The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-05-25
TAKE ON THE OLD NAME.
THE TAKING DISTRICT HAS LIVED
OUT ITS DAYS OF USEFULNESS.
But 1t is Only the Name and Not the
Form OF Government in Which the
People Yearn for chsnge-Dr. D. T.
Porters' Matured Views.

The idea advanced by THE APPEAL, TO
drop the name taking District and re.
ipstatc that Of, 1.-THE City Of Memphis"
meets the hearty appreciation of the
public generally. The present title is
novel, and SO long as it served good
purpose was greatly revered; but since its
adoption nine years ago the revolution
has been complete and obviated all neces-
sity for its further retention. An APPEAL
reporter sought DIR. d. 7. Porter yester-
day, us the gentleman who could probably
come nearer voicing public sentiment on
the subject than any other one citizen,
for multiplicity OF reasons.
doctor, what is your view OF the pub
lished opinion that the city should reas-
sumo her municipality Manner inquired
the reporter.
~ certainly see no reason why II should
not be done. In fact, it should have been
done some time ago. The Legislature was
rather inclined to make the change when
i was up there, several years ago. take
IL that action on the question last session
was not taken because no one thought to
bring it TO the attention OF the body. The
to give us relief from crushing indebted
ness. That relief has now been enjoyed
10 its utmost, the debt has all been set
tied, and it is not at all likely that Leg
islaiure would refuse to make the change
II petitioned."
"Do understand that you favor re-
turn to the old municipal form OF govern
mcnt."
mot at all, nor do I believe that the
two conflict In the least. Take the Mem
phis National Bank, for example. Were
II deemed wise by the directors OF that in
stitution to change the name by dropping
the word national, il would only be nee
essary TO obtain proper consent, organize
under the new charter Just as at present,
and our outstanding bonds and other Sc
curitics would be as valid against us rs at
present. The name alone would be
changed, without affecting the form or
previous acts. No, sir; am the last per-
son in the world TO even remotely adyo-
cate return to the old mayor and board
OF aldermen government. That may be
all well enough in its purity, but the latter
condition is difficult 10 maintain. You sec,
the system Of electing representatives from
wards is pernicious. A man may be able
10 pull through in n ward who would never
dream OF running from the city at large.
When the ward system prevailed, the
members considered il their bounden duty
10 work only for their immediate con-
stiuents as against the entire city outside.
Thus rings and combinations were formed,
the intent and purpose OF which was TO
influence and control the expenditure OF
public funds. | do not suppose there are
a dozen people in the city who wish TO see
that sort OF business revived"
''Do you, then, believe that no legal
questions intervene between the revival OF
one without the other?"
"Iliat il my view OF IL, without much
legal knowledge or study Of the question
from any standpoint save that OF common
sense. ] have heard something OF the
bondholdcrs probably raising an objection,
but there can be neither validity nor rea-
son in such a course on their part, and
do not believe there is foundation for the
report"
->;clflsash been said, doctor, that you favor
the election OF recorder 10 dispose OF
police arrests. as prevailed under the old
regime. Is that correct?"
ayes, do believe that should be done.
For long time after the creation OF the
Taxing District form OF government rigid
execution Of the sanitary laws was vital to
our existence. That is highly important
now, but not so vital as formerly. You
understand the peculiar conditions sur
rounding us in our early days, and the diff
ference now, 80 that need not elaborate
the point 10 prevent Misunderstanding.
OF course, | do not mean that the laws
may be disrcgarded or neglected. But
there are good men who can administer
them besides the president, and he should
be relieved Of the duty"