The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-12-18
CHARTER CHANGERS

the appointment feature might be more
sccepts Bile than the other
Messrs McAdams and Bemiss were
in accord In their views that the people
should elect the commission, as pro-
posed by the Civic Association
Criticfsea Committee.
Mr.. Bemiss felt tnat tf. COMMITTEES
should have given more time and con
sideration to matters presented by the
Civic Association.
This Is the most imp ortant part of
this paper" said Mr. Bamiss II
think that probably the fact that the
judge OF Hastings Court is In such
close touch with the affairs OF the
city. might tend to cause him to make
appointments which might not be ac-
ceptable to the masses OF people. The
members of the Civic Association have
given much Of their time in the study
Of this subject and we should help
them by approving their plan. We
| have fallen far short of what has been
expected OF us and we should relegate
the whole matter to the people. The
proposition of the association is good
one, We fri,ter away too much time
/ In minor amendments
This brought Mr. Christian to his
feet. while citizen members and
the Civic Association may be sur
tprised and disappointed that we have
not accepted every suggestion they
have made" he said. this commit
tee is also surprised at the lack of
suggestion and advice from that
source"
Mr. Bemiss arose and smilngly said
that he would admit that he had not
been able TO give much advice.
City Attorney Pollard. taking the
floor. az he said in behalf of the Of
fielals Of the city, objected to crit.
cisrns of members of the committee
He referred to the fact that MEM
bers of the committee had been elect
ed time after time by the people OF
III city. and were looked upon by the
people AS competent and capable of
handling the business of the city.
Mr.. Christian expressed himself as
hoping the whole matter would he de-
feated, and the affairs OF the city left
in the hands of the City Council. He
aVerred that there was no demand
for charter changes. Whatever
changes were needed in the city gov
ernment could now be made my Coun-
ell, and the people had ben electing
Council to transact it's business for
many years
MIR Pollock expressed sorrow that
IMr- Pollard and Mr.. Christian had
referred to Mr. Bemiss or To any other
citizen member.
The citizen members of this com
mittee," said Mr. Pollock have help
ed materially in what we have ac-
com plished. and l. for one, thank
them
Mr. Christian said he had no de-
sire to offend anyone, and that il Mr.
Bemiss or any other gentleman felt
aggrieved, he would withdraw any re-
marks concerning them he may have
made
After Messrs. Haddon. Fuller. Rat
ciifre and Jones had expressed them
selves on the proposition. the ques-
ton was called. and on the vote of
four TO three the section was adopted
Mr. Meredith then moved that the
city attorney he directed 10 prepare
the paper as amended te he recon-
mended to Council
The paper embraces sections provid-
ing for a 81 per cent vote to call an
election. seven commissioners To be
elected by the people, and an election
To be held after the Legislature has
I acted upon the bill.
Terms OF Administrators.
Mr.. McAdams presented a paper
( similar to one he offered several weeks
+ ago continuing the membership of
! the Administrative Board at five
i members. 10 be elected for five-year
terms. and one a year. In carrying
out this proposition an alignment OF
I the members OF the Administrative
Board will be drawn as follows:
I Member 10 be elected next year, TO he
(, chosen for three years, two to be
( elected in 1918, To he elected for two
and three years, respectively: two TO
1 be elected in 1919. TO he chosen for
three and four years. respectively, and
enc TO be elected in 1920. to be elect
ed for five years
+ This resolution was adopted, with
/ Jones and Peters dissenting.
I motion offered by Mr.. Walierstein
: al previous meeting was taken from
7 the table. II related to the lease or
Il sale of franchises. and requires the
4 city. before disposing OF public SER
vife franchises ~ Leave the question