Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 5.djvu/858

 842 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

The committee made a preliminary report at the session of the league held at Indianapolis in the autumn of 1898, and the entire session of the league was devoted to a discussion of the report. The committee was instructed to continue its work and make a report for final action at the meetmg to be held in November, i8gg, at Columbus.

The comprehensive series of essays printed in the first part of the book is designed to introduce and defend the constitutional amend- ments and municipal corporations act which constitute the proposals of the National Municipal League. The first chapter, by John A. Fairlie, logically treats of municipal development in the United States, giving a valuable historical survey of the rise of existing methods and institutions. Mr. Horace E. Deming states the municipal problem and indicates the place of public opinion under the new charter ; Dr. Albert Shaw, the proper scope of municipal activities; Professor Good- now, the place of the council and mayor and political parties; Dr. Leo S. Rowe summarizes the program in one chapter, and in another treats clearly and critically the problem of public accounting ; Comptroller Coler protests against including revenue-producing operations of the city under the limitation of indebtedness; Mr. Charles Richardson writes of municipal franchises ; and Professor Delos F. Wilcox con- cludes with an examination of the municipal program. These chap- ters are all worth reading, but naturally are subordinate to the proposals of the league.

Preliminary to securing a satisfactory municipal charter it has been recognized that in the present confusion of legislation it would be necessary to have constitutional amendments to secure both uniformity and elasticity. Special legislation is to be prohibited, and cities with a population of over 25,000 frame their own charters, subject to certain necessary and uniform limitations. Executive and administrative functions have been more clearly defined ; the only elective officers are the mayor and council. The limit of municipal indebtedness dis- regards remunerative enterprises. " The city's property in its streets, docks, ferries, bridges, and public places is declared to be inalienable, except by a four-fifths vote of all the members elected to the council, and approved by the mayor." Municipal bookkeeping is reformed and given greater publicity. Municipal elections are separated from state and national elections. The merit principle is affirmed. With these regulations the cities are to enjoy home rule, and a model charter is suggested.