Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-12-25

49,
~ prerogativc. which meant absolute mon
archy Commissions were the favorite
methods OF these monarchs. The Star
Chamber for civil matters, the Lords
High Commissions FOR ecclesiastic affairs.
The Lords High Commissions Of Scotland.
tho Council Of York. aroused by their
acts of tyranny such determined opposi-
ton on the part OF the people as cost
one Of these monerchs both his crown
and his life: and the ignomnious Danish
mcnt OF the last Of this line.
Eternity alone will reveal the innocent
blood shed. the cruel and inhuman tor
ture. the untold oppression inflicted on
an innocent and helpless people by these
commissions. To secure TO themselves
and their descendants the priceless boon
Of constitutional government cost our
iorolathers two bloody revolutions during
this period, and their final success was
largely due TO the fact that they had been
wise enough to retain in the House Of
Commons the immediate representatives
of the people. the power Of the purse. the
control of the finances OF the nation:
which put IT ont OF the power OF their
soyereigns 10 equip and maintain a stand
ing army. which would have enabled
them 20 override all constitutional bar
riers and finally establish unlimited mon
archy.
\ REMEDY SUGGESTED.
These are some OF the teachings OF
the past. j will now suggest what seems
TO me the remedy for existing evils. IL
was reiterated In the discussion that
our Mayors were the merest figure
heads. And why? timely publica-
ton in your valuable journal set forth
the fact that their powers. guaranteed
by the Constitution of our State. are
h.x
iigure-headers, has II not been the fault
Of the people, who have held them to no
accountability? Let our citizens assume
the duties and responsibilities which rest
upon them as sovereign rulers Of the
people. Let no man imagine that he is
exempt from the public service. Let
the men who have large stakes In the
community. men Of brains and energy.
OF business training and knowledge OF
affairs, offer themselves for the public
service. Let all feel that. If not in pub
lie Office at least at the polls they owe
duty 10 themselves and their fellow
citizens. Select for your Mayor man.
fearless and faithful. require of him
public avOwal Of what he considers in
Volvod in his oath of Office under the
Constitution Of the State and ordinances
Of the city; require OF him solemn
pledge that he will faithfully and fear
understand that he will be held to a
strict account for the manner in which
these duties are discharged; that. while
faithfulness I'M Office will secure him the
honor and respect of his fellow-citizens.
failure on his part will insure their
censure and reprobation Let all our Of
hcials understand that they are the ser
wants Of their fellow-citizens. who are
their sovereign rulers. and who will. by
~ VII int Haf
official acts. not after their term Of SER
vice has expired, or death has ended
their career, but each year Of service will
be thus examined and reward or repro
baton. as deserved. will follow such
scrutiny Let our people rise in their
might exercise faithfully their duties
and responsibilities to the city. and a
reformation worthy Of the name will re-
suit
THE LAWS ARE SUFFICIENT.
The existing laws and ordinances.
checks and balances. II faithfully exc
cuted. are sufficient 10 secure US as good
and pure a government as the sun ever
shone on. In conclusion, let me say
that If we have fallen so far below our
birthrght-namely, the priceless boon OF
freedom and f-gOyernment-and no mo-
tive can arouse US TO discharge the
duties and responsibilities which must
ever rest on free citizens. If we are
weak enough to believe that we can find
others who will be more faithful 10 our
duties; who will guard our interests and
welfare more faithfully than We will our
selves let us not forget one thing-the
priceless boon Of self-government, which
we value so little for ourselves. and
seem so ready 10 part with is not of our
own attainment. but was won for us by
our fathers after centuries Of severe
struggle with tyranny. in which they
sacrificed their lives and fortunes: en-
dured prosecutions and untold hardships
and suffering that they might secure this
pearl beyond price and hand it down
. TO us a precious legacy. which we might
transmit 10 posterity unimpaired. In the
light Of these things. If we are deter
mined 10 make changes and try expert
ments. let us see TO It that we never
/ surrender our power 20 call 10 account
our public servants. Change. If deemed
/ best the charter. tho officials. the form
I OF city government; try any and every
experiment. but never try the experiment
+ Of converting officials into governors. SER
wants into masters; for In so doing we
would be false 10 our own best interests
faithless to the sacred trust committed
4 10 us for the benefit Of our descendants
and the world at large. and on our
proud banners could be inscribed, "Icha-
/ bod for our glory will have departed
from US
/ Respectfully, +. 7. REEVE.