The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-19
which ever way the people vote, the
contestants must be satisfied.

y
Perhaps the most forcible contrast is
between the old and the new systems
OF attending to the demands Of the
taxpayers. Under the old system, II
John Smith, an honest, law abiding,
tax-paying citizen. who did not play
politics. wanted street repaired. or
a sewer laid, or some other thing done
which 1t was the duty Of the city to
do for him and his neigh bors in re-
turn for the taxes they paid. he en-
countered such tangle of official red
tape at the City Hall when he called
regarding the matter, and so many
exasperating and wholly unnecessary
delays. that he finally gave up in dis
gust and went without the conven-
fences to which he was entitled. To-
day, If John Smith believes he should
have more conveniences, he calls on
the commissioner in charge and re-
ceives attention immediately. II he
Is entitled to what he seeks, action
is generally taken either then and
there, instructions being given on the
spot. or within twenty-four hours. If
he Is not entitled to it, he is promptly
turned down and told why.
To summarize four distinct advan-
tages are claimed for the new form
Of government In Dallas:
!. In concentrating the attention OF
voters upon the selection of few
men, they are not confused by long
ticket and are therefore able to make
better selections.
@. The voters do not select any
more men than are absolutely neces-
sary to administer the affairs Of the
government
g.. The system by concentrating nu-
| thortty and definitely expressing it,
| a h1aS IA 70 n Int n ta,,l9t
government much more efficiently than
is possible by any set of men under the
old system, where authority is dffused.
4. The system, while concentrating
Authority, also concentrates and de-
finitely fixes responsibility SO that If
there be faults or failures the people
will know beyond all question exactly
where the blame lies.
This form of government is there
suit of campaign begun here years
Iago-long before 1t was adopted ~
Galveston, In fact II sprung from a
demand that the affairs of this city
should be administered according to
a plan as sane and effective as that
(which governs the affairs Of any large
mercantile institution. The people Were
tired OF politics and wanted bust
ness system. The advocates OF this
idea encountered determined opposi-
ton. They were fought by every
politician in the city. Twice these op:
ponents3 succeeded in defeating then
before the Legislature, but We're them.
selves defeated last spring although
they were supported by every publ,
service corporation In the city, rht
charter being secured the men wis
)had fought 1t formed an Organization
.lffor the purpose Of electing their mer
/ to put 1t into effect, Believing that this
would spell disaster and defeat til,
/ very objects for which the charta,
i was framed, the business men also or
ganized, tho one requisite to member
slip in which was thatth person apply
i ing must be one who had never 8taker
part In politics or held d public atllcp
] When admitted the member was 70
4 CURED to sign n pledge to support til,
nominees Of the organization. Thi
\ was done betore the nominations twerl
4 made. but so we'll known veto TIL,
linen In charge o the movement tina
slSthiss was done Without question. II
4 this way s, 800 plettge as out of a tota
vote OF about 5000 We're obtained I
business man was made campaig 81
{, manage err. His ne me ~ IIenrysD y, Linds