The Daily clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1866-1888, 1876-01-28
II Proposed Change of the City
Charter.

but there are features of it which We de
cidedIy disapprove
1st. We are 'opposed to legislating gu
of the corporate limits of the town tina
portion of North Jackson which is most
ly settled by a colored population
Among the best and most thrifty people
of that class in our city = laborers
tradesmen, mechanics, etc.-reside in
that district. They have purchased
lands and put up comfortable
houses with improvements, and have
located their churches conveniently
Wereto, under the belief that they would
be permitted to enjoy the benefit and
protection of the city government
and the privileges of the city pub
lie schools. A visit to that part of
the city will convince any one, seeing the
well laid out streets, the comfortable and,
In some instances, pretty cottages, that
such a class of coIored people should
be encouraged, not discouraged. We
therefore think it would be an act of in
justice to them to deprive them of the
benefits of the city government, whether
on account of race, color, previous con-
dition, or political opinions.
I'd. We are opposed to the abolition of
the city offices, though some might be
merged together, and the election of all
of them might very properly be RENTED
from the Board to the people.
Sd. Two hundred and fifty dollars each
is entirely inadequate compensation to
the Mayor and City Marshal neither is
twenty dollars per month sufficient to Sc.
cure the services of faithful and efficient
policemen; nor is one hundred dollars a
allowance for competent
Clerk. The people do not desire either
Boards of Aldermen or Boards of Super
Vlsors to work without pay. Poor pay
makes poor officers. If offices are worth
filing, they ought to be filled by compe-
-ent men.
4th. We are opposed to the princi-
Die of legislating either individuals or
corporations into or out of office, or DINA
ing either a perpetual office-holder. 1t
undemocratic. The people should be
ecure III the right to select or discharge
heir own servants. The people are as
ompetent to select their City Marshal as
her Mayor, their representative in the
legislature, their Governor, or any other
fhcer, and We are in favor of adhering to
he rule in all cases.
9Th. We are opposed to MIXING the
ounty and city administrations. It will
cad to confusion and defeat the main
bjects of the city government. And es-
ecIally are we opposed to the donation
the city Jail which cost the taxpavers {
the city $4,000. a
9th. We are opposed to the repeal Of '
le law by which citizen can swear in 9 3
is vote, unless different mode of REQ
tratlon is provided. As the law now
ands, the Mayor and Board have abso. C
tie control of the registration books a
hey are generally candidates for re- a
ectlon, and could, at the last moment
1t on the books the names of tbe;r Of
lends, and take off the names of their OF
emies. We want no such convenient ri
ode provided for the disfrancbisement I'll
our citizens. Some of our oldest and VI vs.
ST citizens have availed themselves of
right to swear in their votes. s 81.
'th. we are opposed to the repeal of r,
, law funding the city debt, until we vi
: convinced it will not have the effect N
appearance of reputation. The act
expired by limitation, and no more on on
rrants can be funded, and if was
'Sed at the instance of Democratic Isl
administration that then had control Go
the city government. %
'th, We are opposed to any ipterfer to
e by the Legislature with the oroanic c TO
OF our local government until tboro rel
been an expression of the will of the i h,s
pie, either in public meetings or at ine
ballot-box. When the State Con s aee
utlon is amended the people. bv =
voice of the ballot, speak their for for
hes and if the constitution (cha rter) tic,
our city is to be chanoad abe
claim the same right for its citi- t. to
s. jackson did as much as apv Der
to redeem the State, and she wants the
Legislature either to let her alone or tria
suit her wishes. There are other to
ures of the bill to which We object sect
may hereafter state H. e def
I'D require. the
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