The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-18

tion, and in answer to your argument that three grown men are able to trans act the business of the city of Birming ham, I will call your attention to a high authority on municipal affairs who, aft CT much study and practical experi- ence, indorsed- the fye-commissioner plan. although I hear that he Is some what opposed to 1t at present-that hon. lorable and lovable gentleman, MT. James W Weatherly.
 You state that all we'll informed men admit that the city commissioners un- der our present form, have been men of integrity; 1 heartily concur with you lio this. and believe that these man will serve the city just as faithfully and as patriotically on smaller salaries. You criticize the commission but praise the
 personnel of the commission. Does thls
 not argue that the defect lies in the
 form of government and not In the
 men?
 "Another good feature of this bill is
 that it changes the antiquated system
 of electing a self-perpetuating school
 board by giving to the new commission,
 fresh from the people, the authority 10
 elect new board, and making the
 president of the commission, who Is the
 head of the financial system, the presi- dent of the board. The commission is,
 | in the last analysis. responsible for the
 educational system of the city, and
 it should not be hampered by board
 not of its selection.
 Lack of Cooperation
 "In my judgment the greatest oo-
 stacle in the way of our success has been a lack of sympathy and co-opera- tion on the part of the public in our city government. This being caused by the feeling or knowledge that the gov ernment was not representative, and by the opposition of the people of this city to the high salaries paid. The commis- sion has not entirely made brick With out straw as the people have been generous in voting bonds, but the dis content has not been voted away. The dissatisfaction is not with the person nel of the commission. as two of them arc of the peoples own choosing by overwhelming majorities, and the other was universally hailed as an ideal se- lection.
 'I regard the proposed plan of cleo ton much better than under the present law An election every year. as we now have for one commissioner, keeps the city in constant turmoil of politics Would it not be preferable to have a four years rest. and would this not tend to make the commissioners less attentive to what would please the peo- pie and more, attentive to what is best for the people?' It would at least reduce to a minimum the power of the municipal machinery in an election Un- der the present order of things. when a commissioner is to be lected, the other two commissioners, by dominating the city employees. and by making calls, which naturally they are in a position to make. will. many times, name the candidate of their choice. and with lit- tie political acumen can perpetuatc a powerful and invincible machine.
 Authority Over Referendum "I have heard 1t claimed that in many cities commission form of government has. to a great extent. taken city af- fiars out of politics. We have not had this experience here. Just as an ex- ample, cite you to the present refer endum election. This election was called by the commissioners to pass on a re- duction in their own salaries. Having a $a000 annual reduction at stake they cannot be disinterested The ticket is written by them; 1t ignores the salary feature. and after earnest request that lit be worded so that the people might express themselves; the date of the election is arbitrarily set by them; the election officers named by them without suggestion, advice or hindrance; the result to be canvassed by them and an- nounced by them. The only incident of this election in which they allow oth- CTS to participate and which they gen erously concede to the taxpayers if am correctly informed, is that of bear ing the expenses of the election. The ward heeler of old must admire tncir high handed methods any envy their unbridled power. In his hey-day he never rivaled this performances T am respectfully yours.
 THOMAS J. JUDGE"