The Portland daily press., 1884-01-21
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.
An Address by Zion. G. r. Libby before
the Portland Civil service Association.

the Portland Civil service ASSOCIATION.
AT the request OF the members, Hon. G. f,
Libby gave an informal address before the
Portland Civil Service Reform Association
Saturday evening, on tho general subject of
Municipal Government touching upon some
special features which illustrated both the adj
vantage and defects Of the present system.
The first topic discussed was the advisability
OF establishing Beard Of Public Works.
Mr. Libby gave s history of some OF The move
mems that have been previously made in that
direction in this city, and read bill which he
had prepared whilo City Solicitor in 1873 at
the request Of MIR. Eben Corey, ut that time
alderman from Ward six, end chairman Of tie
committee on etreet, sidewalks and bridges,
bat which failed to meet general support, and
WAS never presented to the Legislature He
also presented tho views on this eubisct ex-
pressed By Mayor Butler in his address, t. the
City Council in 1878, and discussed at length
come OF the advantages and objections to The
system-illusrating the subject by reference
TO some features Of the present system, sas
shown in the practicpl results.
The general subject OF tho conditions essen
tal to efficiency aud responsibility in Muniei-
paEGogernment was taken up, ana discusst
with reference to tue extent of power it is ex-
peaieni TO place in the hands Of the Mayer,
and his control over tho different departments,
more particularly With reference to the police,
fire and street departments, the condition and
methods of which ,eere generally considered.
TIE fact that an enlightened and aggressive
public sentiment is essential to coed govern
ment was illustrated by its operation il nuni-
cipal affairs in compelling the selection Of ca
pable and upright public officers. The selection
of whom was shown 10 underlie all true reform
10 government The necessary existence Of
party machinery even in municipal elections,
WAS touched upon, and she question how tar
partisan politics could be eliminated from
municipal affairs vas considered at some
length.
Tho temporary influence of "citizsn's move
ments," and the failure of oil unorg4nizsa
movements TO exercise! any permanent iaflu
ence in public affairs was commented Oh, and
the duty OF each citizen to take part ia tho se-
lection of candidates Tor public Office was sn-
forced.
We have made no attempt to give anything
more than an outline of some of the topics
touched upon by Mr.. Libby in an address
which extended over an hour and a half in
length and was full of wise and timely sugges-
tions as well as valuable Information coneera-
ing both the theory aud actual operation of
municipal corporations. The interest it arous-
ed was shown by the numerous questions ask
ed by members of the association present for
the purpose of more thorough calculation Of
particular points, to all of which Mr.. Libby re-
piled with much frankness and very satisfacto-
rily. He opened subjects Of consideration
concerning which there is much need OF infor-
nation and careful attention on the part OF all
who desire good government. Although we
have spoken u this as an address it was in
manner rather familiar and coloquial pre-
sentation of views without elaboration or fer
mality. A vote of thanks was passed by the
association.
The draft OF bill prepared by Mr.. Libby in
1873 at the request of Mr.. Corey, and which
was read at the meeting is given bslow.
An act additional to ian act to confer cer-
tain powers on the City of Portland approved
March 24ih, 1868 and the several acts addition
al thereto and amendatory thereof.
Section The City Council of the City of
Portland are hereby authorized to elect in
1OlnJ convention on Ln0 second Monday OF
March next, after the acceptance of this act as
hereinafter provided, three persons who shall
constitute Board of Commissioners on Streets
and Sewers in said City of Portland, and who
shall have all the powers and perform all the
duties now conferred on the City Council or
either branch thereof or any Committee of the
same SO far as necessary to lay out, alter, re-
pair. widen or discontinue any street or way in
said City and to lay out. make, mairtain and
repair all main drains or common sewers in
said City, and to estimate all damages, and to
make all assessments on account of the same as
now provided by law, provided however that
no act OF said Commissioners in the exercise
of the powers aforesaid shall be binding mon
said City of Portland or any owner or owners
of property therein until the report of the do
ings of said Commissioners signed By at least a
majority of their numbers shall have been sub
mitted to the City Council and received their
approval. Said Commissioners shall exercise
the powers above conferred as nearly as may
be in the manner now prescribed by laws This
act IS not intended In any way to restrict the
powers of said City of Portland now conferred
by law, but to change the method and means
By which those powers shall be exercised.
Sec. AIT the first election under the act
three persons shall be elected missioners of
Streets and Sewers, one of whom shall be elect
ed for one year, one for two years, and one for
three years, and at each subsequent election
which shall be held on the second Tuesday Of
March annually one Commissioner shall be
elected for three years.
Sec. $50 much of all acts and parts of
acts heretofore enacted which are Inconsistent
with this act hereby repealed. Provided
however, that the repeal aforesaid shall nor
affect any act done or any act accIuing or az
crued or established, or any suit or proceeding
had or commenced before the time when such
repeal shall take effect.
Sec. 4.-This act shall be void unless accept
ed by the Inhabitants of the City of Portland
in the manner provided BIZ section &c of an act
approved March oath, 1863 and entitled an
act to confer certain powers on the City of
Portland