-16
MAYOR McCUEN's FIRST MESSAGE.

MA4Ok McCUEN'S FIRST MESSAGE.
DIR: John A. McCuen, the new mayor, read to the
council last Tuesday his first message 1t is without
doubt the most interesting and unique document pre-
sented IN many years by mayor Of Duluth.
1t was good message. 1t was full Of sensible
and practical suggestions Of progressive character
Its spirit indicates that the mayor has his to the
ground, and he seems to know Of a few things the
average citizen of Duluth would like to see done.
No ardent supporter of the principle of municipal
ownership could have said more on the duty Of the
council towards acquiring municipal lighting plant
than the mayor said. Many Of us would have said
less.
We fear the genial doctor has been misguided
IN his Judgment by the plausible demand the
part of the city lighting obstructonists for an es-
innate on the probable cost to the lowest consumer
OF electric lighting under municipal ownership
In the first place this is immaterial. In the next
it is not IAN engineering proposition but it is simply
question of economical business management
We believe the officials of the Duluth Edison
Electric company can best the question if it
were put to them in this way: If Mr.. Van Bergen
as manager OF privately owned company can earn
dividends for with capitalization and in
debtedness Of 81, 100000 and on maximum charge
for lighting at the rate of cents per kilowat hour
at what rate could he furnish the people light
through their own plant with only all Indebtedness
against it of 81 ,40OO 0O?'
The recommendation of the mayor that the coun-
Gil spend more money to ascertain the probable cost
OF lghtlng under municipal ownership to the small
consumer will offer good excuse to the opponents
OF the principle in the council, and it's luke warm
friends to practice dilatory methods in heading off
the mandate of the people. Nothing more can come
from it.
The mayor made hit in recommending that the
council provide for depot at which standardized
milk for babies should be kept, and experts placed
10 instruct mothers In proper preparation of milk.
lie nit at something fundamental when he ad-
vocated the assage of an ordinance for improved
housing conditions for the poor He did not scratch
very deeply below the surface, but we believe he
is on the right track and we will take occasion from
time to time to help him successfully carry out this
exceedingly lofty ideal
The mayor became bold when he demanded to
know why the steel plant is being constructed so
slowly. Does he not know that he has started some
thing? We did not think there was public official
IN Duluth who had the courage to ask such pertin-
ent question. 1t you are not careful, Dr. McCuen
you may be cited to appear before the inner circle
OF the Commercial club to answer to the charge Of
leze MAJESTY
1t some of them treat you frigdly when you meet
them you will probably know what an awful crime
you have committed
But Go not get discouraged. In this matter at
least you will have behind you the support and SYM
pathy OF the great number of our people.
We heartily subscribe to any plan of publicity
for Duluth, but will believe more in the move
ment when we are shown that there is disposition
to support the industries that are here before trying
to coax any new ones to come.
In its entirety the message teens with good
practical suggestions, and the council will find it
good policy to give them the attention their merit
deserves.