The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-08-21

f. w. DoHRMANN. Chairman.
W. r. WHEELER,
81. n. CLEMENT,
DR.. G. GUTSCH,
L. r. ELLERT
The committee on meetings and speak
ers submitted the following, which was
unanimously adopted:
1t was unanimously decided by the commit
tee that number of large mass-meetings be
held favoring the adoption OF the charter by
the people; that these meetings be held IN
large halls, with music and bonhres, and be
provided with good speakers. 1t was thought
desirable that they should be segregated, SO as
to appeal to the various elements in the City.
showing special advantages OF the charter 10
each; that the first of these large mass-meet-
1ngs be devoted to the labor interests, under
the auspices of the Charter Association, in
Metropolitan Hall on Friday evening, Septem-
Der d, the speakers to be especially selected.
An application from the pastor of the Third
Congregational Church, Fifteenth street, for
speakers to address The Young Mems League
on the charter on Tuesday evening, August
25, was considered and the following speakers
were appointed: President Phelan, Secretary
Freud, Mr.. Dohrmann and Mr.. Bergerot.
We submit the following outline OF this COM
mittee's work: 1t is proposed, in addition to
the large mass something's, to hold special
different clubs, societies and labor
unions, among teachers and other classes (of
which there are, l believe, twenty-five or
thirty, and at the large shops where working
men are extensively employed. To effect this
end we propose to issue invitations to promi-
nent men in each organization, asking for ex-
presslons OF Endorsement OF the charter. and
appointing in each organization committee,
whose work it shall be to speak at their own
gatherings, and where advisable to call special
gatherings and have invited speakers dis
cuss the advantages of the charter.
Labor organizations are vitality interested in
the provisions of the charter, since it makes
possible extensive public Improvements, in
creasing the demand for labor, identifying the
developing resources.
ing added traffic and industry. 1t lessons the
taxation, thus inviting investment of large
capital in manufacturing enterprises and
making possible extensive manufacturing,
with correspond1ngly good wages, such asrule
in other centers, where there is unrestricted
DEVELOPMENT, such as we should have under
the bonding provisions OF the charter.
In the employment of the manufacturers
there are large mum Der of small property
holders. They have accumulated the prop
erty by the hardest OF work and the closest
economy, and to-day the value of the property
is, in many instances, less than when pur-
chased. This cannot be otherwise as long as
taxation remains its present heavy burden,
and SO long as the City is restricted in its
growth by the impossibility of profitable
manufacturing and extension. Thus, the
laborer is probably the most vitality interested
in the adoption OF the new charter of any class
of people
There are many special interests; for ex-
ample, bicyclists, who are vitality interested in
good roads. The enormous hills in the City
are in themselves sufficient hardship without
being obliged to ride on roads which are not
only uncomfortable, but absolutely dangerous.
There is no Legitimate reason why city of
this size should not have good streets, except
the present government, which makes it inn
possible to spend any money on development
without Immediately taxing at a ratio which
would mean bankruptcy to half the property
owners of the City.
Cyclers have shown not only anxiety but
Willingness to work, and work hard, tor good
streets 1t is believed that If the cyclers be
defined plans they win prove power in adj
vancing the adoption OF the charter.
Then there are the teachers-public en-
ployes of all descriptions They all have
interests and benefits in the charter, and
should be given an opportunity to express
themselves and work for it.
Special meetings III the different precincts of
the City should be held. The taxpayers are
vitality interested in good government, mode
rate taxation increase of valuation of their
property and in the development of the City.
They realize that every steamship line, every
large manufacturing interest, every enterprise
that carries with it large expenditures of
money and brings thriving trade and pros
perity to city, can and will come only when
city, by its development and management,
insures protection and success TO these en-
terprises. There are hundreds of people
who never come out to general meetings, and
yet, they are largely property-owners, heads
of families, who could be reached at the vari-
Gus precincts. Special meetings should be
held and addresses given at general meetings.
Meetings ought 10 be held at all the large
shops and stores where men are employed at q
time when large numbers are gathered to-
gether. 1t is probable that difficulty mi ht be
encountered in gaining permission to address
the men, either al noontime or some other
portion OF the day selected, but it is believed
that II among each of the large centers of en-
ployment good men are selected they can
bring sufficient influence to bear to secure the
permission, If not the cooperation, of their
employers
There are a very large number of associa-
various kiulS-OVar
$50, If l rememb Der correctly. At our first
meeting we had, l think, over 300 representa-
ives: All OF these organizations have regular
meetings, and it is believed that if prominent
men from the different organizations be Sc
lected to represent the charter interests, make
speeches. at their regular meetings, secure in
vltauons LOT public speakers to address them
additionally, that great deal of successful
work can be done.
Speakers generally find that small audiences
OF single class can be more successfully In
terested ana convinced than handling large
numbers OF divided interests. To explain all
the provisions and advantages of the charter
is . very large Observation-Disclosures an impos-
s1blllty, In night. There are many things in
it that have but general interest for special
classes These points they will read at leisure
ana satisfy themselves, but the critical points
directly, they want to know all about, and
tney need somebody who will devote the even
Ing, specifically to their interests.
mere are also number of organizations
property-oWners and control votes. They are
anxious and willing to work in good cause.
Ihey are vitality Interested in the success of
the cnarter Then there are also the church
organlzatons, one of which has already soli-
clted an ADDRESS to its members. They repre-
sent large interests are directly interested In a
management of integrity and success, and
most OF them, If not all, if called upon and
asked 10 work, will respond willingly.
BUSINESS men should be met and discuss the
question. Few really know how vital the
questlon Is to the interests of commerce and
business. Each line of business is deeply in
nuenced by the conditions which now exist
ana those which will arise if the new charter
De adopted. This class of men not only have
thelr homes, but they have their money in
vested IN their business 1t is matter of the
greatest Importance that this great, influential
ano sollo class OF men are to be gathered at
the various business mem clubs. Special noon
oay meetings are to be held at suitable places,
Wnere the new charter will be discussed by
ape men OF this class. In this way each line
OF business will be interested and will see and
know the advantages to be gained by this
movement
Inc above outline, gentlemen, is submitted
lor your consideration. In all public move
ments there is, as rule, great deal of power
ana iaDor never utilized. It is our purpose to
WORK SO thoroughly that there shall be no will
Ing worker In the ranks left without work to
perform, and that we shall, with almost abso-