The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-07-12

given which show that such system of
City or National government has re-
suited In honesty, prosperity or happiness
for any extended period to any people or
city. 1t is clearly contrary to the growth
of popular institutions and contrary to
American principles.
Not only is the appointiye and veto
power (given by the new charter to the
Mayor undemocratic and wrong in prin-
ciple, but in practice iJ can be shown to be
unnecessary and unwise. By an investi-
CATION OF the subject of municipal govern
ment it will be found that where the cities
are governed by large representative bod
les common councils and supervisory,
without Mayors who have veto power and
appointing power more than any other
Councilmen. there is found more eff
cheney, honesty and a more harmonious
system.
It is quite remarkable that in this coun-
try We have followed an aristocratic plan
of city governments, while everywhere
else in the civilized world the tendency is
toward purer democracy. 1t is evident,
too, that the plan OF the new charter
(Which is used with some unimportant
notifications in other corrupt American
cities) does not beget honesty or efficiency.
We should give a basis for our opinions
regarding the benefits of the plan of the
new charter and / call upon its advocates
to show where similar laws have resulted
in any great good.
The mere assertion that it will be a
benefit is like the espousing of untried
men whom we find too late are unreliable.
On the other hand Professor Albert
Shaw's works demonstrate by careful
study that efficiency, honesty and har-
mony have been and are secured by repre-
sentative bodies of councilmen in whom
is centralized the legislative and admins
trative functions. Many instances of this
assertion are given by him. He does not
start out with that idea and then make
his Investigations to sustain the idea, but
has made careful study of the effect OF
different methods, and that conclusion is
reached from the facts learned. Whereas
the advocates of the new charter will take
the opposite course, namely: they will
conclude that one-man power is best and
then hunt around for proofs that they are
correct, but will find none, and their pre-
mise must fall.
Many examples of the desirabilIty of
large representative board of Aldermen
or Supervisors in whom should be GEN.
tered the legislative and administrative
functions of city government can be given,
but for the present one will suffice.
Glasgow, Scotland, is worldwide re-
nowned for its excellent system of city
government. 1t has seventy-eight council
men, chosen by the people, one-third
every year. This body frames the or
dlnances, divides itself into administra-
tive committees and performs all the
duties which by the new charter are given
to the Mayor, the Supervisors, the Com
missioners and other officials. There is
no clashing between the executive and
the legislative branches. Every PROPOSE
ton is settled by the vote of the majority
OF the council. No one man has power to
overturn the will of the representatives OF
| the people. The excellent results in
Glasgow and in many other cities that
can be named show the value OF. this form
OF city government. 1t is the common
sense plan and the one adopted by ali
private corporations; city is only great
corporation.
The failure of San Franchises present
form OF government is admitted, but Its
defects are not eliminated by the new
| charter. The present form is founded
upon the principle of divided functions
and divided responsibilities We have the
Supervisors elected, Mayor in an equivo-
/ cal position, commissioners appointed by
Governor and county officers more or less
independent of the Supervisors. The
| question is, Do we want (when we make q
change which is expected to endure) to
| adopt retrogressive measure? No, We
ought to improve our laws by EXTENDING
instead of diminishing the principle OF
popular government. The growth of the
best city governments that the world has
known has been in the opposite direction
| 10 the principles of the new charter. ard
as such institutions have proven to be a