The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-12-20
COMBINED AGAINST THEM.
The City Departments Are Fighting Re.
trelChment and Reform Committee,
b SAYS A MEMBER OF The COMMITTEES
Startling Statements Made at the Meeting
of the Democratic League for Good
Goyernmeht-Constiiu iution and By
Laws Adopted by the League.

The Democratic League for Good Gov
ernment held an adjourned meeting in
L.aube's Han last night. There was
fairly large attendance Of the city's most
representative citizens. Colonel John Il.
Purcell presided and Mr.. Il. \. Dunlop
acted as the secretary.
As soon as the meeting had been called
TO order, Mr.. Virglnius Newton arose
and addressed the league on the duties OF
a citizen. His remarks were clear. con-
else and appropriate. The nrst business
taken I'd by the league was the adoption
OF a constitution and bylaws, looking
10 the permanent organization Of tho
league This evoked much discussion on
several clauses, but finally d constitution
was adopted.
Here Mr.. y. 4. Catlin arose and said
no wanted the league to make the City
Council feel that the people had a voice
IN the administration OF its affairs. he
wanted them 20 know that the poor
peoplo had as many rights as the resi-
dents Of Broad and Main streets. lie
wanted the league 10 assert its power
from the present moment. and not 10
wait until February. when tho annual
election Of the officers OF tho league Will
take place.
Mr. +. T. Crump and Mr.. John S. FL
lett were unanimously elected members
OF the Executive Committee OF the league
from Monroe ward: Mr. l.. \. Catlin was
chosen from Clay ward. and Mr.. j. l..
Anderson from Madison ward.
AN EXCELLENT RESOLUTION,
Tho following resolution, framed by Mr..
+. 4. Catlin and offered by Mr.. Rose
well Page. was unanimously adopted by
the league;
Resolved. That the Democratic League
for Good Government at its nrst meet
ing under is permanent organization
doth hereby express its appreciation or
the successful efforts OF the City Coun-
cn I'm the start which has leen made to-
ward the economical administration Ok
the city'g affairs, and the lelsue doth
hereby pledge 10 the Council its support
I'm the. future efforts for the Ike end
Mr.. GUYS REMARKS.
During Che discussion on the resolution
prior 20 its being presented, Mr.. Jack
son Guy said I'm advOcatlne n. II an
heartily IN favor OF the resolution. for
know personally that some people OF this
city are paying taxes on Imaginary prop
etfy. recall one instance. where
client Of mine. pays taxes on piece OF
proncrtv caiuod at over hftv thousand
dollars and I would be glad 10 see tha-
piece OF urororfv N nuf on the market
bring -, half that price"
4 committee was appointed 20 present
names to the league. az its first annual
meeting f0r rominatiOn for tne various
eflces Of the league
4 s;rARTLING STATEMENT.
Here Mr.. Catlin arose and said: "Wc
have two N rmhors Of che Common Coun-
ID with rs tonight. one ~ whom Is =
member Of Tho Refrcnchmcnt and Re-
form Committee. and T dcsire 70 hear
from them 7 want 10 know II they ara
uooting with any opposition in their
reform work and n the various city de-
partmenfs try 10 hinder them in their IN
,cefigafions Of the departments"
Mr. Cfln was followed by the member
~ tho Rotrenchment and Reform Com
miftee. who said that the committee hal
net with the greatest opposition In ~
efforts 70 rctrench and reform
ITo said the city departments lad COM
h,rod aef inst them IN every way Tbs
great trouble was that there We're class
os in the City Council-fhoso who were
'Yfnoncs9 by the city officials and thoss
wto were opposing the Good Governm en-
League.
Continuing. he slater that the main
trouble was in the BOARD Of Aldermen, OF
which body only six could be counte
upon ~ oppose the unnecessary expend-
iture ~ the citv's money
fffor some further remarks Of slm.-
iqr nature the meeting adjourned.