The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1891-12-24

the committee appointed should report
teat new charter would conflict with
the work of the Funded Debt Commits
sion, he, as an individual member, would
retire. He did not mean to convey that
idea in his first remarks to the board.
Mr.. HalI-Suppose we could not adopt
a new charter without interfering with
the Funded Debt Commission?
The Chair-Weil, guess we could re-
sign. There's no penalty if we don't
submit charter.
Matt +. Johnson said it was his idea
that, even if the committee reported that
the new charter would conflict with the
work OF the Funded Debt Commission,
the Freeholders might resolve to have
the charter anyway. In this case he, for
one, would not retire. He would lend
| the board all the assistance he could in
preparing solid charter, but still when
IL came TO voting he might vote against it.
WHAT THE BoNDHoLDERs GET.
Clinton /. White said the city owed at
present about 81 100000, and each year
was compelled to pay over Sl75, 600 to the
bondholders This amount constituted
80 per cent. of the gross receipts of the
Water Works, and no charter could
AFFECT the payment of this money. He
claimed that in seven years, without any
Funded Debt Commission, the city debt
would be liquidated.
1AClO was d Y ut3SliOn DIS 10 Wu6IDGT OF
not the commission was thing of value,
and some figures on the subject ought to
be made. 1t could readily be seen that
the usefulness of this commission de-
creaSes each year. 1t was buying at
discount bonds that would not be due
Tor several years to come, and it was
plain that when the time of maturity of
these bonds was nearing the holders
would not sell them at any discount at
all.
Before we commit ourselves too far"
said MIR. White, would it not be we'll to
first consider these three questions:
"tirst-W ould it be worth while TO
abolish the commission?
''Second-Would it be worth while to
continue it?
"Third-Would or would it not be
we'll to say that at certain date it be
| abolished, as being unable to do further
good?
THE OLD CHARTER.
while we ought to follow the old
! charter, as far as practicable" he contin-
ued, 81 say as it stands it is contrary to a
republican form Of government. The
legislative, executive and judicial de-
partments, which should be kept sepa-
rate and distinct, are jumbled together.
The ChiefofPolice ought not to bea Police
Commissioner, because, as a general rule,
the other members Of the commission
/ NATURALLY COuCeNC Iildt he KNOWS WnaC IS
going on in the department, and would
bring up only such matters which he
| thought the commission ought to con-
slider.
Then, again, it is a great mistake to
make the Police Judge member of this
commission. The charter makes it so
now, and as a result the Judge who has
succeeded in making the best promises in
| the way of appointments on the notice
force generally gets the office. His ability
is not considered by many.
Judge Cravens," said MIR. White, ''has
frequently to complain against parties,
who, if they are arrested, have to be tried
before him. Here is clear reason why
| all these departments should be distinct.
AS a check upon the Mayor in his many
appointments, l would require his APP
pointments to be confirmed by the other
members of the Trustees, and also allow
the latter body to pass an order over his
veto. l do not think two legislative
bodies are necessary to govern the city,
The meeting adjourned till next
Wednesday afternoon, at O'Clock, at
which time the special committee will re-
! port. The appointments Of the members
OF the various committees suggested by
the committee on Order OF Business will
be announced in a day or two by the
| Chairman.