The Reform of Municipal Governments.—­Having reviewed the principal causes for the evils of municipal government, let us now consider some of the conditions that are necessary for bringing about reforms.

(1) National politics should be entirely separated from city affairs.  It may be impossible to prevent the nomination of candidates by the regular political parties; but within each party local issues, not national, should determine the selection of candidates.  At the polls the voter should cast his ballot independently of party considerations.

(2) Public interest in municipal affairs and the existence of a strong civic pride are conditions that are essential to the election of good officers and to the purity of city government.

(3) Before we can have better city governments every citizen must recognize his responsibility, not only on election day, but on every occasion when he can help in the work of detecting wrong, punishing corrupt officials, and encouraging better things in all departments of city life.  This means unselfishness in one’s attitude toward the public welfare; it means willingness to sacrifice time and effort in the public service.  The example set by many eminent persons who have devoted themselves unselfishly to the accomplishment of reforms in our great cities may well be imitated by every citizen in the smaller affairs of his city or his ward.  And the younger generation of citizens, who are yet students in the public schools, may exert no little influence toward the betterment of the city; and they may aid in the formation of that better public sentiment without which no improvement in our standards of municipal government is possible.

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SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONS.

Outline for the study of your city government.

1.  Was the city organized under a general law of the State, or was it granted a special charter?  Does the legislature enact special laws for the city?

2.  The mayor:  term, salary.  What are his principal powers?  Should his responsibility be increased?

3.  The council or board of aldermen:  number of members, term of office, manner of election, compensation?

4.  The municipal courts and judges.

5.  Administrative departments:  make a complete list of these.  Are they controlled by boards or by single officers?  How do the officers obtain their positions?  Are they paid salaries?  Of what business does each have charge?

6.  How are the water, lighting, and street-car plants managed?  Do you believe in the municipal ownership of any of them?  Give reasons for your opinion.

7.  How do police officers receive appointment?  If an officer fails to enforce an ordinance, what course would you take to secure its enforcement?

8.  Are party lines closely adhered to by voters in city elections?  Are independent party organizations formed?  Are they successful?