The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-03-07
LIE MANoR.s MESSAGE.

Mayor Richardson message to the City Couu'
ell is an able and comprehensive document, re-
nectng great credit upon him and Richmond
II is distinetiyely a progressive message,
eaaroniciing as it does unparalleled advancement
and development in all lines in the capital city
during the past year. and suggesting the adop-
ton of reforms and Other agencies making for
greater city.
The native Richmondar cannot but view with
pride the splendid calendar of events and deeds
written by the Mayor and indicating the remark
able growth OF the city during the past twelve
months The capital of Virginia has act high
standard Of progressveness for not only the mu-
inequalities of the State and the South, but for
cities throughout the country. The Mayors re-
port lis in keeping with those of the commercial
and industrial spheres of the city and shows
that Richmond has stagnated in no way ~hatso-
ever. unless 1t be in the matter of its govern
mental system.
Standing al the helm and directing the city's
ship, Mayor Richardson has watched its buffet
ings with the trained eye of an able pilot. and
has been quick to realize the necessity for dig
distractions. that the course may be made the
smoother and the safer BETTING portion OF
his message is given over to recommendations
for the further upbuilding of the citys govern,
ment and making it more commensurate with
the needs OF TODAY and considerably more expe,
ditious. ..,-...... ..,.
Chief among the several important recommen.
tt,~ o1,ty 3r
that of simplifying the sormof government in the
capital Mayor Richardson, after much careful
y Study. thought and recouciling conditions with
theories, informs the City Council that a reform
In the governmental system of Richmond is i'm
perative because the city has outgrown the arch
aic bi-cameral form Of administration, 81.
Commenting On the delay in executing the or
ders Of Council and the unreasonableness of ex-
pecting that city's affairs should be conducted
AZ expeditiousy aud satisfactorily by business
men who devote only portion Of their time to
the administration of governmental matters,
and that without reoompense. Mayor Richardson
says:
"TAe great dciGy IN the eJeeutton Of cork
authorized by The Council, and for schich ap-
preparations haze been made, is due in some
Instances to Legislature restrictions. out
mainly ~ the jact that committees meet
only once or 'cice month. Could the er-
eoatton OF this tcoyk b. repaired Of u small
e1ecattee board composed Of members nho
pere seeH paid for their services and reqatr.
ri 10 meet eUery ,oorkia0 day in the gear
n the tcork erouid undoubtedly be facilitated
and the responsibility rould BE- more def
nitelg 6red. To accomplish thiS it scouM be
accessory 10 amcnd city chartc, in many
important particulars. Uader The Constitu-
fioa bi-cdmeral Cita Comet ana the diul-
sion Of the city into yards Nth equal rep
reseatation must continue until that prori-
sion shall hdge been amended or repealed
bat The General Assembly. By amendments
to the city charter or ~ general fasos, mag
proride for the election or appointment Of
an erecntire board aad derolre upon IL all
the exeentipe potcers and fmacfions moto
possessed and exercised BY committees Of
the Council. For some time I hare been
closely Investigating this subject, ard sciH
BE- glad to cooperate sotth the committee re-
Gently sapg0istea 10 ,eoas%aey. these suggested
eh1nges'
z The Mayors message embraces every govern
4 mental deed OF Importance during 1910 and a
saost ensiable record for city OF I276ss inhabi.
4ent1 y shown. The gas plant has proven prof.