The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-02-27
THE AMENDMENTS OF THE CITY
CHARTER.

The business management Of some of
the departments OF the city government
OF Richmond has not been good. 1t has,
in fact. been sadly. indeed. disgracefully,
bad. 1t is useless now TO reproach indi-
viduaIs for this We do not believe the
people OF Richmond or their officers are
any worse than other people; we think
they are rather better. We cannot, there
fore. complain OF the material from which
our city government is chosen. but OF the
system under which the choice is made
and the government worked.
we have long thought mat the commit
tee system was bad, and the results from
IL in comparison with the results obtained
from the commissions We have in the
city show IL is distinctly bad. a change
of some kind is necessary.
The question is. What shall it he? Shall
We embark upon some untried experiment,
or shall we enlarge the ST.. IA plan
which has been tested and approved? As
"A Democrat from deep conviction OF the
truth of its principles. The Times natu-
rally favors an appeal TO the people Tor
direction and control in all matters con-
corning the administration Of their al
fairs.
\ municipal corporation is, however, IN
many respects like a very large industrial
corporation-the citizens being the stock
holders In Industrial corporations the
stoGn t-ldcrs elect directors who are in
terosted personally in the corporation,
and who are chosen because of their bust
ness abilities. TO them is committed the
duty OF managing the affairs OF the con-
Germ. They elect the officers and choose
the experts. Nobody dreams Of going be-
fore u stockholders meeting TO discuss the
qualifications Of some technical man
whose services the corporation may
require either I'm mechanics or finance.
The board OF directors do all that
Ii this board makes a success of their
administration. their services are con-
tlnued. If they fail, they are turned out
neck and heels and d new set is put in.
The board IN turn judge their appointees
in the same way.
We can see no reason why municipal
corporation should not ADOPT some such
approved methods as will promise 10 the
people Of a city the best results in the
conduct OF their city business. Our city
government is business concern, and
nothing else. Ii should be managed in a
business way. ana II the Mayor and City
Council of Richmond cannot choose the
proper men 10 manage their public works
and their finances, then there should be a
change of Mayor and Council.
The question Is, Cannot the Mayor and
Council better secure the successful adj
ministration Of the citys business through
the agency of commissions, chosen with
The utmost care and under ample safe
guards. than through committees APP
pointed in the manner and FOR the time
they now are?
II is difficult to deny the affirmative side
OF the proposition. Il is conceded that the
vitality OF the republic OF Nenice-which
lasted one thousand years-was due 70
the peculiar and difficult processes where
by her officers were chosen. II will be
10 adopt some OF that wisdom If the az
fairs Of Richmond are committed 10 the
hands Of men who win have had TO rgn
several gauntleis before they get into
office.
As 10 the political process whereby
these results may 90 obtained, that is en-
tirely secondary.
The amendments. Of course. should not
be imposed upon the city except subject
10 ratification by the people. and as far
as ascertaining the wishes OF the Demo
cratic party is concerned that may be ac-
complished by primary. should one be
deemed necessary. The main proposlti-.i
is 10 give the people chance 10 decide
for themselves whether they want the
amendments or not
Now. where is the man who wiz eide
their voicel