Morning journal and courier., 1894-03-07
CHARTER REVISION.


 \ mother Hearing on Charter Rcvl. sion Before CommIssloners White, Whitney and States-Dr. Hubbard, | Septimus c. Fleetwood, Health Om- | cer Wright, B. J. Masterson, Conn l missioner Maley and ex-Poliee CommlssiOner Hart Among the Speakers-More Power for the Mayor Advocated by Most of Them.
 There were about twenty gentlemen present at the hearing before the legisla- tive commissioners on a new city charter in the aldermanic chamber last evening. The members of the commission present were J. N. States, Henry 0. White and Ell Whitney, jr.
 Dr. 8. G. Hubbard was the first speaker. He said that 1t was e question with him whether the city charter should be revised or wholly abolished and 8 new one substi- tuted for it. He thought the charter needed reconstruction. When asked his opinion about watering the pavements he spoke of the necessity of keeping the Tel ford pavements moist, as when they were not they tended to disintegrate and prove an injury to health. He had observed in other cities that they were always kept moist. He had seen much of the Telford dressing scooped up with the mud and carried away in carts in this city. He also spoke of the tendency of dust to produce disease and said the public health urgently demanded that these pavements be kept moist. The dust is nothing but finely powdered trap rock and is sharp and grit tv. causing bronchial troubles when in- haled. There are thirty or forty miles of this pavement in this city being constantly ground up by horses and wagons.
 Septimus c. Fleetwood was the second speaker. He favored the consolidation of town, city and school governments. The mayor should have the power ef appoint ing commissioners; should preside over the power. "There will be no re sponsibility," he said, "without power, and no power without responsibility. If we want new charter we must get out of the old rut." Health Officer Wright was then called upon for few words. He spoke especially of the board of health. He thought that any nomination should be made by the | mayor. He did not think 8 single headed commission was for the best interests of the city.
 B. J. Masterson was the next speaker He said: 1T favor consolidation of town and city governments. It is urged that If the question of consolidation be placed to the popular vote the city would out vote the outlying districts. Yet, I am in favor of this being done. These suburbs really partake in the-benefits and advantages of the city. And think West Haven should be included in these outlying districts also. Concerning the appointing power, I don't believe in 1t at all. I would givs the mayor full power over all the boards, and let the people elect sipgle-hesded com missions" Commissioner Maley of the board of pub. lie works next spoke. He eaid: tThe mayor ought to have more power, but ] am not an advocate of non-psrtiean boards. l believe in fixing the responsi, bility on either the republicans or demo. orats and making them accountable to the city for their actions. also want to speak of certain ussges in the city court. believe as things are nov 1t only costs about 8. I understand, to call jury which | may sit for weeks and then has to be paid for by the people. There should be reform | in this respect. I think the aldermen should be compensated for their service , H. H. Lane thought 1t should be easie, for the people to call the board of alder men oassher, but not so easy as to make | 1t possible to vent personal spite. He would not interfere with the election oi the commissioners of education.
 Ex-Police Commissioner Hart spoke next | He said: s'I am supporter of the ole charter. To me 1t is au old friend. It hal furnished wise form of government, wise ly adapted to the best interests of the city For thirteen years it has furnished us witt unrivalled prosperity and peace. NJ
 money has been misappropriated. Tn city is eound financially. We have 8 mos efficient police force. It is only th' scheming and designing power that erie out against the old charter, or the cficia
 hiding his efficiency by crying out lack o
 power. The mayor has all the power tha
 is needed.
 "rhe responsibility of success or failur
 lies with the people. Politicians will cap
 ture any system If the people sleep" H
 alec said that he had never seen any evi
 results growing out of the deadlock ther
 was in the board of police commissioner
 while he was 8 member.
 | Attorney A. Mcclellan Matthewson wa
 the next speaker. He held that all publi
 school teachers should be nominated b
 the various school principals and the
 elected by the board of education. H
 thought that the various school principal
 could determine the needs of the school
 better than any others. They should
 held responsible for the conduct of thei
 schools. This would place responsibilit
 somewhere and make someone accountable
 object to abolishing non partisan boards
 am opposed to single-headed commis
 sloner. l object to politics of any kin
 entering into our city government. Bu
 parties have got to bs the origin of grea
 deal of work. But the police depsrtmen
 should be kept pure. So that when an ez
 citement carries the mind of the people be
 yond the regular ideas, we want polio
 force which is strictly non. partisan. Iu re
 gard to the outlying districts wanting tow
 government, would say let them go wit
 an adjacent town; 1. e, Westville wit
 Woodbridge and that part of New Have
 next to East Haven go to East Haven, o
 else let them come into the city.
 J. J. Kennedy was the last speaker ant
 advocated giving greater power to tn
 mayor, and spoke against tho system 0
 appointing.
 The next meeting will be held in abou
 two weeks, st date to be announced.