The Liberal View; A Series of Articles on Current Politics by the Members of the '80 Club. with a Preface by Rt. Hon. Earl Spencer (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1904 Excerpt: ... MUNICIPAL PROGRESS. By J. WILLIAMS BENN, L.C.C. The recent attacks upon municipal progress have been so persistent, and so well financed, that some good people who are not behind the scenes are really beginning to regard " Municipal Trading," as it is ingeniously called, as very inimical to the success of private enterprise, and productive of high rates. To alarm further the timid ones it is labelled "Socialism," and the cautious citizen is warned that its encouragement may lead to something akin to the Paris Commune. One's apprehension abates when it is discovered that these bogeys are raised by a "League," whose aim it is to exploit our towns and cities for dividend purposes. Indeed, the list of the members of this anti-municipal fraternity is so significant that argument becomes almost unnecessary. But I propose to treat this assault on our municipal life quite seriously, and to contend: First, that "Municipal Trading " is really essential to the success of the great bulk of private enterprise; and, second, that it has proved to be the friend rather than the enemy of the over-burdened ratepayer. My argument, for the present, does not touch the more important moral and social reasons which are outside these comparatively selfish considerations. As to the first point, the observant traveller will notice that the success of shops, hotels, and businesses generally is largely measured by the health, attractions, and conveniences of the city in which they are located. People, especially those with money, congregate where they can get the best light, air, water, markets, and means of communication. "But," it may be asked, " cannot all these things be effectively and cheaply supplied by private enterprise?" Fully recognising all that private enterprise has done ...