Atlanta Georgian., 1912-07-12
Council to Move For Immediate
improvement of Thorough
fares Conference Called.

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Aroused by The Georgians publica-
tion Of the terrible condition of At
lanta's streets many members of eoun-
Gil declared today that they were ready
to bring about sweeping reforms
number are urging that an infor-
NAL conference be called at once that
there may be united action, Though
some stated privately that the chief
of construction department is far be-
hind with its work and needs reorgan-
izing, they were not willing 20 be quot
ed. But others are willing to unite
and make a fight in the open
Several members said today reso-
Luton would be introduced at the meet
| ing of council Monday asking for a
charter amendment which would sep
arate the chief OF construction de-
partment into an engineering depart
ment and a construction department.
| This would revert to the system sim
liar to that which was abolished tive
years ago
A large number of the members of
council now declare that the consoIi-
datlon of the two departments was a
mistake. II makes one department too
big. they assert. the chief OF construc
tion department now being almost as
large as all the other departments COM
] bined
Unless change in pian is made be-
fore the meeting of council Monday and
seems certain that this amendment will
be adopted and a vigorous effort made
to get it passed at this session of the
legislature.
A number Of other plans have been
suggested for the reorganization of the
system of street improvements ON
cias generally admit that there are
faults in councils system of appor-
tionments of money and the selection
of points TO be improved
An informal conference Is being
urged Among the propositions ad-
vanced is an administrative board OF
public works, similar TO the board OF
education and water board and the
other city boards. Others want author
ity to do more Of the work by con
tract Now the pavement of sidewalks
and smooth pavements is practically
the only work done by contract.
Mayor VIM today vetoed resolu-
tion of council authorizing the chief OF
construction to employ more free abor
for certain street work He said he
was not opposed to the plan but as the
work to be done and the source of the
funds were not specified, he was forced
to veto the resolution.
However. there Is no doubt that a
resolution, which is technically correct
| win be presented TO council Monday
authorizing more free labor. and il
win be passed
In the ordinance committee recently
a charter amendment was drafted
which. though general on its face. gave
council the authority to retire r. NJ
Clayton, chief of construction. on a
pension Of 500 per month, Under the
leadership of Harvey Hatcher. chair
man of the streets committee OF coun
ell. the group Of officials most directly
In control of the construction depart
ment. this resolution was tabled by a
majority of one vote, There is talk to-
day that II will be revived
Captain clayton is elected by .he
people and 30 far as the administra
tion of his department is concerned he
is independent Of council He is az
Asheville, y. c., now recuperating from
q recent illness, and so has had no op-
portunity 10 defend his department
Mayor Winn has appealed To the
county commissioners FOR squad OF
convicts 10 aid In repairing damages
caused by the rain. The commission =
ers are also handicapped by bad washes
in the county roads and We're unable 10
give this aid at present.