The record-union., 1896-10-09
MAKING SPLENDID HEADWAY.
Consideration Of Charter Amendments
Proceeds HarmOniouSly.
The Amendments Will be Few, But
Effective Systems to be
Submitted.

The advisory committee of citizens,
called in by the City Trustees Charter
Amendment Committee, met again last
evening with the Trustees committee
and proceeded to active work in franz
ing amendments. There were present
Messrs Devine, Leonard and Kent,
Messrs Devlin, Weinstock. Schaw,
Coleman and Woodson and Clerk Des-
mOnd.
The committee had previously re-
solved to consider first and foremost
two or more systems Of government
and prepare two sweeping propositions
of wide variance to be submitted to the
people. Next they are to take up a few
specific amendments. Thus it is hoped
to get the whole of the amendments
into so small space as possibly half
column Of print and reduce the cost of
amending the charter to a nominal fig
ure and yet effect all desirable changes.
On the call to order last night by
Chairman Devine three distinct forms
of the proposed sweeping sections
that are to construe and interpret and
into SO small space as possibly half
modify the charter were presented. All
Of these save one moved upon two
lines. First, concentration of all execu
tive power independently of the Trus-
tees, in the office of Mayor, with abso-
lutte appointing power in him. Second
ly, concentration of all power in the
Board of Trustees, with the Mayor as
the executive officer to carry out the
policy of the board and be wholly su-
bordinate to it, but with the veto power
excepted and still remaining in him.
A third and middle proposition run
ming between these two was then sub
mitted. and after vigorous debate and
most earnest consideration of reasons
for and against of all possible objec-
tions to and all arguments supporting,
it was resolved to recommend that the
first proposition, concentrating all eX-
ecutive power in the hands of the May
or and making his office Independent of
the Trustees in pretty nearly all things,
he being responsible to the people only,
and all subordinates reporting directly
to him, be submitted. Also, that the
alternative proposition be submitted
recommended for submission, which is
in brief outline to abolish the office of
Mayor as at present understood from
and after January 1898; to make the
Trustees the sole authority, they to
elect a Mayor from without their num-
Der who is to be their executive officer
and carry out their legislative direction
as General Superintendent Of the city
business.
OF course this is merest outline, but
the two propositions when framed will
be brief and being added to the char
ter will construe and modify it
throughout by direction of whichever
the people may adopt.
The questions of abolishing the office
Of City Treasurer as a salaried office,
and of providing for defraying Fourth
Of July celebrations at the cost Of the
city not exceeding $1,000 annually.
were mooted and amendments pro-
posed, but no conclusions reached.
There will be another meeting next
Thursday night.
The outlook is that perfect harmony
and satisfactory agreement will prevail
in the two committees, and that their
work will be concluded in about two
more meetings, certainly in three. and
that the amendments will be so framed
as to be very brief and yet remove all
friction that has developed in the last
two years in our municipal government
and effect besides svery considerable
saving in the expense Of conducting the
government by direct action, and
largely conserve economy in govern
ment by the effects of the change of
policy as to division of power and re-
pose of responsibility