The daily morning journal and courier., 1896-12-16
CONSOLIDATION OPPOSED
IT TRE MEETING OF THE CHIRTER
 COMMITTEE LAST EVENING.
Captain Townshend Will Enter Protest if the Right of Ballot on Consolidation -Dr. Smyth Wants Negative Power Given the Board of Aldermen.

is Denied Citizens of the Outlying Wards -Dr. smyth Wants Negative Power Given the Board of Aldermen.
 The attendance upon the hearing of the special committee on charter revis- ion last evening was small in cOmpari- son with the number before the com mittee one week ago. This, however, was not because interest in the matter has abated, but because the school dis trict meeting divided the attention of the citizens.
 The first person heard by the com- mittee was Alderman ChillingWorth, who wished to see the amendment making the legislative branch of the city government consist of only one board defeated. He thought that there should be two boards, as provided for now.
 Captain Charles H. ToWnshend asked if the proposed city charter allowed the outlying wards to vote upon the ques- tion of consolidation. He was inform ed that this provision, which was in the original draft, had been stricken out. Captain Townshend then gave notice that he should be present at the legislature to protest against the rights of the people being taken away from them. He contended that it was un- derstood that the citizens of these wards should have an opportunity to ballot on the question.
 Corporation Counsel Ely assured Captain Townshend that there was no disposition on the part of those who are frrl, tn throw the victory away.
 All right, MT Ely, you will find me at Hartford" replied Captain Town shend.
 William S. Wells was the next to be heard in favor of charter revision. He thought the city was somewhat in the same condition that a. certain town he had read of was in. There arose great discussion in this town and a stranger, happening that way at the time. said: "Gentlemen, l do not think you know what you want" The mod orator replied: Stranger, that may be, but we know we have something we want to be rid of"
 We are very much like that town said MT Wells, and now l want to say that while this charter recommend ed by the committee Is not just what we want, it is much better than we now have, and the common council can do no better than to ask the legislature to give us this charter in full.
 Rev. Dr. Newman Smyth, who was late to put in an appearance before the committee. thought the feeling in op- position to the "bi- patronage system
 
 He had two suggestions to make in re- gard to the proposed charter. He did not think that so extensive powers should be given to the mayor. He did not know that affirmative power should be given the aldermen, as this would lessen the strength of the mayor-the very thing that those who favor char ter revision want to avoid. But he did think that negative power might he given the aldermen. For instance, a fragrant appointment by the mayor could be nulled by a two-thirds vote of the board. Confirmation by the board of aldermen should not be a require ment; neither should the power to build up machine for his own az erandizement be vested in the mayor without some check,
 Casper Kipp, a grocer at 292 DixWell avenue. wanted the charter amended so as to give the city the power to es- tablish a public market. He spoke at length on the subject.
 The notice of application will be made to-day The committee will make a partial report this evening at the meet ing of the board of aldermen.