State Ex Rel. Carpenter v. City of St. Louis

The relators filed their petition in this court, asking for an alternative writ of mandamus directed to various officials of the city of St. Louis — the Mayor, Comptroller, members of the City Council and of the several boards holding! the several positions mentioned — -respondents here. An alternative writ was issued June 22, 1927. Respondents presented their return, to which relators filed reply. Later the parties filed in this court a stipulation, leaving no dispute as to the facts.

The purpose of the suit is to compel the proper authorities to levy a tax to support the Free Public Library…