The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-12-17

The large asscmbly-rom Of the Cham
her Of Commerce was crowded last night
with representative business men Of the
city. among whom was a liberal sprinK-
ling Of members Of the Legislature from
dinerent sections Of the State, to near
the discussion Of the question: WIN
the public interests be better served by
placing the departments of the city's
affairs under commissions" The af-
nrrnative side of the question was ably
handled by Mr.. Nirginus Newton and
judge George l.. Christian. while Council
man John Il. Epps represented the mega
tive.
The meeting was ably presided over by
Air. $. d. Hawes. president Of tie Cham
Der. who briefly called the assemblage to
order. ana requested Mr Jackson Guy,
chairman of the Committee Ct Arrange
ments. TO state the purpose Tor which
the meeting was called. Mr. Guy said,
in part.
MR. GUYS REMARKS.
Some OF our citizens, when rejecting
upon the administration OF the affairs OF
our city. have expressed doubt as 10
whether they were all managed. under
the existing state of things. as well as
they might Doe. AS an Improvement upon
the present method. control of the muni-
Clpal affairs through the medium OF COM
Missions has Dcen suggested as a rem
cdy The several departments on the
city.s affairs are managed and controlled
ly the city Council through tho me-
dium of its committees. This mas TWO
exceptions. the Police Department. the
control and MANAGEMENT of which has
long been In the hands OF a commission,
and the Fire Department, which has
been under the control of commission
Tor shorter period OF time. Those who
compose these commissions are elected Dy
the city Council. their selection OF caca
member TO be made from three citizens
nominated TO 10 by the Board OF Punlic
Interests. During the summer mo- ,hs
the question was raised. ana became a
public one. as 10 whether the heads OF
the departments OF the city affairs, ant
the members Of these commissions. shoDld
be chosen directly by tho vote OF the
people. Provision was made for an eX-
preston of sentiment by The people upon
that question in the DCniocrauc primary,
which was held on tne sth DAY OF OctO-
Der last II resulted I'M decided ma
Jority against the proposition to elect by
the people In any of the cases proposed.
and IN an increased and pronounced
majority against electug the memrers
Of these commissions against the people
More recently the city Council has
passed a resolution requesting the Legis-
lature 90 repeal the law conferring upon
the BOarc Of Public Interest the power
to nominate members of these commits
sions.
"l have thus briefly made reference 10
the history oi the subject. IN order that
All may at once take m what is 10 be
said ON the one side or the other OF the
question. Whether II is 10 the public
interest that the departments Of the
ciiA's affairs should bo under the control
OF comm.ssionsy'
Mr. Nirfinius Newton was the first
speaker. BE was followed by Judge
John = Epps and Judge George l.. Chris
tlan closed the debate
At the close of tho speaking. refresh.
mems, both solid and liquid. were fur
msnei the guests OF the Chamber. this
being "a pleasant ana fitting conclusion
10 profitable evening.