The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1903.

Evening Star, Issue 11891, 20 May 1903, Page 4

The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1903.

--- —, „J. ~j , : . man ■in. r—«r : >: view of tbf inadeqnate state of the law concerning municipal amaj4rt«ter gsmation, as well as the 9»n*iis. eomplicated character and varices aspects of (he <mh, 'ect, wk onto ftpprora of th* suggestion that ailncaf committee tot inquiry should ho * -f/ *o , ""**tf(»ii4:f..f < ||fl"tn*tter "' "" itu fe&top. TJw werk ot mfe * eommjtu*, •■ xaiuustv (Miijititutfld, sAonid be of grtutx,

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service both in enabling the public to arrive at a decision on the general issue, and also in instructing the Legislature as to necessary amendments of the law. The | declared advocates and opponents of the proposed reform might be represented, but the majority of the committee should consist of unbiased citizens (including, of course, suburbau residents) of known ability and approved standing, with two or three lawyers of repute. The agenda should have a strictly practical import. Leaving aside the largo and (so to apeak) ! sentimental aspects of tfic subject of I which the public are quite able to judge for themselves—the committee should colleit and publish plain facts and figures, with | the apparent inferences, as regards the certain or probable effects of amalgamation upon the city and suburban finances, muI tual and respective responsibilities, advantages, drawbacks, and so forth. They might also be expected to draft a Bill to provide the necessary legal facilities—a matter upon which the advocates and opponents of the project could presumably agree, seeing that the amendment of the 1 law would not nocessarily involve the. taking of any definite action. It would merely enable action to be token, without vexatious obstacles, whenever the time was judged to be ripe. If this suggestion is to be adopted, there should be no delay: indeed, the. committee Should be appointed at once, so that the amending Bill may be ready shortly after the opening of the parliamentary session. The appointment would most suitably be made by a public meeting, representative of the city and suburbs; but we strongly emphasise the desirability cf having an unbiased and open-minded committee, at least as regards the majority. No useful purpose would be served by electing a committee mainly composed of declued advocates and opponents of amalgamation—though, as has been said, the two parties might bo represented. The names should be chosen with a view to inspiring confidence in the public mind, and tho chairman should be a leading citizen cf tried ability and with an easy grasp of financial and other detail. Perhaps Mr John Roberts might be induced to serve in that capacity. Another representative public meeting could be held in a few Weeks' time to receive the committee's' report. We are inclined to think that the suggestion is an eminently practical one, and that its adoption would have the desirable effect of lending a judicial and busi-ness-like tone to a discussion which is in danger of becoming unduly controversial and even passionate.