The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1882-03-04
REORGANIZATION,
The Question Observation-Disclosures Generally ia
Favor of n Change-.The Uncertainty of the
OLD Charter--The Certainty OF the New.

The Question Discussed--L Lawyers Generally tn
Favor of a Change The Uncertainty of the
Ola Charter-The Certainty OF the New.
| In response to the published CALL there was
large number Of voters at Turner Hall on last
Tuesday evening to hear the views OF the mem
bers of the bar Of this city on the question of
adopting the general incorporation statute in
lea OF the present city charter. The hall WAS
well filled with voters, for no boys were admit
ted, but there was a noticeable absence Of mer-
chants, who are supposed TO be most interested
in this question. The audience was much inter
ested in the subject, and remained intact until
long after 10 O'Clock, when The last speaker
closed.
The meeting was called to order by the mayor,
who stated its object and also introduced Mr.
Chas. Blanchard.
Mr.. BLANCHARD said it would be impossible in
1, reasonable length of time to take up both char
tiers and analyze them inteligently. few years
ago he had examined both when the subject was
being discussed, and his impressions then were
that it was to Ottawa's interest to rc.organize,
and so voted. Among the reasons suggested
we're that the constitution prohibiting special
taxation it is against public policy for this city
to be existing under special charter; cities
should be uniform in government under the law
and have the same grants Of power, SO that when
any question is presented to the Supreme Court
aud passed uson that settles the law for all cities
OF the state. We have under the present char
ter no powers not granted in the general law,
while the general law has some provisions our
charter has not. The general law has 96 speci-
tcations; our charter has only IS. Unless the
old charter has some advantage, we should re-
organize, and he knew OF none. The general
law has been carefully prepared, is easily compre.
hended; and VIC could re-organize and go on with
our business undisturbed.
Mr.. MAYO said she question of a change was
one of great Importance, for If the city cannot
be bettered by the change there is no necessity
for it. But the subject is too large to be gone
over in datail His own conclusions were in IA.
vor OF the change. The present charter wac
made so years ago, when the city was small, and
her wants different from the present; and from
time to time amendments have been made, so
that now there is scarcely a lawyer who can take
up this charter and say positively what powers
it does contain. Many powers the city exercises
are not expressed in the charter, but are taken
by inference. He thought it much better to have
all these powers directly expressed, 80 tina. any
one can see what his rights and duties are, and
also what things are prohibited. Under the
present charter lie. g., there Is no prohibition Of
lconnciLmen dsbbling in the city contracts,
which is absolutely cut of by the general law
The general law is as complete and ample es can
DC found ia any stA'c, and cU.eGs eyerJ point in
which municipalities are interested, and is easier
in practical use. The most important question
| is the taxing power. That appeals directly to
our pockets Under the old charter, he thought
the limit was one half of one per cent, while
under the general law it is two per cent. But
the question under our charter, is notyet settled.
All lawyers differ on the subject-it hangs IL
mid-air undecided. He thought it better TO know
that the limit would be two per cent. than to
! leave the question undetermined whether it was
/ 5 mills, 10 mills or unlimited. He thought that
the general law would better subserve the inter
ests of the people, would place officers under a
s,ricter control, and would wosA smoother than
| the old