The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-02-02
GOVERNOR WILLIAM HODGES MANN.

is practically monopoly. and uncontrolled
has the power TO put up rates, make dis
examinations and requirements which are
not for the best interests of the people.
and 1t is necessary that society shouls
carefully guard the powers conferred and
should exercise reasonable powers or con-
troll over the business and operations OF
public service corporations But once admit
that these corporations are necessary for
the progress, advancement. convenience and
well being OF communities, and that they
are the creatures OF law. and that law Is
the crystalized sentiment of the people OF
the state. and you put them in posi-
ton where they are entitled TO the pro-
lection as we'll as subject TO the control OF
the law making power.
1t is manifestly for the best interest of
the state that all OF her citizens, whether
individuals or corporations, should, IN tho
exercise of their proper and lawful powers
and functions. have the greatest freedom of
action. and that there should be no inn
proper Interference the one with the other.
will 20 further and say that the pros
perity OF the state will be advanced by
the existence of confidence and good feel
ing amongst all of its citizens working to-
cether, as they should for the common
GOOD There is a feeling among some people
that the state is powerless TO exercise Its
law against great combinations of capital.
and that these corporations. although
legally constituted, arc menace TO society
and entitled to neither favor or protection
at the hands of the State. I have no SYM
patty with such sentiments. Virginia Is
and execute laws which will control the
powers of these great public service cor
poratio as To make them minister to the
needs and prove blessing to our people,
They should be so controlled. and should
be required to bear their just share of tho
public burdens, and then they, in common
with all the citizens of this Commonwealth,
should have the assurance oil protection in
the exercise of their lawful powers and
functions. and in their rights of property.
Expressed in a few words, these great COM
binattons and all corporations and individ-
uals, should be made to understand and
acknowledge tho supreme power of the
state for control and direction and for tho
imposition of proper taxation. And they
should be assured of that protection which
the state should extend to the weakest and
not withhold from the strongest and most
powerful OF its citizens. Any other position
would be a confession of weakness and be
unworthy OF this great Commonw wealth.
Cities should Have Power to Simplify and
Make Their Government More Efficient
respectfully suggest to the General AS
sembly the necessity for change of the laws
controlling the cities of the state
10 simplify and make more efficient their
government.
bersome, expensive, and in many respects
incffcient The functions OF municipal
government are much more largely execu-
tive, and administrative than legislative.
Practical experience has demonstrated the
difficulty II not impossib'lity. of securing
effective, prompt and economical admin
| istration OF municipal affairs by the means
| Of Numerically large councils Tho eSper-
| fence OF many cities of the country seems
! ia provc that small governing bodies, CIV
| Ing practically all OF their time to the
4 AFFAIRS of the city with direct and easily
/. ascertained responsibility to the people. FUR
| nish tho simplest and most satisfactory
/ form of government.
Tht cities of the State. through delegates
4 representing tho municipal governments
| and the commercial bodies, in recent con-
4 ferences at several places, have Win pract!-
!, cal unanimity decided to ask for an amend
/ mend to the Constitution which will permit
/ that form OF government best siltad 70
| their needs subject to such general restrlc-
| ttons as the Legislature may impose. rms
| seems wise, and proper but as time mus,
| elapse before constitutional amendment
| can be secured 1t appears desirable tna'
| general laws should be passed, reducing the
| minimum number of councilmen and au-
Ininistratire board which shall have charge
| of tho administrative affairs of the city
! now exercised by the various standing coun-
| ell committees, subject to such rules and
| regulation may he prescribed, LEAVING
| IL optiona! with each city as 10 whether
| II viii come under and accept tho bcnehts
/ ~ the law or not. Such a law would not
| me men constituting city governments. put
| is intended aud would undoubtedlS feileve
/ tho present system OF some OF lts most %,
inctionable and cunbersone fentures ana
I ~ n ,onr way towards GNpcditing the ousl-
SIS nIairs OF mun,cipn' administration.
l H Military.
y Necessary for the safety OF INC
state Efficiency should be main
4 taIned. >.,,or 10