Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-09-14
CHARTER CHANGERS
/. HAVE SHARP TILT
Councilman Pollock and DR.. An
derson Lock Horns in
Heated Discussion.
HEARING LASTS THREE HOURS
Reform Plan Ordered Printed,
and Committee Will Meet
Again Tomorrow Night.

For more than three hours by the
mitee last night listened attentively to
DR.. D. r. Anderson, of Richmond Col
lege and Wyndham K. Meredith, who
presented with high degree of per-
to tho ideal OF more efficient city gov
ernment, the charter reform plan
evolved by tho Civic Association and
approved by it at Saturday nights
mass meeting.
AT II 80 o'clock, when Mr.. Mere
dith concluded his able analysis OF the
associa tons reform scheme. as far as
he could completely analyze in an hour.
a plan that the associations commit
tee took two months 10 frame the COM
mtttee carried a motion offered by
Councilman Ratcliffe adtourning the
meeting until tomorrow night TO give
ia further hearing to citizens or or
lganizations having views to present.
tM'ADAIs Is NAMED
TO SUCCEED JAMES 7. DISNEY
= Previous TO the motion to adjourn.
she committee adopted a motion Of
v n,
the citizen members of the Joint com
nittce. directing that 200 copies Of the
Civic Assoc!ation's plan he printed IN
ln,er -leavcd form. with wide margins.
10 make easy its detailed study by the
committee.
AZ the opening OF the meeting Chair
man Carter C. Jones presented q letter
from James r. Disney. one OF the citi-
zen members. Offering his resignation
grom the committee. The demands of
his business. Mr.. Disney wrote. made 4,
impossible for him 70 give the work
.nt the committee tho attention IL de-
served. and he asked for that rea-
fon, TO be relieved OF tho duty His
fesiGnation was accepted.
II Councilman Clyde II Ratclinc NOM
mated for the vacancy Colonel Thomas
). McAdams, vice president OF tho Mer-
thants National Bank The nomina-
ion was seconded by Councilman GIL
bert r.. Pollock. and Mr.. NcAdams was
ficcted unanimously,
ANDERSON AND MEREDITH
EXPLAIN PLAN or NEW CHARTER
n Reduced 10 the barcst summary, the
oreEoinc describes the proceedings OF
ast nights meeting. While DR. An
ierson and Mr.. Meredith had the Hoor
practically all the evening, they were
.rrenuentlS interrupted by members of
he committee with questions and re
quests for more detailed statements
FOR an exciting ten minutes Council
man Pollock and Dr. Anderson spared
lor advantage, and tho crowded Council
hamber heard an interchange that
vas At once sharp and interesting
4 Executive Secretary Rogers of the
on as the representative selected 10
cad and explain the assnciation's
harter reform plan, in the absence OF
ohm 9. Eas!ey, who had been chosen
or this duty. Mr. Easley had been
Jailed out OF tho city
u Before you begin. Dr.. Anderson"
aid Alderman Puilcr. II should like to
nov how long YOU have been a resi-
lent or this city | ask this question
sherely 10 determine what opportunity
iiou have had TO observe our govern
bent and its shortcomings"
q II have been living in Richmond
81 bout six years" replied DR.. Anderson.
tvILL INQUIRE CLOSELY
/, INTO SOURCES OF INFORMATION
II The question was ominous. 1t indi-
lated the committees disposition TO
Inquire closely into the manner in
Fhich the charter students Of the Civic
q association arrived At their conclu-
lions with regard 10 the ills OF the
Flity's present municipal scheme, and
lhe sources from which they drew their
fkform ideas
II DR.. Anderson read without further
Interruption the rather lengthy state
Nhent OF the association, setting forth
She general ideas which guided them
Up drawing the reform plan under dis
,'lussion, and then the detailed plan
self adopted at Saturday nights
4. .hass- meeting. The reading of both
lapers occupied about an hour.
u Apologizing for encroachine further
IN the time of the committee. Or. An
erson asked leave to conclude with n |
tew general observations on the prob-
ttm of reform AS II is presented in this !
fty.
fpECIDED CHANGES ARE
81 NEEDED, SAYS ANDERSON !
ii The conclusion cannot be escaped"
ne SAID. that very decided changes !
IRE needed in the government of Rich
! pond No mere patching of the pres
iht charter-no sleight of hand tricks |
EFill give this city the kind of govern
tFent 1t needs. The form of govern
( gent under which the city is now oper-
pinE is antiquated and not efficient |
I know that is not n popular statement
Up make. and il is made with full ac-
inowledgment to the many sincere and |
ipabie men who are doing their best !
ZIP give the city an efficient admins
rauoh' put who are handicapped by
I ie cumbersome machinery with which
hey have TO work"
/ The bi-cameral Council. said Dr. An
erson. is an antiquated fetish that
lhs not n single prop in logic to rest
Upon. BY far the greater number OF |
1 Imerican cities work with single
namber Councils. and suffor MS little
less than Richmond from hasty or
l-considered Legislation. The CITY.
said, stands in need OF simplified |