The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-06-23
i, f.
START MOVEMENT
FOR CIVIC REFORM
Citizens Hold Meeting to Con-
slider Commission Form
Of Government.
CITY COUNCIL IS PRAISED "a
Committee Named to Formulate
Plan and Report Next
Thursday.
CITY COUNCIL is PRAISED

FOR the purpose of launching a
movement for better and more mod
ern form of government for Richmond
a preliminary meeting of citizens was
heid last night in ithe assembly hall OF
Murphy's Hotel. There was unanim.
ny OF sentiment for a system of civic
aaministra ton, which will coincide
more nearly with the needs of the
times and with the demands of modern
thought and experience
committee was appointed in part,
10 prepare report covering the pro-
position of short ballot government
lmiscalled commission form). To TINS
committee will be added, in all prob
apiilty. at least two members or tile
CITY Council with which body 1t is de-
sired to cooperate The COMMITTEES will
report at another meeting of citizens
10 be held next Thursday night, in the
same hall.
Council Is Indorscd.
NO Disposition was manifested IN
any way to reflect upon the admins
tration of public affairs by the present
CITY Council. On the contrary. more
than one speaker took occa sion to COM
pliment that body upon the very eff
fective way iii which ii has worked
with the entirely antiquated and worn
out tools at its command. John stewart
Bryan. one of the speakers, said that
the business of Richmond has been
handled with judgment and with pat
riotism, free from faint or suspicion
of graft, or of perversion of the pub
lie interest in any degree.
Major Hunsdon Cary presided. and he
also discussed the problem of sim
plified form of government He mas
made study of the situation, and of
the needs OF the city, and is familiar
With the Workings of short ballot sys-
tens in other municipalities While on
the City Council, in 1905, Major Cary
was a member OF special committee
appointed to draft a new city charter
The report made by this committee. af-
ter months of work, was tabled. In tho
light OF moro modern events. with full
er information on the subject. it is not
believed that such a proposition would
meet with a similar fate now. In any
event. to adopt a short ballot il will
hrst be necessary to secure the enact
ment Of the amendment to the Consti-
tuition of Virginia which Is now pend
Ing. and which will como before the
General Assembly at its session next
winter. i
Good Results Elsewhere.
One speaker at last nights meeting
mentioned the benefits which have ac-
crued to Houston. Memphis and Dallas
from the Workings of the commission"
government. Another suggested that
the Texas cities have behind their
growth some of the richest natural, re-
sources in the world. while Richmond's
growth and prosperity have been cue
In, greatest measure to the energy and
initiative of her own citizens.
Efforts Will be made It is understood.
to secure not only favorable action
upon the amendment at the hands OF
the Legislature. but also TO work UP Il
public sentiment which will insure its
success at thetpolls when it is refer
red TO the people at the election in No
vember of next year BY the time the
amendment becomes operative, 1t is
hoped that Richmond will be ready
with a plan to simplify its system of
of municipal affairs
Tho full personnel OF the committee
will be announced later by the chair
man, when All its members are ap-
pointed. lig