Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-03-08

courage the men representing the different
localities in combining to ''log-rolln ex-
travagant measures into operation for the
qualification OF the constituencies and to
tho injury of the community es whole.
In thus setting forth the excellcncies
OF the Berlin systems would not, by any
means. urge that IL be copied here; but /
would suggest that some of its admirable
fundamental principles might be adopted
to excellent advantage. / would say that
tho three class system of restricted suffrage
prevailing in German municipalities. well
as il works there. would be undesirable
here even IL 1t were practicable. as IL Is
wholly out of conformity with our Ameri-
can principles. We often hear some Of our
men Of large property urge that we ought
TO have something Of the kind here, bat
they are wasting their breath"
Mr.. BAxTxR's RECOMMENDATIONS.
Mr.. Baxter added that il would be desir-
able, by all means, ito accept the example
OF the German municipal assembly and,
instead of abolishing the Common Council
and adopting the one-board idea, which
Just now appears 10 be the popular pana-
cea for municipal ills, make the Common
Council the basis of the whole city govern
ment." He advocated permanency by
long terms, the giving of unrestricted
executive power to the Mayor, the election
of the Mavor by the Common Council, and
tho making of department heads members
of the Board of Aldermen. lie said
Berlin sets q grand example in that 1T
may be laid down as a principle that
whatever men can do better by combined
action than as individuals. that thing they
should do through their governmental or
CARNATIONS, both for economy and the
broadening of character through working
In unison with others. He said il would cost
large sum to repsve Boston with asphalt,
yet 1t would be the truest economy. The
saving would be increased capacity OF
streets, to use an electric term. 1t would
heighten their conductivity. The saving
in wear and tear OF vehicles and horsefesh
would be enormous. Animal filth which
rises in clouds of dust With disease germs
would be avoided, and noise would be OBJ
waited.
OPPOSED TO CONTACT WORK.
The speaker advocated that contract
work in all directions be done away with,
leaving oil construction to be carried out
under city departments. Regarding Ber-
Inns gas and water-works and street rail-
ways, which will become ultimately public
property, he said: Let us do likewise.
Then let us take the electric-ligbt supply
in hand. The present companies with
their conflicting interests must ultimately
unite, and then the public will have TO
pay rates upon the great consolidated and
unnecessary capital.
at should be borne in mind that the
baneful influence of corporations, in the
Hobbies of the national capital, of State
houses, and of city halls alike, with their
great schemes TO be promoted, constitute
one of the most perilous menaces 30 our
American principle of free government.
Let the people take things in charge for
themselves. Let them exercise these
functions in their own behalf through the
instrumentallty of their governmental or
carnations. Let us first take hold here,
nearest at hand, through such municipal
government as we need and can have If We
will"