The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1915-05-08
HOLD CONFERENCE
ON ADVISORY BOARD
Nothing Definite Decided On At
Meeting Held Last Tuesday
Evening.
FARRELL OBJECTS TO
STIRRUP CLUB MEN
Merritt Scores Criticizers Of His
Department-Fears
Trickery.

those who met and discussed the pro-
posal of an intermediary or advisory
council to the city commission. It
was decided to leave definite plans in
the hands of a committee Of three.
The committee appointed is COM
posed of VIM. Burgess, w. A. Pryor,
and WA. Pond.
Their proposal will be SUBMITTED to
the several Duluth civic associations
each Of which according to present
plans will select delegates to rep
resent the organization on. the pro-
posed obard.
Objections Entered.
Two of the commissioners entered
certain objections which emanated
either from personal animosity or
fear. Commissioner Merritt seemed
to fear the danger of board being
appointed that would be antagonistic
to the water and light department
while Commissioner Farrell has a
long standing grudge against the Stir
rup club for an alleged Islander which
he charges was brought against him
at the first commission election.
Mayor Prince and Commissioners
Silberstein favored an intermediary
board as the right means to bring
better harmony of purpose between
the general public and the city COM
missioners.
Others who spoke were William
Burgess, w. E. McEwen, w. A. Pond,
E. A. Silberstein and John Jenswold,
jr. E. F. Burg spoke in answer to
charge that he had unnecessarily
criticized Commissioner. He explained
his position and denied that he crit
lied the commissioner.
Merritt Corrects Impression.
II want to correct Mr.. Burg" said
Mr.. Merritt. There was no raise in
water rates. It was merely an equali-
zation. The new schedule was freely
discussed. T didn't come here to talk
about water rates. Why open the
subject? It was opened enough when
I was absent.
II would be glad Of an intermedi-
airy committee but I don't want the
enemies of the water and light de-
partment on it to continue their
knocks on me. All talk Of raise in
water rates is rot. OF course, if the
committee, as I suspect, is to be of
l. u
same''
Federated Trades Represented.
Burg explained the committee
would be thoroughly representative
and that the Trades and Labor as
sembly will be included.
Burg said the intermediary body
would be just the thing to serve the
com missioner's purpose.
1--WE want to do away with hostile
criticism" said Burgess. 1.-The COM
mittee will give clear understand
ing of public business. Bad reports
hurt the city,
Mayor Prince said highest effici-
ency is the aim of all in city govern
ment.
II take kindly to the idea of an In
termediary body" he said. 1T will
keep the people in touch with the
public opinion ON tap. The COM
missioners. cannot get to all the peo-
pie"
Mccarthy said the Commercial club
cannot delegate one man to act for
it on the committee under it's organ
ization.
Fears "Grave Dangers
I'VE feel that the intermediary
body would have grave dangers" he
said. THE council might accept it's
opinions as final from the people, and
the committee might assume powers
not intended. We feel that the pres
ent method of giving the council
public sentiment through resolutions
Of various bodies is BEST
Prince said there has been better
cooperation in the council than the
public thinks, and that commissioners
have conferred and understood each
other.
THE Commercial club has little
better standing than the stirrup club
just because of popular misunder-
standing" said Burgess. II must spit
this out: Let's get together and do
something for Duluth
Farrell said he favored an interme
diary body, but wanted it broad
minded.
If there are any Stirrupers in the
committee, I'll be bound to feel hard
toward it, he said. II don't want any
man on it who signed the currilous
statement about me two years ago."
McEwen favored making the city
government more popular. He said
it was unwise to vest legislative and
executive powers in the same body.
THAT will result in more laws to
increase power" he said 1 am op-
posed to one-man power. I want to
see democratic ideals preserved. The
charter trainers fully expected that
the council would sit as did the old
! department boards. The last election
,, revealed that the people think there
has been too much one-man power
Turning to Merritt, McEwen said
officials should not be in-skinned.
ANY official will be damned, no
matter how well he does," he said.
| abusive language is part of the
game.
Prefers Old Council.
THE intermediary body should
have no power that would tend to
, coerce the council. Commission gov
; eminent is on trial. ! prefer the old
| council with all it's shortcomings to
.