Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-09-26
IS
ATE[)TO
BEF|RST
VICTIM
Foes of aid" See Real Opening
to Strike Blow at Policy Of
Police Chief.

Reports, thicker than the balloss
cast in the election, were circulated
about town Friday that the adoption
of the initiative. referendum and re-
call amendment to the city charter
will lead 10 an immediate fight on
Police Chief James L, Beavers
through the medium of the recall.
No petition actually has made its
appearance, but the reports come
from such sources as to make them
worthy of important consideration
open town advocates not only see
an indication Of popular sympathy
with their cause in the election re-
suits. but they find the first real
chance to get at Chief Beavers since
the Inauguration Of his policy Of law
enforcement and his crusade on vice
Interesting light is thrown on the
situation by Aldine Chambers, former
councilmanic leader and a supporter
of Chief Beavers. Mr.. Chambers was
instrumental in drawing the new
charter and the father Of the initia-
tive, referendum and recall amend
ment
The adoption Of the initiative ref
erendum and recall amendment gives
the people of Atlanta an opportunity
TO settle directly the issue Of a tight
or open town policy in an election
on the recall Of Chief Beavers" he
said.
Mr.. Chambers introduced similar
amendment in Council several years
ago, but it was defeated. He said ne
was glad it was adopted Wednesday,
for he believed in it because it gave
the people the right to settle various
complicated municipal issues
There has been more than one
laugh over the curious result of the
special election. Mayor Woodward
alone raised his voice in protest
against the adoption of the document.
He charged that the claim that II was
a reform was a fake, and though he
never referred to the initiative, refer
endum and recall and the reduction of
the Recorders power provisions, it
was generally believed that he want
ed the people to vote against all
changes submitted in the election.
Charter Advocates Dazed.
The surprising result was that the
program of the majority party in
Council, the arch opponents Of May
or Woodward, was repudiated. But
out of it came the most significant
political reform Atlanta has had in
years-the adoption of the initiative,
referendum and recall.
Mayor Woodward, with the open
town" element, is glad that it is so,
.hough his activities before the cleo
lion was calculated to prevent just
such a condition. The new charter
advocates, against whom Mayor
Woodward charged a conspiracy TO
block reforms are amazed.
The Men and Religion Forward
Movement, which organization took
no part in the campaign. seemingly
believing that Chief beavers was Sc
cure from any harm. faces a situa-
ton that will give it serious cause for
study.
Before this election Chief Beavers
was secure. Though sinister doubt
has been cast time and again on the
sincerity of the support Of him by the
Police Commission, the Commission
had demonstrated more than once
that it intended TO continue to stand
by him There was no way out for
either the Police Commission or
Council. They were forced to stand
by and support Chief Beavers. mega
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