Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-06-13

IS. he says not TO effect any special
changes. He has his views as 10 the ex-
Uediency and advisability Of making GER
tain amendments 10 the instrument in
question, but his greatest reason for Of
fering the resolution was TO have n care
full comparison made between the charter
Of this city and the charters of other
cities, to also have thorough eXamina-
ton Of the Richmond charter and the
ordinances and resolutions touching it,.
I'm order that such changes as are deemed
TO be ehicacious can be made, and I'm order
that it can be known what ordinances and
resolutions passed by the city Council
are in conflict with the charter.
STARTED BY THE LEAGUE.
This is following line OF work started
some time ago by the Democratic League
for Good Government. Shortly after the
reorganization OF this body committee
was appointed to look into the matter Of
charter amendments. Mr.. Jackson Guy
was made chairman, and some OF the
best legal talent in the city was en-
braced in the membership OF the commit
tee. Later on, about the middle Of May.
the Powhatan Club adopted resolutions
calling for n joint committee TO be COM
posed OF three members OF each of the
Democratic clubs in the city. and the
same number from the league. for the
purpose Of considering this broad ques-
ton.
Just prior TO that the leagues regular
Committee on Charter Changes submit
ted a report, in which II said:
1--WE have adopted unanimously reso-
luton that the league ask the Legislature
to so amend the citys charter that the
administrative and legislative functions
Of our municipal government shall be
kept separate, and they accordingly so
report The main reasons for this re-
communication are the considerations that
separation OF the administrative from
the legislative departments viii discourage
extraya gance in the disbursements of the
city'S income, and viii relieve the Council.
as a purely legislative body from the
burdens imposed upon them by committee
work. where so much time IS taken in
the superintendence of the departments.
The good to come especially from the
last consideration. is that it will not make
service in the Council so onerous as to
discourage our most competent citizens
from service in the Council. Your COM
mittee recommend that the work OF pre-
pairing amendments 10 the charter in
conformity with the above resolution be
continued by the league. under the aus
~
appointed for the purpose"
The league laid this report upon the
table with the view of taking it up later
on at a special meeting. to be considered
and acted upon, but i'm the mean time the
proposition Of the Powhatan Club came
up. and a committee, consisting Of Messrs.
John b. Minor, Roosevelt Page, and Viz
gi1ius Newton. was appointed to confer
cir, flffs ,Ftrff 10. la
cratic clubs of the city. These commit
tees held one conference. at which the
whole subject was talked over quite
freely, and there was a full discussion of
the best methods 10 be adopted in re-
vising the charter
CHANGES ALREADY MADE.
Since the charter Of the city of Rich
mOnd was originally adopted many
amendments have been added TO ii.
In order 10 effect change it is custo-
mary for the City Attorney, by authority
OF The Council, TO appear before the Legs
lature. and urge such alterations as are
desired. The changes made 10 the char
ter In the past are given below. with the
dates Of their approval by the Governor:
February 10, lS92-EXtending the corpO-
rate limits of the city, so as to embrace
the Lee District.
February q, ISSS-Authorizing the Coun-
ell to appoint board Of public interests,
prescribing its duties. etc.
February %, 1SSS-Concerning the Fire
creating the Board of Fire
Commissioners; prescribing its duties. etc.
February %. 1SS5-Rclatiye 10 the Office
of the City Collector.
February %, lSg2-Regarding work upon
streets and alleys. the water-works. and
methods Of the Board Of Sinking Fund
Commissioners, etc.
February "a. 1SJO-Empowering the city
TO enlarge the water-wOrks. etc.
March /, 1Se2-Regarding the publication
of penalty ordinances.
March ?. 1S92-Exteading the police juris-
diction of the city.
May is, lSs1-Creating the Board Of Po-
lice Commissioners. naming the members,
and prescribing the duties OF the board
February 10. 1sg2-Relative TO streets
and alleys and divers unimportant mat
tcTS,