The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-10-13
COMMISSIONS AND POLITICS.
Commissioners should Not he APP
pointed Ky the Governor.


Editor Morning News The proposition
to place the police and fire departments,
the parks and public works in the hands
of separate commissions should be very
carefully considered with. purpose to avoid
the conditions which have resulted In other
communities. At the outset the inquiry
suggests itself, is IL possible to divorce
the proposed commissions from politics?
Whether the appointing power reside In
the city or state authorities, the selec-
ton of appointees is likely TO be infIu-
enced by partisan considerations. II It
were possible even to affect such divorce
ment is that, or such result the ma
terial object to be attained? The munici-
pal government of to-day Is practically
the same as was inaugurated over 100
years ago, and is comprehended in the
board OF mayor and twelve aldermen
administering through the agency of its
several committees who direct the en-
ployes of the city. The volume or work
deVolVinB upon such committees when
the area enclosed in the city limits was
bounded by East, West and South Broad
streets did not exact such a measure or
time and attention as imposed excessive
burdens upon the aldermen. and they
could then, and up to some years ago.
aHord TO render to the community their
voluntary services without serious en-
croachment upon the demands of their
several businesses and unremunerated
save in the consciousness of conserving
the public veal. 1t was an homer TO be
named as alderman and the best and most
intelligent OF the citizens cheerfully ac-
cepted the position. The increases in
area Of the city with increases of popu-
lanon mas resulted in vast In
cal business, and every alder
man Of to-day realizes that a complete
poses no light task To relieve the alder
men In some measure of the personal at
tention now required Of them and a modi-
n nGation OF their duties to an advisory and
think be fairly recognized as the most
important consideration suggesting the
creation of the several COMMISSIONS We
think II bad policy to provide for the APP
pofntment of such commissions by the
governor OF the state Under such ap-
polntment the embarrassments existins,
in other cities would originate here AZ
they are to be officers of the CITY and to
eXpend the money Of the city they should
reVeice their appointment and instrlc-
lions from the board of mayor and alder
men, and amenable to them for any fail
ure in duty and liable to prompt discharge
Receiving an appointment from the gov
ernor they too might indulge the senti-
ment of independence of local control
and suggestion with resulting conditions
or contention and Wrangling 10 the detri-
ment of public Interests
We think there is necessity for the
creation OF such commissions, but their
offices and duties should be carefully pre-
scribed Their appointment should work
out more economic administration of
public work and result in a more progress
slve line of action. These commissions
might very properly consist of severaIly
one appontee. He should be salaried ac-
cording to the volume Of his labors and
held TO strict accountability The gem
erous sentiment of working for the pup
lie uncompensated is no longer to be ex-
pected and while this suggestion viii
doubtless call forth, as always, from
"burdened tax payer" a protest, he
must not forget that he as the possessor
of property which it is sought TO protect
and appreciate, is to be the recipient of
benefit and not him who has no property.
The reduction of administering expenses
will surely amount TO more than the re-
quirements Of salaries. And in a reduc-
ton of the labors now resting upon our
aldermen 1t is to be hoped that 10 be an
aldermen may again be regarded an
honor to be accepted and not avoided.
Progress.