The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-02-09
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found in the management the city's
business was not due TO limited
authority, but was a question of stew
ardship. He dwelt particularly on the
city's finances. The rate OF taxation,
he said, has not changed in years be-
fore that Of 1915, due to the new
segregation law. but the effect Of this
change has been of no consequence.
He pointed out that according to the
report OF the City Auditor the de-
felt for the wear ending January 81,
1915. was S920,937.42 and that only
9,340.o3 Of this could have been
created by the administration OF the
city's finances through its boards or
officers. In speaking of the charter
change, Mr.. Lecky said that he be-
iieved that the various city depart
ments should be under heads fitted for
their particular positions and not
under the Mayor. who was not re-
CURED by law to be a policeman or
prosecutor.
Hawkins Not a Standpatter.
Mr. Hawkins, when introduced. de-
clared that he was nos "a standpatter;
and that he did not believe well
enough alone either in government
or morals Mr.. Hawkins spoke as
follows, receiving much applause:
Text of Mr.. Hawkins Address.
Mr.. President and Gentlemen of the
North Richmond Citizens Associa-
ton OF the Seventh Pecinct OF Lee
Ward:
First. let me say did not become
a candidate premeditatedly. / do not
say this by way Of apology or in self
commentator, but as q statement OF
fact
There has been great deal OF
most interesting discussion about
changes needed In the form of our city
government. shall not discuss the
need in detail II We think we have
the ideal form of government now,
we are the only people who do think
so. About the only material change
We have made In many years was to
provide for the Administrative Board
and establish the Juvenile and Do
mestic Relations Court, both. to my
mind. advanced steps in the right d.
rection
"Of course, there are some people
who criticize our national government
and the varying forms OF government
in our several states as we'll as the
variety in municipal governments
Probably as competent critic as any
who have written on the subject Is
the Hon. James Bryce. late ambassa-
dor to this country from England. an
untrin.: student OF government and
political economy, profound thinker
He wrote in his American Common
wealth that our municipal govern
ments are our most conspicuous fatf-
ures. No, friends. we have not attain
ed to the ideal. Ought we to be salts
fed with less7
Can't Stand Still and Improve.
1--WE cannot stand still and improve
at one and the same time; we must
go forward or backward. To stand
still Is to stagnate, to make our later
condition worse than the former. II
Il be true in any sense, as Henry
Ward Beecher writes In his Life
Thoughts, that laws and institutions
constantly tend to gravitate, then
surely 1t Ahooves us to be on the
alert. and at the first sign OF decline
to endeavor to provide corrective.
Just here may ] emphasize one
proposition. 1t Is this The wisest
provisions in the shape of laws may
be nullified IL the executive fails to
execute them. For this reason you
need to elect to office men who will
endeavor to have your laws executed.
Bear In mind, If your executive chooses
/ to ignore one law today because IT
happens to be displeasing to you, he
may choose to ignore another tomor-
row. the failure to enforce which will
work vital hurt to you.
I'm announcing my candidacy. l
stated that. II elected, would en-
deavor to discharge the duties or the
Office without prejudice and in fair
ness to all, By this I mean. in part.
that in all cases where charges are
preferred that must be reviewed by
| the Mayor opportunity will be given
( to every man, from the humblest to
( the highest In position or station. to
! present a defense.
II further stated that in all initia-
tive and In all matters presented for
consideration I would apply the test:
/ first. Is 1t right: second Is il for the
hes. interest OF the citizens of Rich
mondr
! .sed the word Initiative advisedfy
/ and deliberately, because 1 recognize
the many. very many, opportunities af-
forded the Mayor of Richmond. to orig