The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-12-25
CITY CHARTER AGAIN
Proposed Amendment Raises
Discussion.
HONORARY MAYORALTY
MEETS OPPOSITION AND
COUNTER PROPOSITION.
REDUCED SALARY AND A TRIAL JUSTICE
Suggested by Some.-The Most important
Thing Asked of the Assembly Will be
Authority for a New Loan for
Street improvements.

SHeet improvements
Much discussion has been caused by
the publication, in the News and Observ-
err last week, of the proposed amend
ments to the city charter.
The proposition to elect trial justice
and make the mayoralty honorary, and
the suggestion as to the re-districting of
the city, have caused most comment
The election of trial justice seems to
be pretty generally approved, but the
proposition TO make the office of mayor
an honorary one, without pay, has
aroused strong opposulon, and it now
seems safe TO say that it will not be done
Instead the plan has been proposed of
paying the mayor $1,000. instead of
$1,000 and part of the fees. as now
Give him general supervision of the city
in all departments of its government,
with power of suspension, with right to
appeal to the Board of Aldermen. But
the police court, as formerly proposed, is
TO be administered by trial justice,
elected by the aldermen. He shall be
paid 5000 salary and fees.
This arrangement, it is believed by
those who suggest it, would be much
more satisfactory than that of making
the position of Mayor an honorary one,
and it would cost but little more.
The suggestion that the city be re-
districted so as to elect 16 instead of
II aldermen il also strongly opposed,
principally for the reason that it simply
increases the number without improving
the board. Instead of this it now APP
pears that the plan will be adopted of
electing one aldermen from each of the
eight precincts, us they are now ar
ranged, and one alderman ut large
from each ward
This would give board composed of
eight Democrats certain, and possibly
nine. A majority as large as can possi-a
bly, be needed.
The present board of Aaldermen, as.
far as they have been interviewed, seem
to favor making as few changes as pos
sihle in order to accomplish certain ends
that must be attained and make certain
needed improvements in the city govern-I
mcnt. ~
BY far the most important thing that
will be asked of the Legislature by the
city is the authority to hold an election
for voting an issue of 100000 bonds
for street and other permanent improve
ments.
But whether this is granted or not
the coming spring will see more inn
provements in the city of Raleigh thanI
has ever before been known here. ALL
ready the Street Committee, headed byi
Mr.. John c. Drewry, has made Raleigh
look like new city, but his programme
is by no means complete
Even now the streets are being graded
and curbing put down at the rate of
1000 feet day. As fast as the curb
ing is put in place fine young shade trees
are put out and property owners are
notified to pave the sidewalk. Many of
these are making contracts for grano-
lithic pavement, which costs but little
more than brick. and is much neater and
far more durable.
Others, are taking down their fences,
improving their lawns and otherwise
frightening up and improving their
premises. These improvements, toll
gether with the paving and the shade
trees must soon make Raleigh the most
beautiful little city in the South.
A word of caution as to the shade
trees is, however, necessary. The city
has purchased at cost of 81 1000 the
finest young sugar naples to be obtain
ed They come from Vermont, Pennsyl-
vania and New Hampshire. In addition
to this, they are being put ont in the
most approved manner. A bag Of oats
to retain the moisture and TO fertilize
them is being put at the roots. Woods
mould to be put around them is hauled
from the country. The greatest care in
every respect is being exercised in theirl
planting. But if boys are allowed tol
swing on them and twist them about
all this labor will be thrown away. TheI
people of Raleigh are asked to aid the
city authorities in this respect. 1t is an
offense, punishable by fine, to injureI
these trees, and the police have been
notified TO keep a sharp lookout for such
offenders; but the people of the city
can do much more than the police in
this respect if they will promptly put a
stop to any cases that may come under
their observation.
The residents along the streets, who
can do so, would also confer favor on
the Street Committee and greatly aid
in the improvement of the city by boxing
and watering and otherwise caring for.
the trees in front Of their dwellings.
Smear inanlas, PaniIIV and