The Washington times., 1909-05-03
COMMISSION RULE
PROVES SUCCESS
IN CITY IN TEXAS
Galveston Has a Scheme
Much Like That Now
in District.
CITIZENS PLEASED;
ECONOMY POSSIBLE
The Times Lays Before the Public
Explanations of Municipal
Governments.

In order 10 throw as much light as
possible on the discussion now heard
on every side concerning President
Taft's tentative plan to change the
government Of the District into one-man
rule, The Times has wired its repre-
sentatives In Galveston. Texas; Des
Noines, Iowa, and other cities to get
opir'Cns of what the experience OF
these towns has been with the commits
sion form of government.
Des Moines, Iowa, has a board Of five
commissioners, one OF these being the
mayor. with no more power than any
other commission. A majority of three
votes of the board determines action
on public questions and projects.
Galveston, Texas, has the same form
of government to all intents and pur-
poses. In both instances the commits
sioners are elected by the people.
1t is evident. therefore. that these
cities have about the same form Of gov
ernment as is now the rule in the Dis
trict OF Columbia, with -he difference
that. while they elect their commits
sioners, the Districts commissioners
are appointed by the President, two
from the citizens Of the District and
one from the army.
What Texas Claims.
Des Moines. Iowa, Galveston. and
other Texas towns clair that they now
have the ideal form of Government. and
that never before have their affairs
been SO well attended to. On the other
hand. the other forms OF government
they Had were aldermen and the ward
system, which gave room for chicanery
and political -bossism-" The evils Of
such a system have not been known
mere. and could not be known as long as
politics is kepc out Of the system and
the appointment of a governor Is made
by the President on merit.
Mr.. Taft's plan for the District does
not contemplate the exercise of the suf-
frage.
Following is an expression from Gal
weston, Texas. which is self-explana-
tory:
Galveston, Tex. Nav z.
Editor The Times: Galveston has PLAY
ed ths scale Of city government, and
has become convinced that II has at
least partially solved the problem with
its ccmmissiOn plap, a simple and di-
rect administration OF the city's bust
ness by a president and fcHr commits
sioners elected at large.
Originally, Galveston was governed by
a mayor, elected by voters of the en-
tire city. and twelve aldermen elected
by respective voters OF each of the
twelve wards. This was a most uu-
satisfactory system. and was changed
for plan calling for>sixteen aldermen,
four elected at large. and twelve by
wards AS an Improvement this proved
a failure The number Of aldermen was
then reduced back TO twelve all Of
whom were elected at large. This was
an improvement, but stll unsatisfac-
tory.
The great storm that swept the city
in 1900 forced a change 70 some form
Of simple business-like transaction of
the affairs Of the stricken people, ana
the present commission plan was adopt
ed. practical experience of nearly
eight years has fully demonstrated its
entire efficiency.
Not Remarkable.
There is really nothing remarkable
about plan or men directing city's af-
fairs under It. 1t is simply board Of
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