The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-11-20

SemDlY HAL OF the Mills DullQlnS. IL was
the first regular meeting since the incor-
poration of the organization. Its proceed
ings included a strong and unequivocal in
dorsement of the proposed new charter for
San Francisco; the inauguration of an
agitation against what were designated as
indecent pictorial advertisements on bill
boards and fences; the appointment of
various committees and the definition of
their respective scopes OF work.
When the meeting was called TO order
the secretary read the following communi-
cation, which had been received through
the mail:
CITY. November 16, 1895.
If you will investigate the bidders for the
construction OF an engine-house for the Fire
bogus except the jobbers' bidder. Fire Com
missioners are not acting without salary for
their health. TAXPAYER.
1t was referred to the committee on
municipal affairs.
President Truman's attention was then
call by the CALL reporter present to the
decision Yesterday OF the Supreme Court
at Sacramento in the case of I. J. Truman
VS.. the Board Of Supervisors of San Fran
cisco, in which the writ of mandate was
denied and the proceedings dismissed. a
petition had been directed to the Supreme
be compelled to show cause why the special
tax levy should not be declared void. The
news of the decision came in a special
telegram TO The CALL, and the first init
nation of the Supreme Courts action was
conveyed to Mr.. Truman by THE CALLS
representative. He at once laid the mat
ter before the meeting. The announce
ment of the decision took every one
present by surprise, and those most inter-
ested in having brought the matter to
test displayed almost CONSERVATION.
When the members had had time to re-
cover their regular respiration Charles
Wesley Reed took the floor and in indig
nant but emphatic tones declared that,
without intending any reflection on the
members of the Supreme bench, the de-
clsiOn was q strong argument in favor of
the proposed new charter. That he ex-
planned, required that the Mayor must
approve of every act of the Board of
Supervisors, or such acts become void.
This precipitated a somewhat heated
and extended debate on the charter.
George L. Gaden called attention to the
necessity OF a veto power being vested in
the person of the Mayor.
In fact, within the past two days" he
said, sit has developed that the Mayor has
nothing to say regarding the work OF the
different departments
Mr.. Reed said that there was evident ne
cessity for an entire change in the City's
government and the adoption of the new
charter, and he asked that the federation
as body indorse that instrument
President Truman strongly seconded
this view of the matter. He said the pres
ent consolidation act was so peculiarly
and intricately put together that it was
virtually impossible to amend it. The
new charter, he admitted, was not perfect,
but no one expected such an instrument to
meet everYbody's idea. but it was capable
OF amendment at any time, he concluded.
Meanwhile, Mr.. Gaden had written out a
resolution embodying what he considered
the sentiment of the body and presented it
as follows:
PesoIred, That in view of the recent action
and decision OF the Supreme Court IN the case
OF Truman VS.. The Board OF Supervisors, it is
the sense of the Civic Federation that the
necessity for the adoption OF the new charter
becomes more apparent every day.
This was promptly adopted, and was
followed by the adoption of a resolution
introduced by Rev. Thomas Filben, as fol-
lows:
WHEREAS, It appears from the Superior Court
that the municipality is a helpless prey in the
hands of corrupt ring in the Board OF Super
yisors,
Resolued. That the committee on municipal
affairs OF the Civic Federation be instructed to
report at once ways and means for bringing
these recalcitrant officials TO public account.
Mr.. Reed then introduced a resolution
providing for the discussion at each meet
ing of portions of the proposed new char
ter. more particularly of that portion
which relates to the executive department.
1t was adopted.
In the report Of Secretary James L. Case
the work OF the Civic Federation was re-
viewed since the first preliminary meeting
on December a, 1894 Among the mat
tiers undertaken were the prevention of the
II IL
officer; the agitation of an anti-lottery
ordinance; the attempt to have a Lexow
bill passed by the Legislature; the advo-
cacy of civil service in appointive offices;
opposition to the Sunnyside railway fran
chise granted to the Market-street Rail
way; Institution of proceedings to have
declared invalid the special tax levy, and
against Superintendent of Streets Ash
worth.
George T. Gaden then read his report as
treasurer. 1t showed that the organiza-
ton has about $500 in bank and no liabili-
ties except some small bills.
On motion of Mr.. Reed it was decided to
assess each member 81 month, beginning
with the first of December.
Committees were then announced by
President Truman.
The scope of the various committees are
clearly defined as follows:
Political .Action-The selection OF honest,
cana bic men for City officers; to consider and
suggest laws for the better government OF the
Civ; to secure honest elections; to advocate
the adoption OF new charter; TO advocate and
insist on the application OF civil service prln-
ciples to the administration OF the City
government
do their duty and administer the affairs OF
their respective Offices in an economical man.
ner: to watch all street work and see that the
streets OF the City are properly cared Tor ana
i'm proved; to secure q continuation OF pure
water supply; to guard against the aduitera-
ton OF foods and the vending OF impure articles
OF food of any kind; 10 look after the proper
and economical Lighting OF our City streets; 10
secure better and cheaper accommodations OIL
all kinds for the citizens of the City; to oppose
the Entertainments OF corporations and lndl-
yiduals upon the rights of the people
PhiIanihropic-To bring together ana create
ali understanding between the various organ
lied charities of the City, to the end that they
may cooperate together in the relief OF the
poor and oppressed.
Industrial-To inquire into the individual
arts OF the City, in order to better the condl-
ton of the employed, and 10 create a better
Observation-Disclosures employer ana ernploye:
Educational-To urge improved methods OF
instruction where necessary; TO enforce the
employment of none but competent teachers;
to develop greater interest in the schools by
the parents.
Public morals-To devise means for the sup
preston of vice OF all kinds; TO devise means