The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-03-15
Colonel Broadwater Favors Its
Adoption and Condemns tho
Old System.
7. n. Kleinschmidt Studying the
Subject and May Say Some
thing Later On.
h Latter Gentleman Fav0rs the PIan of
Keeping the AppOintive Power
From tho Mayor.

oppose 1t when you consider how affairs
have been managed in this town. To cay
that the methods of conducting municipal
matters have been loose is drawing it mild.
One thing that stands out prominently is
the extravaganza which has characterized
the administrations. This applies not TO
stood on the sidewalk in front OF the Mon
a National and watched the melting
snow and ice running down the street gut
ters. About an hour ago l saw a sample
of this way of doing business. Two men
were picking away at the loose pieces Of
half-frozen snow in the cutters. They
probably get at least $3.50 "A day, probably
more. No II knows how many more
there are scattered about the town. Two
men could keep the cutters on Main street
clear. There is hardly any use for these
men now the water flows freely and keeps
its own channel clear"
Zone of the best things that could hap
zen to the city would be the adoption of the
charter on tho 23d Of next month, and l be-
lieve the citizens have reached that stage in
their observations Wien they can plainly
see the necessity for a change in our city
government. In a great measure it will not
be- an experiment. Charters have been
adopted In other cities and no one hears
that they have been found to be failures.
They. have been called into existence
mainly through the efforts of the pro-
and intelligent class to avert the
deplorable condition which has made
some cities notorious for their rotten ad-
ministrations and made the term doodle
alderman" SO familiar to the American peo-
pie. The provision to put the practical
management of city affairs in the hands of
a hrorl nj ~nrI1tn vwowLo in ~-n ~ kLn locA
things about the charter. 1t is business
like. 1t places the responsibility where n
citizen may know. where to find it. The
way things are going on now no one is re-
sponsible. There IS always an opportunity
shift the blame or avoid it entirely.
People are becoming tired of paying taxes
and seeing their money s~quandered."
Mr.. Kleinschmidt Talks.
Hon. Il. H. Kleinschmidt, who has been
of az q possible candidate for may
or on the republican ticket, was talking
charter with John. Stedman yesterday after
noon. They were in a private office in the
rear end OF the First National bank build
ing. "Yes, We were just discussing it when
you came in" says MI. Kleinschmidt.
"Well, what do you think of itY"
Pm trying to get some light on the sub
ject now. I'm in favor of the charter"
IA charter"
Eyes, a charter. I cannot say just now
the proposed charter is exactly what
l think the city needs. In a general way
YOU may say I'm in favor of the charter
Mr.. stedman asks Mr.. Kleinschmidt if he
another cigar, and suggests that the re-
porter would like to know if he has any OBJ
to the charter.
"There's one thing in it l heartily ap-
What's that; the board of public
,..
mo, it is the appointive power. Under
he mayor. The new charter would relieve
him of this. When a man was elected
mayor he had a certain number of offices to
give out. There would be from ten to
1welve applicants for each place. OF course
hey were all friends of his. He could not
give each one an office, consequently a num-
Der were disappointed. Now, that's why 1
ike the plan Of the new charter in this re-
'pect. It is a good idea"
Mr.. Stedman says; That's M of the
'hings We want to do away with, this be-
of offices as rewards for political
The theory of the new charter is
hat men shall be employed to perform the
jutles OF these offices as a matter of con-
ract and compensation. II the CITY paws
III adequate salary there is no reason why
t should not be entitled to competent
nen. just as you do in your bank here,
Mr.. Klcinschmidt."
The interviewer gets in a question as Mr.. |
brings up the board of public
works.
II don't think the compensation of the
of the board is high enough.'
Mr.. Kleinschmidt says. 'It ought to be at
$1,000 more for each member per an
lnm. In order to get good men who are
of filling these places they should
'e paid enought to warrant them in devot-
ng their entire time to the duties they are
to perform. They should be paid
'nough SO they will not be obliged to en-
.age in any other line of work to swell
heir income.n
Are there any other points in the char
er which you have examined?"
well, as l said before, Pm trying to get
'ome light. I certainly think the old char
er has outlived its usefulness, and I want
10 see something better-a charter. Whether
his one adopted by the charter commits
'ioners is the best thing for the city or not, |
am II repaired to say a present. l have
'tudied 1t ONE but am not ready to say
except in a general way"
"What he wants to know" says Mr.. Sted-
nan "ls whether o are in favor of the
,harter or against it,
MIR. k~leinschmidt 10 lies: "Ill not be
fowl. When tns proper time comes
III be either for or against it. In two or
hrae days | may have something more to
ay."
Go to o. j. Folmes for kalsomining, fresco
ana pal erhanglng.