786 THE URBAN COMMUNITY 



" We are careful that municipal services, such as drinking-water, gas, 

 electricity, and street-cars, be not injured by the mercantile spirit. 

 We need moderate tariffs; we obtained them, and to the surprise of 

 many we found them sometimes more remunerative than high ones, 

 while they add to the comfort of the people by inducing them to 

 make a liberal use of necessaries. 



" Domestic service in some parts of our agglomeration is offered by 

 the community, as for instance the heating of houses by a central 

 station. This interesting house service will probably be extended 

 before a long time to the supply of hot water and even of meals. 

 The advocates of cooperation, with their keen acumen, had long ago 

 foreseen that what is now called municipal socialism would come to 

 their help in the achievement of their programme. 



"(/) The General Headquarters of the City of the Future. And now 

 let me explain to you what I consider to be the mainspring of all 

 our efforts," said Initiator. " The growth and development of our 

 city are continually supervised by a parliament which is formed by 

 engineers, electricians, architects, medical men, artists, Competent 

 administrators, and citizens distinguished for their ability and 

 devotion to the public welfare. Come and see for yourself, since our 

 Organum meets this very afternoon." 



In this important body Initiator occupied the presidential chair. 

 He had been appointed for four years Supreme ^Edile, with extensive 

 powers. In municipal matters, experts affirm, nothing is worse than 

 irresponsible administration. Find a good man, pay him well, and 

 give him a free hand. This is the principle upon which we work. 



The Organum lays before the municipal authority the requirements 

 and the necessary information to carry them out. Then the alder- 

 men act according to their best judgment, but, as a matter of fact, 

 they simply ratify the decisions of the Organum, thus giving them 

 the force of law. 



A Technical Committee presided over by the Supreme ^Edile en- 

 forces the rules of the Building Code in letter and spirit. The library 

 of this committee contains the Building Archives, wherein may be 

 found the history of each house, and especially the sanitary repairs 

 it may have undergone. These archives may be consulted by 

 every one. 



Practical Conclusions 



Having returned to my old-fashioned home in the city of my 

 forefathers, I resolved to aid the advent of the city of the future in 

 my own country. 



But some one may ask, " Tell me where is the wonderful city 

 which you visited and described to us ! " Complete it is not to be 



