Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 15.djvu/531

 MUNICIPAL REVIEW, 1908-1909 517

necessity for funds and enable them to devote their time and attention to carrying out the purposes of their organization. It has also renominated and re-elected George Alexander as mayor which means an era of municipal advance.

Charter revision and nomination reform have been the two most conspicuous general tendencies in a year of unparalleled municipal activity. It is a matter of no small moment or im- portance when 138 cities within two years seriously consider the question of charter building and rebuilding. The list of cities includes practically all the larger ones — Boston, New York, Buffalo, Baltimore, Atlanta, Detroit, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Kansas City, Portland, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, San Francisco, Los Angeles. Massachusetts, New York and West Virginia have authorized official investigations of the question. Pennsylvania, Virginia, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin are the scenes of definite state-wide movements for improved charters for some if not all the classes of cities within their borders.

Boston's experience has been an illuminating and significant one. The Boston charter bill, as passed by the Massachusetts legislature, and approved by Governor Draper on June 11, 1909, is divided into two parts : (i) administrative; (2) political. The first part embodies the administrative features of the recom- mendations of the now famous Boston Finance Commission providing for a permanent finance commission of five members to be appointed by the governor of the state, which is authorized to employ such experts and other assistants as it may deem neces- sary. Its duty will be from time to time to investigate any and all matters relating to appropriations, loans, expenditures, ac- counts and methods of administration affecting the city of Boston and the county of Suffolk, and to report thereon to the mayor, the city council, the governor, or the general court. In addition, the mayor, city auditor, or city treasurer may refer to the com- mission any claim against the city which seems to be of doubtful validity "or otherwise contrary to the city's interests," payment being withheld pending such consideration.

Department heads are to be appointed by the mayor, and they must be "recognized experts in such work as may devolve upon