The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-01-28
FATE OF THE COMMISSIONS.
MAYOR-ELECT MELDRIMs POLICY
IN THE CITY GOVERNMENT.


clans VIII Not he ToIerated-A
New Order of Things at the city
Exchange.
The new city administration viii assume
charge of affairs Monday a noon, when
Mayor-elect Meldrim and the twelve alder
men-elect will take the oath of office Mon
day night the new board will hold its first
meeting for the purpose of electing city
officers.
What the new board can do and what it
will do was the subject of considerable
discussion yesterday by both the defeated
and the victors. The subject is one of con-
siderab BILE interest to both.
The policy of the new administration to-
wards the commissions is an even more
interesting subject than that of probable
changes in the city offices. VIII the ad-
niinistration accept the situation ana
make the best Of 1t until the legislature
meets. and then go before that body, de-
msnding their repeal. with the strong ar
gument that the commissions have been
twice repudiated by the people. or has it
some strong weapon in reserve by which
it viii dispose of the commissions at once
without awaiting the uncertain action of
the legislature. There is talk that the ad-
ministration may demand the resignation
of the commissioners, or that it may un-
dertake to impeaeh some of them on the
ground OF offensive partisanship or that
1t might withhold the appropriations if
the commissioners proved intractsble. All
this is talk and nothing more.
There mas been TO meeting of the newly
elected board OF aldermen" said Maj Mel
drim, and, therefore, ] cannot speak Of
any policy that may be adopted by she
incoming administration. except in geneT-
ell terms TO repea, what has been 50 often
said. that every effort should be made TO
eradicate 6iscord and bitterness. The well
fare Of the city is Of more Importance than
the success Of factions. The new admins
tration is not committed 10 any man for
any Office, and no pledge. express or i'm
piled. lsas ever been given. Speaking for
myself, I trust that no man who has at
tended properly 10 his duty Will be renov-
ed. and l feel satisfied that no incompe-
tant man viii be elected, simply because
he has rendered factional service.
The commissions said Maj Meldrim,
are at present part Of the municipal sys-
TEN, and so long as they remain they
hands of the administration. 1 do not
think that the resignation of any COM
missioner should be requested, but l do
think that If any commissioner feels that
he cannot give 10 the new administration
an earnest and loyal service that his own
sense of self respect. as well as his duty
TO the city viii require him to tender his
resignation i shall endeavor to cause a
rigid investigation to be made into the
several departments, and if there has
been misconduct upon the part of any Off
Gals, l earnestly trust that they will be
brought to light.
I have not yet determined upon the
several committees, except, my present in
tentiOn is, to request Mr.. Hamilton to be
chairman of the finance committee and
Mr. O'Donnell as a member of the com
mittee on water. ! am much grdtified that
/ shall have the benefit of the conserva-
tive and yet liberal views of an eX-
perienced inancier like Mr.. Hamilton,
and am also gratifed at the fact that an
accomplished machinist, who thoroughly
understands his business, viii be able to
give to the expensive machinery of the
water works, the careful personal super
vision which it requires.
Il have no desire to remove a man from
Office simply because he did not vote for
the incoming administration, but l shall
insist that men be removed that have neg
fessional politicians l believe that when
a man is employed by the city, and paid
for his work, he should do that work.
/ am satisfied from personal observation
that men have been away from their du-
ties engaged in an offensive craftsmanship.
] am satisfied that there are men who
have served their faction rather than the
city by whom they are paid to do certain
work and if the evidence satisfies the
council that these men have been guilty
of neglect CT their duties, then / shall en-
deavor 10 have them removed and their
places filled by mer who will do the work
of the city.
II have no desire to encourage bicker-
ing or strife, but the scenes that were en-
acted, as am informed, at the
exchange, shortly preceding this election,
must never again occur. l do not pro-
pose TO be the representative of any fac
ton in the administration of the city's af-
fairs. | believe the duty of every munic-
ipal government is to promote the welfare
OF the city. and not the perpetuation of a
faction or party in power. The
city exchange must be no place
for idlers. If the heads Of the
departments do not attend to their
business and the matter is brought to the
attention of the administration, it will be
corrected if there is any power by which it
can be corrected. IL may be doubtful If
the mayor and aldermen can control the
commissions, but | trust that there will be
no misunderstanding between the COM
missioners and the incoming administra-
ton. There is no necessity for any. IL
the several commissions attend to their
respective duties they will be sustained. If
they neglect their duties such remedies
will be employed as may be found most
efficient"
I'm my own judgment" said
Mai Meldrim. "the policy of the
new administration shall be firm and Pc-
cided. No effort shall be made TO court
the populace We shall do the right thing
no matter whether the act done meets the
approval Of one faction or the other The
genera policy of the administration shall
be honest and clean, shall be conservative
and yet progressive Speaking for my
self / shall not supplicate the assistance
OF any one-at the same time / shall well
come the hearty support Of every good
man. white or black, Ia the Advancement
OF the city's we1are-in word ] shall
regard the interests Of the city as para
mount to every other consideration"
IL Is said by some OF MAJ. Mel1rim' g
friends that he win not resign his seat in
the legislature, but will continue to cop-e-
sent the county "a that capacity Accord
ing 10 a wel-known Liberal club leader.