Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-11-14
Public Progress or Private Gain-which?

Public Progress or Private Gain-Which?
IT'S mask torn off by unexpected and un-
1 desired publicity, the movement to force
the whole question of charter changes before
the voters now stands revealed and naked
for what 1t is-a plot on the part OF office
holders and other city employees, who are
paid from the public purse. 10 defeat the
Will of those citizens who are working for
a more satisfactory government, in order
that they may be perpctuated in office.
Secret attempts having proved abortive. these
office and jobholders who are directing the
campaign against the progressive movement
now are only half-hearted in their denials.
One member of the Administrative Board.
Mr.. Hobson, frankly admits that he signed
one OF the petitions. considers himself a party
TO the movement. and will gladly give it his
assistance. Another member of the board.
MI. Hirschberg, according to one of the can
vassers. drew the petition. and he has made
no denial. Other members insist that the
BOARD has taken no official action, but
they make little effort to conceal their
pleasure at the prospect Of defeating the
Civic Associations plans. City employees
also have thrown aside their veil OF mystery
and openly rejoice over the attempt TO save
their jobs at the price Of Richmond's prog
reSS.
There. in brief. is what the progressive
citizenry of Richmond must fight if civic re-
form is to prevail. Arrayed against the
forces fighting for the city's welfare are mar
shaded the hosts whose names are written
on the citys pay rolls. who are willing to
sacrifice the public's future good that thew
may continue unmolested to profit from the
puoilc treasury. Whether or not there is
value received is none of their concern.
What the result will be is admittedly prob
lematical. 1t is possible that the City Hall
ms may be able to delay, if not defeat.
governmental changes which would mean the
aiscontlnuance Of their jobs. If they succeed
IN securing a sufficient number of signatures
TO their "unSponsored" petitions to force the
calling OF q special election. their primary
object will have been achieved, and there
VIII be no chance for legislative action by
the General Assembly which convenes in
January, even IL ,.e voters should declare
the suggested changes desirable. If the of
ficeholding forces defeat the charter-change
movement at the polls, another election could
hardly be called within two years, and their
places Ill line before the cashiers window
are saved for that period. Should the Civic
Association decide to throw its strength to
the petitioners for an election and succeed in
a majority vote for reform. then
plans are already laid whereby the reaction
aries expect TO pack the charter-cha.S re COM
mission with members of their own choosing.
who will do their bidding and draft a now
charter to their own liking.
Whatever developments of the next few
DAYS may bring. it is certain that Richmond
to-day faces 4 crisis in its domestic fla ira
On one side stand progress and the oppor-
tunlty to place the city shoulder TO shoulder
with other modern and efficiently governed
American communities. On the other is re-
action. with its ineGiciency and waste. its
cumbersome methods and its selfshness.
winch is willing to keep the city waiting
while individuals are served.
1t is up to the people to choose. Which
will they have?