The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-01-11
CHARTER CHANGES
OFFERED IN HOUSE
Every Member of Richmond
Delegation Signs Admjnistra-
tive Board Measure.
POLLUTION OF STREAMS
Special Committee of Council
Outlines Its Legislative
Work.
POLLUTION OF STREAMS

rive SPECIFIC pieces Of legislation
have been requested at the hands OF
the General Assembly by tho city of
Richmond. At meeting Of the Coun-
Gil Committee on Legislation Affecting
the Interests OF tho City. held at the
City Hall yesterday afternoon At s
o'clock. City Attorney Pollard called
attention TO the fact that four of these
contemplated changes in the charter
OF the city, which would have no effect
elsewhere. and which therefore would
meet but little objection. while an
other contemplated q State law for the
protection OF streams from pollution.
In which the city would be bitterly
opposed by pulp mills. iron furnaces
and other Industries which nov empty
All manner OF refuse and coloring n,at-
ter into the waters of the upper
James River, costing the city OF Rich
mond, 1t has been estimated, $4,000 a
year for coagulants. 70 remove the dis.
colorut,on and impurities not natural
10 river water.
Four Charter Changes.
The four specific changes 20 It's
charter. which the City Council by
joint resolution approved by the Mayor
has instructed it's special committee
to seek at tho hands of the Legts!a-
ture. are the charter. amendments
creating the Administrative Board md
defining Its powers and duties; an
amendment giving the city the author
ity. II 1t 80 desires. to establish and
maintain warehouses and rerorma-
tories and 10 coniine therein prisoners
now In the City Jail: giving the city
the power. II II SO desires. or Great
ing fund for the retirement OF cni-
ployes disabled or grown old in the
service of the city. who have beer on
the pay roll continuously for as much
as twenty years; and an amendment
giving the Council, II II so desires, uu-
thority TO abolish the office of City
Collector OF Taxes, and TO confer the
duties on the City Treasurer.
II was remarked that the latter
three changes merely enlarge the
powers OF the Council In these regards,
without committing the city either 10
pension system. workhouse or to
the abolition OF the office of City Col
lector The first amendment. however
provides that there shall be an Ad-
ninistrativc Board, and specifics how
and when 1t shall be elected. and de-
fines It's powers and duties.
The special committee consists of
Chairman Morgan r. Mills. Council
men Bowman and Richards, and Alder.
n.
was reported yesterday as being out
OF the city. ell OF the others being pres
emit.
Will Fight MILK Bill.
Chairman Mills ruled that under the
resolution authorizing Its appointment
the committee was strictly limited and
could only oak at the hands of the
General Assembly such laws as had
been requested by properly adopted
Joint resolutions OF the City Council
1t may also appear before appropriate
committees OF the Legislature in OPP
position TO any statute believed to be
inimical to the welfare OF this city.
Already plans are being laid for
vigorous protest against the adoption
of the Trockmorton milk bill, which
was defeated last session, and which
Will be reintroduced, and which has
for Its object the transfer of all dairy
inspection from the city Boards OF
Health to the State Dairy and Food
Commission. AS a member of the com
rittee expressed 1t. il takes the in
spection OF milk from the consumer
who pays the bill, and places II in
the hands of the producer The Coun-
ell and citizens generally regard the
publication OF the milk supply as by
far the most valuable and lmportant
work done by the present Health De-
partment since it's creation IT 1906, and
the wonderfully lowered typhoid death
rate In Richmond speaks for itself.
Members of the committee state that
they have no idea that the Legisla-
ture. to help the political standing of
few members from the counties eur
rounding cities, who are bidding for the
dairyman vote, will cripple and hamp-
er what is believed TO be the grentcst
health uplift obtained by this city in
many years.
Charter Changes offered.
City Attorney Pollard was for twelve
years member OF the Legislature
from King and Queen county. remark
ing yesterday that during his member
ship Councilman Bowman, now a mem
her of this special committee. was a
page in the House: and Assistant City
Attorney George Wayne Anderson re-
presented the city of Richmond In the
Senate for several years. Both are
therefore familiar with procedure, and
will take up the active work OF press
ing the city's interests. calling on the
committee for such aid as may be
needed from time to time.
CITY Attorney Pollard reported that
in conformity with the various reso-
lutions adopted by the Council. lie had
drafted bill making the changes in
the city charter III regard to the Adj
ninistrative Board. and giving the
Council authority to establish work
houses, create pension fund and, If It !
SO desires, consolidate the offices f
City Collector and City Treasurer, and
transmitted II to Edwin p. Cox, dean
Of the Richmond delegation In the
Legislature. This bill was offered i'm
the House yesterday with the sigma
turc of every member OF the Richmond
delegation attached. and was referred
to the joint committee on General and
Special Laws When reported by that
committee il must go to the Com
mittees on Counties. cities and Towns