The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-09
FAVOR ONLY ONE TERN.
WANT COMMISSIONERS MADE ELI
CHILE FOR RF-ELECTfON.
The Finance Commission Opposei--Jen-
erson Ward Democrats Have q Livery
Discussion over Amendments.

dlttnndnce OF members, out Whae ""S
lacking in numbers was made up In the
enthusiastic manner in which those pres
ent discussed public questions.
After Messrs. VI. j. o. Donnell. Adam
DacOnt and r. II. Melton had been
elected members. the fun was started by
Mr. Henry Cohn, who moved that the
club urge upon the representatives OF
Jefferson Ward In the Council the I'M
portance Of making members Of the COM
missions ineligible for reelection as their
own successors.
In explanation OF his motion. Mr.. Cohn
said that while he had no fault to find
with the present commissioners, he be-
lieved II was a safe policy, and the best
policy. to make a commissioner, whose
term Is so long as six years. ineligible for
reelection for the next succeeding term.
COMMISSIONERS PRAISED.
Captain J. u. Redwood said that while
he was a member of the Fire Depart
ment. and IL might be a somewhat deli
cate matter for him TO talk about It. he
could not refrain from speaking word
OF praise in behalf OF the present Fire
Commissioners. There was not a man.
the CAPTAIN stated. who was better
equipped i'm knowledge. experience and
patriotism for the position OF head of the
Fire Department than John II. Frisch-
korn. and Mr.. Frischkorns associates
were men whose removal from the board
would be a public calamity.
Ex-Councilman George +. Bowden
found no particular objection TO the pro-
posed charter changes with reference to
boards. but there was one thing he did
not approve Of That one thing was the
Board Of Public Interest. which he term
ed the Board Of Public Destruction. This
body OF men. Mr.. Bowden explained
practically elected the commissioners by
nominating the man the board wanted
and submitting the names Of two dunn
mics.
When told it was proposed 10 abolish
the board I'm question. Mr.. Bowden said
he had no objection to the Fire and Police
Boards
MR.. COIN on THE POLICE.
Mr. Cohn said the boards were too far
away from the people. lie was willing
to admit that Richmond had good police
force. but II might be made better. We
might. he said have a board who would
not import a man and elect him police
man over good citizens. This imported
man. the speaker stated. was at the capt.
tai in uniform last week trying TO have
his son made a page I'm the Senate.
Mr.. Cohn wanted a Police Board that
would sit with open doors in order that
the public might know what was done
and I'm order that when promises were
made 10 citizens to elect them 10 the
force. 1t might be asceTtained who kept
their promises
Captain Redwood said ne could see no
reason why the Fire Commissioners
should be dashed over the heads Of the
Police Commissioners.
Mr. sTERNS ELOQUENCE.
Mr.. Sam Stern made a vigorous speech
against Mr.. COINS proposition. He said
Richmond had the best Police and Fire
Departments i'm the United States and
he could see no good reason why war
should be made on the commissioners.
He did not believe better men could be
found 10 serve on the commissions. These
men serve only for the honor OF the posi-
lions and because Of patriotic pride in
the well-being Of their city. As for the
men i'm the Fire Department, they were
as well trained as horses. and substantial
argument had been given for turning
them out.
When anything wrong If done. Mr..
Stern said. the public already had ample
means within its power for correcting II.
Mr.. Coins proposition was adopted by
a vote of to and the Old Dominion
tlND VIII ask tndt commissioners VIC maui
ineligible for reelection.
FINANCE COMMISSION.
The proposed Finance Commission was
the subject Of much discussion. Mr.
Steve Wood moved that Il committee
Of two be appointed TO go before the
Council and oppose the charter amend
ment providing for the commission.
Mr.. Cohn championed this proposition
and argued that the placing OF the imam
| ces of the city in charge OF a commission
would be a step IN the wrong direction.
Captain John A. Curtis said he was
I'm favor Of this commission but would
advocate an amendment looking 10 hay-
ing the commissioners elected by wards.
He stated that the power OF the COM
! mlssioners had been greatly exaggerated.
For one. ne believed that the time had
come for men whose training qualified
them to deal with finances 10 have spe-
cial charge Of the city's finances. not
that others are less honest. but because
men who have large dealings in such
matters I'm private affairs can best direct
| and control the finances OF the city.
MIR. BOWDEN'S REMARKS
| Mr. Bowden said the Finance Commit
| tee OF the City Council was amply able
to attend to al It was proposed TO give
| the commission 10 do. The whole trouble
| had It's origin I'm more money being spent
by departments than was appropriated
| I'm the budget.
Mr.. James Taylor also spoke In favor
Of Mr. Woods motion and IT was carried
| by a very decided vote.
The president said he would take time
| 70 name the committee.
! President Wood was authorized 10 call
| a meeting OF the committee OF conference
| from the several Democratic clubs. This
meeting will be held next Tuesday night
| NJ the Powhatan club rooms.