The Portland daily press., 1896-12-25
ferring to wait till they had read the re

ferring to wait till they had read the re-
port carefully.
Rx-Alderman Guptill was enc of the
exceptions. He had read the report and
while not prepared to give formal opin-
ion. he was of the opinion that it was a
great Improvement on the present state
of affairs. He likes the idea of single
hoard and of eleoting a portion Of it
only at each election.
Mr. "A. Z. Laughlin had not studied
the matter, but was inclined to think
the change proposed In school com nit
tee O good one.
General Francis Fessenden had not
read the report carefully and did not
care to express his views upon the vari-
GUS changes recommended by the COM
missioners. General Fessendsn did say,
however. that he had always been a
strong advocate of increasing the Mayor 3
powers of appointment and removal. He
committee on revision Of the city charter
during Mayor Buffers administration
and believed in it heartily. AS much OF
the present report as tended to suoh en-
larged powers of the Mayor he would
certainly be strongly be in favor of.
| Woodbury. S. Dana, ESQ, did not care
to discuss the matter in detail. He had
not given the proposed changes any
study. He was in favor Of anything
that tended to more liberal application
of business methods and practices in the
place of ward politics. He believed In
the elimination of municipal govern
ment from party politics as far as posi-
BILE and the retention of capable and
faithful municipal officials in office, re-
gardless OF their personal politica. he
believes also the idea Of commissions to
be in the direction Of good business
methods. In 80 far az the new charter
would tend to accomplish reforms along
these lines he would be in favor Of it.
EgSeyeral of the leading merchants OF
| Congress street were seen. AS they were
busy with the cares of the holiday bust
ness they therefore had not given much
| thought to the report of the committee
and their recommendations.
The changes as suggested from the text
of the report were favorably received,
and Mr.. ]. r. Libby said in effect that
the charter is ia line with the latest
modern methods of management OF mu-
nioipal politics, up TO date and worthy
of acceptance.
| Major Holman 8. Meloher, one Of Port
lands ex-chief magistrates. was reading
the proposed charter when the PRESS
man called at his residence on Pine
street last evening. He greeted the re-
porter very cordially, and in response to
the 1atter's questions, Major Melcher said
in substancei "Ths question of new
city charter il very important one and
one which merits the careful attention
and study of every taxpayer and citizen
of Portland. TheEoity has long needed
q new charter. / have not had time to
give this proposed charter the study and
thought which should precede any
formal expression of opinion, as to Its
merits or dement's. am in favor of any
thing which will conduce to added econ
omy or efficiency In the conduct of the
various departments of municipal ad-
ministration. I. From.the brief examina-
ton have been able to give the report
of the commissioners | should say that
the proposed charter as a whole is a sub
stantial improvement over the present
charter which for long time has heen
sadly inadequate to present conditions
in Portland. There are many changes
| hoortitv nmhor /
believe will not oonduoe to better or
more economical government. A single
board of IA aldermen instead of two
boards, as at present, is modern and
quite popular idea of municipal gov
ernment. 1t no doubt facilitates the
conduct of affairs in some instances. As
far as my experience has awaited me, the
two boards have been good thing. The
council acts as safety valve and check
against extravaganza legislation, and
the same Ia true of the aldermen, in re-
lation to erders which might originate
| in the lower board. There is little fric-
ton, and many cases OF great good to
the city in checking unwise schemes
might be cited. believe in two boards.
The change in time in the election is de-
sirable. The election of a mayor by a
plurality is good, as is the item of two
years for the mayor. think 1t would
promote the interests of the city. In
regard to the election of school commit
tee on a general ticket, init" In regard
to the overseers of the poor, always
| found them honest and efficient. I am
not prepared to say whether tine change
In this department is desirable or not. I
see 10 reason why the board of aldermen
should not confirm the appointments of
the mayor They will not refuse confir-
| nations of a suitable person if they are
honorable men and the power to reject
an unsuitable appointee is a great safe
guard. The power of removal is a good
| thing. This will accomplish I'LL that is
| necessary. Public sentiment will stand
behind the mayor in removing for
cause. Promotion for faithful and effioi-
cnt service In the police I heartily an