Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-05-25
GLASGOW ADDRESSES
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
/ Continued from First page)
ment that ne had said that graft was
horrible. but inehciency was worse
by saying that he had stated that
graft is horrible, but in financial
| waste inefficiency was worse" The
former was only a half-truth, whereas
| tho latter is what no had really meant.
Mr. Glasgow also said that he had
not advocated one-man power, as he
! had been quoted as advocating In
stead, he said, my whole purpose is
to ensure that government of the peo-
pie and for the people shall not perish
from the earth ] want you to throw
off the yoke OF a small number of pro-
fessional politicians; to emancipnt e
yourselves from the autocracy of
bosses and to become a free, self
governing democracy want you to
govern yourselves in your own Inter
ests. by employing as your servants
for this work men who will administer
your city as you wish 1t administered
solely in the brondest interests of the
community, and not for the beneft OF
themselves, or of any other indivi-
duals." He pointed out that self
government could not be carried to
such point that every citizen would
have chance at taking n turn at the
helf OF government. and offer advan-
tages over the completely representa-
tive plan which he advocated.
PEOPLE TIED HAND
AND FOOT BY CHARTER
Il simply advocate" he said, bust
ness methods. as generally practiced in
this country, in place of our present
ino 1nin
was gross.
Municipal business" he continued,
rs just like other business; and TO be
successful. municipal administration
must be like other successful business
administration" He said that 1t was
not necessary to change a business
charter to secure efficiency, as cor
poration charter leaves business free
TO choose the best men. But in the
case OF city. with particular reference
to Richmond. the people are tied hand
and foot. and what is needed Is more
freedom and opportunity for efficiency
in the administration. He dccried that
section of the Constitution of Virginia
which prescribcs that only qualified
voters and residents are eligible to
State, county or municipal office. for.
he pointed out, the services required
OF the heads OF various departments
are highly developed arts. and require
specialists. Therefore, as there are no
specialists in Richmond, freedom of
choice is absolutely essential to the
efficient administration of the city.
GLASGOW OUTLINES
his PLAN OF GOVERNMENT
Mr.. Glargows plan comprises
Mayor and Council. Charged with the
If o,t.
nent organization OF maximum efiici-
ency for the administration and dcvel-
opnent of our city. This Mayor would
he the man among us possessing the
highest qualifications for this particu-
lar task: with the ability. the deter
mination and the understanding TO adj
vance the broadest interests OF our
citizens, not only OF 10 day. bur of to-
morrow. With painstaking care, he
would select and nominate To the
Council the best men anywhere obtain
able; and upon the approval Of the
Council he would employ them as com
missioners OF our various municipal
departments" But this. said Mr. elias.
gov. would not mean the displacement
or single honest man now cmploved
by the city: II would simply mean
new and free channels of maximum
usefulness open to them
I'VE SHOULD then" he continued.
have a board of commissioners. CON
sistinG of five or more members, repre-
senting the highest scientific, tech
meal and administrative skill In their
respective departments; under the pres
idency OF Mayor capable of develop
Ing. for tho common good, their utmost
individual and combined potential;tics."
WOULD PRESERVE
PERMANENT ORGANIZATION
Gut though, under this charter, while
the new administration was being or
ganized and tested, it might he neccs-
sary for the Mayor to dismiss his own
nominees. AIr. Glasgow thought that no
succeeding Mayor should have the
power to dismiss any member Of the
permanent organization thus created
except with the approval of moro than
a majority of the total membership of
each branch OF the Council. This ,vould
insure that no subsequent Mayor would
have the power to weaken the efficiency
of permanent organization already
proven.
To such a plan Mr.. Glasgow thought
there could he no objection. IT bu,
needs that the benefits be taken, that
the people reach out their hands for
what is rightfully thers--an efficient
form of municipal government
A storm of applause greeted Mr..
Glasgow as he closed and on motion
Of T.. V. Williams the chamber decided
to have the address printed and de-
livered to every member.
Taere were more than 200 people
present. and afterwards they were en-
tertained at buffet supper given by
the Chamber of Commerce
Five new members were elected to
membership in the cha amber, as follows:
Coca Cola Bottllng Works, Inc; Roland
Garrett, attorney -at-law; p. a. Green,
real estate: Mayo & Co, cooperage.
Fiber Boar6 Container Company