Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1917-02-06
CLUlCIL PREPARES
FOR STARTING FERRY
Vote On New Charter Recon
Sidered---nIdOrSeS Action
Of President

Because they were afraid the pro.
posed commission form of charter fer
the city of Salem would be turned down
by the people of Salem again, and be-
cause they did not wish TO assume the
responsibility for measure that was
likely to be defeated although it was
for the best interests OF the city, the
Salem council last night voted 10 re-
consider the resolution OF Councilman
Jones, which asked that committee
of eoumcilmen and citizens be appoint.
ed to draft a commission form of cnar.
ter and submit it to the people at the
coming December election,
Alderman AIillet moved the recon-
mendation at first but when the talk
proceeded and the vote was taken and
it was found TO be six to eight against
reconsideration he changed his vote to
no" and made il tie so that Mayor
keyes had to east the deciding ballot in
favor of reconsideration. On motion or
Councilman Jones the matter was laid
on the table until all the couneilmen
were present.
The couneilmen voting for recon.
sideration of the resolution were I'll.
llott, Hoover, Millett, McClelland, Rig
don, Ward, Wilson and Keyes.
Those voting against reconsideration
were Buekner, Johnson, Nelson, Rob
erts, Simeral, Unruh and Jones.
Thinks 1t Step Back
In opposition to what he believed was
a backward move, Councilman Jones
said he hoped the motion to reconsider
would not carry and that no one had
got cold feet. He said he had asked
nothing unreasonable and that he had
not taken advantage of any one He
declared that he had been assured of
the cooperation of practically all the
couneilmen. He asserted that it looked
strange out of order, and resembled a
frame up.
He declared that the new charter will
be enacted by the initiative and that
the council could facilitate matters by
working toward that end. He thought
the council should have whatever credit
and glory possible for bringing up a
progressive and worthy measure, as a
sort of redeeming feature for the odium
and ridieule it has earned in the past
He said he felt it was slap in his face
"a criticism of his good faith.
Councilman Ward replied that there
was no criticism of Councilman Jones
intended as there was no question about
his integrity but the people did not
apparently want the new method OF
transacting city business. He said Mr..
Jones was sincere and honest in his
endeayor to correct the faults of the
present city charter but to put new
ilnstrument before the people required
men and money. A few years ago the
people turned down a good charter, SO
what was the use of submitting another
to meet the same fate.
Councilman Roberts defended the res.
olution and declared that because they
had failed several times in getting GOOD
amendments through was no reason why
they should not try again and again.
He cited the prohibition movement.
which failed time and time again bpt
which is now in force.
Mayor Keyes did not think if wise ia
attempt the matter as it was sure TO
be turned down. He declared the Port
land charter was not ai success and that
1t would be better to try to get few
needed amendments through than n
whole charter in which the people would
Try to flnd lokers and NIL sorts of fault.
Indorse the President
by unanimous vote the Salem coun,
cll adopted resolution last night en-
dorsing the action of President Will
son in the present critical international
crisis with Germany. Councilman Me-
Clelland had the honor of Introducing
the resolution which pledged support
and gave commendation to the nation Is
executive.
In asking that his resolution be
adopted, Councilman MeClelland, who is
patriotic to the core, said: off there
is any one who needs support now it is
the president. 1t makes no difference
if he is not our choice politically, he is