Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 6.djvu/549

 A YEAR'S MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT 535

an imperfect system of home rule. The people can protect themselves against the enactment of an inadequate or pernicious charter, but they cannot make sure of [having their affirmative desires carried out.

The San Francisco charter, while perhaps not entitled to be classed as a model, is an advanced piece of work, and represents careful thought and study of the situation and an intelligent comprehension of the problems confronting modern cities. Its influence has been for good, and the movement for improved charters in California has been materially helped and strengthened by its example.

In Minnesota a recently adopted constitutional amendment permits the framing of home-rule charters.

Under this and the enabling acts passed by the legislature, the local courts are authorized to appoint upon petition a com- mission to draft and submit a charter at a special election. A four-sevenths vote is necessary for adoption. Minneapolis has twice availed itself of this opportunity, and twice failed. The sec- ond proposed charter, which was regarded as a much better instru- ment, was submitted to the voters in November and was defeated. St. Paul has adopted a new charter, which, while it represents an improvement, is signally defective in that it contains no civil- service provisions. The reform bodies of the city supported it, however, with great vigor because of the other substantial and important changes which it did contain. Duluth has also adopted a new charter, and numerous other cities in the state are consid- ing the question.

The whole movement has been a healthy and a hopeful one, and augurs well for the future. An analysis of the new instru- ments is out of the question in this connection. It can be said, however, that they represent advances along many lines, and that a larger measure of good government is now possible than formerly. That they represent an improvement and a certain amount of antagonism to corrupt methods is clearly demonstrated by the vigorous opposition of vested political interests to which they were subjected.

In Wisconsin the League of Municipalities and the Milwaukee