The Columbus commercial., 1916-06-29
THE MUNICIPAL CHARTER.

For some time past the question of changing and
revising the charter of the city of Columbus has been
upder discussion having been invoked by reports sub
mtted by Dr. Won Ezdorf and Mr. LePrnee two exeprts
from the Federal health bureau at Washington who re-
Gently made survey of the city with the view OF ascer
tanning local causes of malaria and who in their reports
making suggestions regarding the causes stated that
they could not eradcated unless the city had not only
up-todae sanitary laws but competent official to en-
force them.
These statements were made at public meeting
held at the city hall several weeks and Gen. E. T.
Sykes city attorney who present stated that the
sanitary laws could not be amended without changing
the city charter and has since published in the local
press letter in which the charter ably defended
We agree with Cen Sykes in his contention that the
charter is splendid document, and was admirably suit
ed to the needs Of Columbus at the time of its adoption
Many years have passed since then, however, and have
brought about conditions and new needs The city
has than doubled in population and scientific dis
coveres have completely revoutionzed the methods of
making and enforcing sanitary laws There are many
laws besides those referring to sanitation which should
be revised and many of the most progressive and best
informed citizens of Columbus consider the need for an
up-to-date charter most urgent one
Changed conditions are causing municipalities in
all parts of the country to revise their charters Pha-
delphia being notable among the larger cities
templating such a change Referring to the proposed
change in the Philadelphia charter, the New Orleans
Times-Picayune of last Sunday has an editorial in
which points out the advantages which will be gained
and these advantages apply not only to the Pennsyl
vania metropolis but any city whos charter has been
in operation for sufficient period to make its provis-
antquated and prevent them from applying to
ditions as they now exist An excerpt from the Times
Pcayunes editorial the subject follows;
The Committee of Seventy is asking for
charter for Philadelphia that will correct
the multitude of abuses that exist there, is at
tackng gigantic job At first blush it would
hopeless but, we have said better
feeling as to municipal government pre-
walls throughout the land We understand the
subject better and know where the trouble lies.
What seems to encourage the committee most
is the declaration by Senator Penrose, the
preme boss of the state that the present char
ter of the city is out-of-date and ineffective and
should be changed at the earliest possible day
for better As Philadelphia can get new
charter whenever Senator Penrose gives his
consent his words carrying great conf
denee to the "City of Brotherly Love"
With this encouragement the committee
has gone energetically to work to draft the
proposed charter. 1t is to be up4to-date,
and advance the commission system;
for it is proposed to adopt the plan inaugurated
in Dayton, Ohio after the great flood there,
and followed in twenty other cities and towns,
that Of operating the municipality like any
other corporation, through city manager who
Will have complete charge Philadelphia is now
governed by one of the largest known councils,
system that weakens the sense of responsible
ty and brings the government. Scientific
efficiency and real civil service are other inn
provements suggested indeed, it is proposed
to bring the government up to the highest
and most advanced standard