The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-01-24
CHARTERs OF CITIES.

OMcers Needed. Some by Election and
Some by Appointments
OLYMPIA. Jan. 23-Judge Galusha Par
sons. of Tacoma, has been busily engaged
during the past several days upon the pro-
posed general Law relative to the charters
of cities OF over u, coo inhabitants and will
probably be at work for another week. The
general plan OF the Law is so far formu-
lated, however. that an outline Of its pro-
visions can be given. Councilman Niesz,
Of Seattle. returned from that city this
morning with the sections concerning the
taking Of the census in cities that intend
to take advantage OF the provisions OF the
act, the manner of holding the election
and the authorization of charter elections
in the various cities. He will be with
Judge Parsons for the next several DAYS.
The plan Of the law is as follows:
The mayor OF each city claiming over
D.W0 inhabitants shall appoint as many
persons as he sees tit to take the census OF
the cities. They shall proceed with the
enumeration within five days OF their APP
pointmen!, which. when finished, shall be
reported to the legislative authority OF the
city. IL shall then be flied with the secre-
tary OF state. Iii there are over $4,000 in
habitants, the council. may authorize gen.
eral or special election, At which there shall
be chosen fifteen freehoiders, who shall
convene within ten days thereafter, an
within thirty days thereafter submit q
charter 70 the council. The proposed
charter shall then be published for thirty
days in two newspapers. Then within ten
days the charter shall be submitted TO the
people for ratification. Further provis-
ions are made for authenticating the cleo
ton.
At this point the work is taken up by
Judge Parsons. First. the limits of muni-
cipai power are defined. The election of q
board of councilmen and the division of
the city into so many wards as are proper,
from which the councilmsn shall be
elected. Is authorized.
Judge Parsons favors the election OF
three ccuncilmen at large. but others Of
the trainers of the law have not considers d
this scheme. He also fsvers q provision
that certain officers be elected and Others
appointed, as follows;
Eiective-Mayor. clerk, engineer. mnni-
cipal Judge, city attorney and justices OF
the peace.
Appciniive by the mayor ard council
Chief OF police, one or more health officers.
ire warden. harhor master. superintendent
OF streets. auditor OF public accounts and
corporation counsel.
II has been generally agreed to insert a
provision that cities NAV create boards OF
pubic works in such manner as they may
severally provide. Judge Parsons. how.
ever, thinks the number should be plsced
at three, while others favor i've and even
seven. No limitation upon the personnel
OF the board viii ae imposed
Speaking OF the necessity 1T genera
law and the difference OF orinion that has
arisen in places concerning the eonssrEe-
ton OF the provisions of the consultation
judge Parsons today SAID:
All have concluded that whether or not
legislation Is absolutely necessary il Is sus.
rorssns thai u SHOULD he bad in advance of
action by the cities. Those who think the
constitution is ssif-acting, and thai there
= no need for supplemental legislation.
must make choice between one az two
theories The present general laws are the
limits OF municipal power. or there are no
limits AZ ali, In ether words. cities ar. alb
sotsstesy independent OF the state govern
nsas. rs the constitution docs not sn anv
other toFa Indicate what powers they NAV
exercise than by ssgnisying thar they shall
he suhJecs TO general laws.
In my opinion. that means as r,fssrIy
IS the Eagtish language can Be made 70 en-
press anything. that they are subject 90
the general laws now exsstin. unsa Inc
legislature se~s proper Co ssions other gen
sfA Avs II shis - the true constructions