tunate from the standpoint of good city government, for cities are constantly appealing to legislative assemblies for special powers to meet local conditions. Where the legislature, as in Iowa, is forbidden to enact special legislation for cities or towns, they have resorted to the expedient of classification. Sometimes the classes are so made that only one city can possibly be included within the class.
The European System.The adoption of the general European system of placing a few fundamental restrictions upon cities and towns in the interests of the State and then granting all other powers not especially denied would probably have a wholesome effect upon our municipal governments.
Incorporation of Municipalities.Cities and towns acquire the privileges of local self-government through a legal process known as incorporation, which is accomplished as follows: Whenever any locality or community not already within the limits of any city or town desires to become incorporated, it must present a petition to the District Court, signed by at least twenty-five voters resident within the limits of the proposed corporation. The Judge of the District Court is empowered to change or limit the territory proposed to be incorporated; and he appoints five commissioners who give notice of, and conduct an election within, the limits of the proposed town to determine whether a majority of the qualified electors are in favor of incorporation. If the majority of the qualified voters favor incorporation, then the District Court
