Norwich bulletin., 1911-02-01
PROPOSED CHARTER
 IS NOT OPPOSED (Con&inued from page five,l

based on broad principles and that the best and brightest minds in the country are interested in the form of govern ment to which it belongs. The basis of it all is in fixing personal responsi- bility in the administration of all city affairs. There would be an elmina ton of the shifting of responsibility from one group of officials to another. Cn- der the proposed charter we hope to have conditions such that we can put our hand on the man upon whom re- Sponsibility rests. The plan should be given a thorough trial. The water and gas and electric plants have made money, and there is no reason why all the city departments cannot be as eff ficiently administered He urged the committee to let Norwich demonstrate the value of the commission form of government. Norwich has the ambi- tion to be the best governed city in the state, he said, but we have got to have the tools"
 Others Are Heard.
 Frank H. Smith said the business men of Norwich heartily endorse the plan and believed it would prove a say ing measure in handling the business of the city.
 Judge J. Ii. Barnes said that he did not think Norwich would reject the charter if given 4 chance to pass upon it. Common sense teaches that thir- teen or fourteen men serving for honor are not going to do the same good work as four or five men who must make good to hold their positions. Af
 question, MT Barnes said that the city needs something and most people think this (the charter) is it. Judge Barnes did not think the recall clause in the
 new charter is just right. He said it
 was asking too much to require 10 per
 sufficient His only other criticism
 was aimed at the punctuation of Sec
 tion 9.
 Senior Alderman Approves It. Grosvenor Ely said he considered that the charter originated with the present mayor, who was elected on a democratic ticket, which might create Q belief that the plan is 8 partisan move and has politics in it, but as a
 republican member of the common council he was before the committee to approve of it. MT. Ely said an economical administration was not possible under the present charter and that he gave his unqualified approval to the charter now proposed. Frank H. Pullen said he was very strongly in favor of the new measure. Nelson J. Ayling thought it a sgnifi- cant indication of the general populari- ty of the plan that a ma jority speaking in favor were republicans. It has been approved generally by parties and classes. He said he had looked for a mares nest in the measure, but did not find it.
 Suggested Few Changes. Charles D. Moves said he came to listen rather than to talk. He believed, however, that the idea of govern nent on a purely business basis, with politics eliminated, appeals to every one. He considered the plan an effort to get the most fit citizens for office MT. Moves said that he did not want to say anything embarrassing, but fin his opinion two or three changes should be made in the present form of the petition for a new charter He thought the 10 per cent. recall too high, inasmuch as a great many people would hesitate to sign because of social or business reasons, and weeks would likely be required to get the desired number of signatures. He said he be- lieved @ 5 per cent. recall clause would greatly strengthen the new charter with the people.
 Discussing the public utilities fea- ture of thu measure. MT. Moves said