The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1914-01-24

cost OF construction and then get the
peoples vote on II.
AT the time the new charter pro-
vision was drafted this point was very
carefully discussed by number OF at.
torneys interested In municipal own
ership and II was unanimously decided
that the proper method seemed to be
10 provide for a referendum on con
struction.
Also. have grave doubts about the
velidity OF other provisions In the
amendment which the people have
adopted"
Mayor Marx, in a prepared state
ment, announced that he would vote
against the proposed new charter be
cause, without the municipal owner
ship provision, Il was a measure con
tanning some good things and a mum
Der OF undesirable ones. Asked to men
ton some OF the undesirable" fea'
lures, Mayor Marx repeated his argu-
ment about the litigation and delay
that Will result from testing out the
provisions OF the new charter in court.
1T would be delay 10 municipal
ownership TO pass the new charter,
said the mayor.
Beyond this point the mayor refused
70 go In discussing the charter
He talked vaguely about certain
features OF the charter that are no
good" but he refused 10 name any.
II do not care TO enter into dis
cussion or the provisions OF the pro-
posed new charter he said. If the
supreme court decision had not been
handed down previous TO Feb. 10, |
would have voted for the charter and
urged my friends 10 do so, but now
am against 1t and | am willing 10 bet
that II will not carry.
There are many provisions in the
charter that can be attacked, but
do not think 1t is up TO me to do
that.
Il Will say that | am not in favor
OF a preferential ballot, but | will
take my chances with any candidate
on the non-partisan ballot.
For purely selfish reasons | ought
to be for the new charter. because IL
boosts my salary and extends my
term in Office
Asked again 70 state a few Of his
many objections 10 the new charter.
the mayor smiled and shook his head.
During the morning the mayors of
fee was crowded with aldermen and
other city officials who chuckled with
the mayor over his opposition TO the
charter
Aid Sherman Littleheld. an old
time ward politician, declared that
his opposition TO the proposed new
charter was SO strong, that even the
promise OF an extra $1,000 year
could not tempt him TO vote for IT.
They simply piled lot OF rotten
stun in the new charter. and then
dangled a couple of salary prizes here
and there 10 attract support for the
punk measure" said the alderman.
ANY measure thal-has to offer sal
airy brides to gain support, ought 70
be defeated on general principles.
The mayor continued TO smile and
nod his approval as the aldermen
chorused their knocks" on the new
charter A day before the announce
ment OF the supreme court decision
on the Verdier law. these same city
officials were maintaining discreet
silence or acknowledging their luke
warm support OF the new charter.
The opportunity to crawl out OF the
charter band wagon has arrived, ac-
cording to the mayors Interpretation
OF the supreme court decision, and
that Is why the aldermen have grown
laxative
Aid. Vernon who would have 10
fight Aid. Burton In the Second ward,
should the new charter carry and the
number Of aldermen be reduced TO
one from each ward. has been study
ing the charter and trying TO pick
holes In some ef the provisions.
The alderman was quoted. Friday,
as saying that he would be In favor OF
calling on the special election sohed-
uled for Feb. 10. and save4the taxpay.
ers money. so sure Is he that the new
charter will be repudiated by the yot-
ers.
Il did not mean 20 convey that
idea" said the alderman. Saturday
morning. What | want TO be under.
stood "a saying Is that ! am in favor
OF postponing the special election for
two months TO give the voters an op.
portunity Go study the different pro-
visions In the charter. SO that they
can be voted upon intelligently when
submitted individually as ptecemeal
amendments.
Have you found many .objectional
features IN the proposed new char
'rr Aid. Yernor?'
Yes