The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1910-10-16
TIE DIES MONIES PLAN.

Ii L. lC1ztJ NAN'14NIttS = -
In discussing the system of Govern
ment by Commission the Des Moline!
plan is cited frequently for the reasor
that ii embodies all the best features
which are applied to municipalities.
In "The Dethronement of the City
Boss by John r. Hamilton, is present.
ed study of the commission plan as
begun at Galveston and developed a1t
extended in the Des Moines plan
Under the Des Moines plan, which
has been the guide for the enactment OF
the commission form for Shreveport, the
department of public affairs, the mayor
as is related in the book, is superior to
the other four departments in both an
1hority and compensation. The mayor
is ex-oAicio member and president Of
the council and Is required to give gen
eral supervision over the four co-ordi-
nate working departments. He is re-
Iieved of practically all merely routine
duties save those necessarily arising
from his position as official and MOUTH
piece Of the city. giving him ample time
and opportunity for the important labor
of cooperation with and supervision
over the fabors Of his four associates. /"
1t is provided in the Des Moines char
ter that the four superintendent divide
practically all the detail work of the
municipality, along lines broadly indi-
Gated by their names retaining in the
council only those which pertain to the
city as a whole ali other Of
fcers and employees Of the city are sell
ected by the council .
Progressing on these lines not only
have the ward bosses been eliminated,
but their feed has been taken from them.
Progressing on these lines all sine
cures and every office in force under
the old municipal system not essential
to the public service has been abolished,
and wherever necessary there has fol-
lowed an intelligent consolidation Of
minor offices.
The spirit Of Government by Commits
sion is economy in the administration of
city affairs as would be managed and
directed By board Of directors of al
bank or mercantile corporation.
The experience Of Des Moines is sim
ply a reflex of what has been accom-
plished III the municipalities operating
successfully and satisfactorily Under the
system Of Government by Commission
It Is not the policy Of Des MONIES to
create additional offices. even If of minor
importance. but, as already said, to con
solidate wherever practical and without
detriinert o the efficiency Of the public
service.
The system Of Government BY Com
mission is responsive to the needs Of
today and when applied intslligently,
progress follows in its train
Since the system originated at Gal
weston in 1000, after the destruction Of
the city b. food. the Government by
t@eAttsAaase tgs1 tlts l9iVNSil d. StlNEESSs ne
system can moi fail simply because il is
based On practical good common sense,
and because il is the most democratic
form Of government which can be de-
vised and applied, especially In the man
agement of the affairs of the municipal
ity Failure is possible only when men
entrusted with Office are not in full SYM
patty with the system or when the com
nissioners do not measure up TO the re-
quirenlellts Of their responsibility IN
such event. failure must rest on the in
dividual and not o. the system
In the study Of the Des Moines plan
and e the progress of Government by
Commission ii the municipalities where
I has been tested under adverse condi-
ions, may Be- gained much valuable in
formation for those who may be I'M
.lfned to seek it
BIDS INVITED. Il