The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-11-11

Editor Times; In reply to your brief
editorial In your issue, a short while
ago, we desire to say to your many
readers that we do not agree with you
in your extrevagant conjeetures should
the Epps resolution succeed. we regard
this measure as wise and patriotic, and
one that will surely be carried out, If
not by the Board OF Aldermen
by the people, who win petition to the
General Assembly TO amend the city
charter in such manner as VIII embrace
the names Of the officials mentioned in
the Epps resolution. one would suppose
from reading your article that you have
lost sight Of the fact that you live
under Democratic government, that the
voice Of the people should not be heard
except when the tax+gatherer calls at
the door Of the voter and demands OF
him his tribute for the support OF the
government II an incapable official fills
a high position let him be ever so waste
full and extravagant with public money
in the running OF his Office. the people
shall have no remedy for his removal.
oh! no, this would not be I'm keeping
with good Democratic doctrine. The peo-
pie had no part In putting him in office.
and they cannot take any let him be
ever so Objectionable, In putting him
out Now, according TO our idea Of De-
mocracy, this is great piece Of Injustice
perpetrated upon the people. and the
Democracy Of this city Will not con-
sent 10 be deprived Of their political
rights any longer regardless Of what
the press may have 10 say on this sub
ject. We feel well assured II the peo-
pie could have had the power Of electing
all their officials. the city Of Richmond
would not be in the flna ncial distress that
no ic IN
public debt Of this city was a little
more than 100000. To-day we find it
S,125,065.6O.
Now this shows clearly that the city
government is not run on strictly bust
ness principles The debt with largely in
creased revenues from all sources in lieu
OF being diminished has been augmented
nearly double. which will continue under
the present system OF government The
people demand that this government shall
be invested in thew. and they insist upon
! the privilege Of sslectng their own Of
fcers. for theSNdo not desire that this
power shall IT, the future be delegated 10
the city council. You say II "the heads Of
the police, gas fire. water and engineering
departments. shall be elected by direct
vote Of the people," these departments
will be converted into "elecuoneering
bureaus" Now In this you are wholly mis-
taken, for instead of their being election
eerlng machines. and run as they are at
present. they will be conducted in a
business like way and 20 the entire salts
faction of the people. You further make
the declaration Of:
1.-THE Chief Of Police will bargain with
each policeman that II the policeman will
work against the people to secure the re-
election OF the chief. the chief will keep
the policeman in his place. and every po-
liceman WIN become n political emissary
OF the chief. The same thing will happen
in each of the other departments. The
city Will thus become one huge camp Of
political heelers run by combination Of
political rings The city had better have
a succession OF Reform" councils than
to be plandered as these rings would
plumber her We hope the Board Of Alder
men viii reject The resolution. and, II II
does not. we hope our representatives In
the Legislature viii see TO II that no such
amendment Is made to the charter"
/ Now you need not have any fears about
the manner OF running the department
lfor thax wiz DO under the supervision OF