The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-04-20
INVESTIGATION SHOULD BIZ THOROUGH


sac pubic eye in an unenviable light For
long time this Office has engaged the attention
Of the City Council and the people Of Richmond,
because Of Investigations declarations that the
Office was unnecessary, that the incumbent vas
overpaid. and that affairs not administer
I'd In a businessl5ke way.
It is to be hoped that the investigation which
Mayor Richardson has called for next Tuesday
will settle for all time the various contentious
raised about the city Collectors office, In view
Of the report made to the Mayor BY the city
Accountant, no other course was open to him
than the one ne followed, Honesty, business
ability and dispatch arc absolute necessities in
every public Office In view OF the grave
charges made against Captain Cunningham. it
IS hut fair and Just to him that his side be
beard as fully as possible, Provision for this
Is made by the calling Of an investigation
The investigation should be as thorough and
complete as ii can be made The interests OF
TIE city Of Richmond and TIE City Collector
demand that nothing be left out Of the inquis-
ton which will shed any light upon the conduct
Of affairs in the office during Captain Cunning
hams incumbency. and that the most searching
rays he cast upon the charges which present
themselves in the accountants report. Before
he inquiry terminates it should BE- determined
whether the office of City Collector is necessary
70 the administration of public affairs in Rich
mond It has frequently been said that the
work done by the City Collector could be per-
formed by or competent clerks in the
City Treasures Office and that the aggregate
fees derived by the holder of this office are out
Of all proportion to the responsibilities placed
apon him and the requirements upon bis time
and energy. Charges OF unhusinesslike proce-
dure have also been made and this investlga-
ton should 20 Ia the root of these allegations
TO the end that in the future the system of al.
ministering affairs in The CITY Collectors Office
ba on par with that Of the best regulated and
conducted business establishment.
There il universal regret In Richmond that
allegations Of serious nature should be
Died agains, a public official In the capital city
and especially 40 since the man whose business
ability. If not his honor and integrity, has ben
challenged. Captain Frank Cunningham.
"Richmonds Sweet Tenor" the man who sang
his way into office the comforter who has filled
the air with melody for the entertainment and
amusement of the mirthfu. for the solace and
consolation Of the sorrowng and the afflicted
and the public Official who has been conspicuous
in the capital city for more than quarter of
century, has friends in Richmond, and Their
name is legion Genial, witty. afable. com
panionabe, entertaining ktnd-hearted, gener
Gus and thoroughly loyable fellow Captain
Cunningham has endeared himself to the hearts
nf thousands Of persons IN Riehmead, ,@hehavs
been all but stunned by the allegations agains
him and who will remain loyal TO him to tbs
last Their earnest hope Is that during the in
vestigation his side of this regrettable affair
viii be presented fully and that he viii be abb.
to explain what looks TO be criminal misconduc
unbusinesske neglect. which will not result
seriously for him