The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-10-01
Tho Matter Considered by the Commit
Zee on Charter Changes.
Mr.. MEREDITH OUTLINES 4 PLAN.
1he Commission to be Composed of iep
ressntati,e From Zach Ward and the
~ ,ss. Tertns OF Service to Range
Pom Two TO six Years.

gcsted by city Attorney Mcredth al t"e
committees last meeting
In accordance with invitations, num-
Der of prominent citizens were present.
and there were interesting addresses
from Messrs. Vireinius Newton, Jackson
Guy and Roosevelt Page, an of whom
highly approved the idea, and strongly
emphasized the Importance Of separating
entirely legislative and executive. func-
tions.
The meeting last night attracted num-
bcr OF citizens. among those present De-
ing Mossrs. Nirginius Newton, Jackson
Guy, Roosevelt Page. Carlton Mccarthy
G. ". Tanner. s. H. COttrpN. cX-Council-
man John Don Leavy, and william Gen'
try
city Attorney Meredith, who was pres
ent. drew "a skeleton plan for the foIma-
ton of the proposed commission ana gave
10 the committee much valuable iniorma-
tion.
Tho committee met promptly az 3
o'clock. Mr. Rountrce in the chair ana
Mcssrs. carter Harrelson, zimmerman,
CARRIER Noble and RYAN present.
The chairman stated that 1T was the
wish OF the committee 10 hear from the
citizens Of Ricl mond as far as possible
in regard to what changes were desirable
in the charter Of the city and several
prominent gentlemen being present. he
called upon any of them who cared 10 do
so 10 address the committee.
MIR MENTIONS VIEWS
Mr. Virginius Newton first took the
floor. After calling attention 20 the
great Importance Of having the charter
OF "A city as nearly perfect as things hu-
man can be- hc went on 90 speak OF the
character of those in force i'm european
cities. particularly those of England. He
especially dwelt upon The method OF elect
ing members of city councils in vogue
there
The present tendency Of charters Of
American cities. said Mr.. Newton, was
20 increase the powers of the Mayo Tho
duties of the councils were becoming
purelv legislative. all the executive power
Icing vested in the Mayor. who was
held responsible FOR the actions Of the
depnrtments created 10y him.
Continuing Mr. Newton said that he
himself had been called an advocate of
commissions He had never favored
them. ne said except as % choice Of evils.
lie had only favored them i'm order 10
take from the Council of the city GO
Richmond executive functions. Comhin-
ing gislativo and executive powers was,
ne said. against tho State and National
Constitutions it was a crime i'm politics.
The plan adopted i'm st. Louis. said
Alr. Newton, seemed 10 him the best that
could lo secured. IN that city COM
mittco n thirteen had been elected by
the popular vote 20 consider the revision
Of tho oity's charter. The work Of This
committee was then submitted 10 and
passed upon 10y tho Legislature of Mis-
souri, This plan. Mr. Newton said. scem-
cd to him an admirable one.
The speaker then took mp tho suggestion
made nv City Attorney Meredith nc tho
last meeting that Finance Commission
ho ere ttcd. II was an admirable plan. he
said. The body managing thc city
finances should Inc said Doe ON rely di-
vorcod from tile Council and Board or
Aldermen OFF the city
MR.. GUY SPEAKS
Mr.. Newton spoke briefly but clearly.
and the committee heard him with close
attention. He was follow sd 10y Mr. Jack
son Guy who sud hc was delighted to see
that the Council WIS taki1g up this mat
ter. for 1t showed am intelligent apprecia-
tlon Of the needs Of the people. lie called
attention t0 the great increase OF the
bonded debt ot The city, which, ne said
had first induced the movement for COM
missions some time back.
Mr.. Guy thought that there should be n
revision of the method Of taxation OF
beyond it's value lie showed how unWlse
- was Tor members of other Council conn
mittecs To- belong TO the Finance Com
mittce. Tor naturally, each one was
anxious 10 secure appropriations for mis-
committee. and I'm that way the revenues
Of the city were constantly Overstepped.
Mr.. Roosevelt Page next addressed the
committee Mr. Page SAID that his .nves-
LEGATIONS in the past satisfied him that
there was only one way i'm which relief
could come 10 the city. and that was
in tho cutro separation of lcgis slatiyc and
executive functions.
''Thc power that lays the tax" he said,
"should Doc kept separate and distinc. from
the power that spends the tax.
Mr. Page concluded the list of outside
speakers. aud Mr. Meredith then presented
the following for the consideration Of the
committee as 70 plan FOR the formation
OF "a Board OF Finance.
MIR. MEREDITH S PLAN.
First. There shall hc 90 Hoard ot Fi-
nance of the city oc Richmond.
second. 40 shall De composed as follows:
One representative from ctch ward. to DE
elected bv vote of The citv. ANA not to
he members OF either branch OF tho Coun-
Gil The Mayor and csdents OF both
Branches cf the Council to lie cx-onlcio
members of the board. with 1ull powers
Third. At the first meeting the elected
members shall be divided by lot into three
classes--one class to serve Two years. the
second class To ciVe four year. and the
third class TO servo Six years An yactn-
oies occurring by expiration of terms shall
ne hllcd for "a term of six years All other
vacancies are 10 be filled for unexpired
terms
Fourth. The said board shah have en-
tire control OF approprating 10 the sew
eral departments the amounts 10 be spent
by them during any period not exceeding
one year az time. IT'S decision shall be
anal The management Of tie city debt
and Of the sinking fund and making and
ray.ng OF temporary loars shall be lodged
entirely with said board The fixing of
the amount Of license taxes shall bc with
said board after tho City Council snah
have deeien7tcd the classes which snail
p?y licerFe taxes
Firth No money shall bo expended ov
the city or paid ont bv any officer OF ule
city until appropriated bv the said ooara.
a general discussion OF Mr. Merealn
plan and various views were advanced
MIR zimmerman while seeming NV
osable 10 ihe idea. thought that the teriu
or six years was too long. lie tnouSnt
members OF the ROarf should hot holo
onice norc than four years
OPPOSED by MIR. GARTER
Mr. Garter spoke az length on lhe sub
ject. and advanced a number or PROPOSE
lions against plan. lie thought an
idea Finance ommttee would be one