Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-09-10
WOULD HAVE MAYOR ON
Administrative BOARD
Advocates Of Plan to Reduce Size
From Five to Three Add
This Suggestion.
MEETS TONIGHT
Much Speculation in Political Circles
as to Possible Charter Changes Az
fecting Status of IBoard-lAwait
Report of Municipal Survey.

There is much speculation In politi-
cal circles over the fate OF the reso-
luton introduced in the Common Coun-
ell last week providing for a reduction
in the membership Of tho Administra-
tive Board from five to three members,
which will be considered tonight by
the Committee on Charter Changes. y In
certain quarters the belief Is expressed
that the committee will not report the
resolution. while it is known that sew
eral members of tho Council will sup
port tho measure II 1t is so amended
as to make the Mayor a member Of
the board.
1t was pointed out last night that
the resolution was simply referred to
the committee. and had not been adopt
ed by the Council. Had this action
first been taken. politicians said. the
committee would have no alternative
but to report the measure. There
seems to be a growing sentiment
among members of the Council that
the Mayor should be member OF the
board, and with him assisting in the
work the statement was made that
three members could efficiently direct
the city's affairs. with a corresponding
reduction in expenses Of $4,000 an
No provision is made in the resolu-
ton as to how the board shall be re-
duced. the matter being left with the
committee. Two members of the board
Chairman John Hirschbcrg and Cap
tain Carlton McCarthy-come up for
reelection next year, and among the
suggestions made Is to hold no cleo
ton. Such action, however, it is held,
would be unfair to these two members,
n In Int -
the problem is demanded.
WARM FIGHT PROMISED
TO CENTER ABOUT BOARD
The Administrative Board promises
to be the center figure in all local
political matters this year. Much de-
ponds. however, on the nature of the
report and recommendations made by
the New York Bureau of Municipal Re-
search, which recently completed a sur
vey OF the city government. Many be-
licve that the bureau will recommend
greater Capitalization of the city
executive departments. The matter
would have to be fought out in the
Council. and later in the General AS
sembly. since anNamendment of the city
charter would be necessary before any
action could be taken.
Should the board be abolished, John
Hirschberg will probably become a
candidate for Congress in opposition
to Andrew Jackson Montague. If the
board is continued. considerable op-
position will be experienced by the in
cumbents. 1t is said. and already two
candidates have beenI mentioned. They
are Councilman Carrier c. Jones. OF
Madison Ward. and Edward r. Fuller
The report Of the research beureau is
expected to be made public within the
next three weeks.
The Council comn,ittee on Streets
will meet this afternoon at o'clock
for the consideration Of several resolu-
tions recently referred to It, To-mor-
row night the Board of Aldermen will
consider the resolutions from the FL
nance Committee appropriating $4,000
for the improvement of the Petersburg
Turnpike. and for an increase of 10
per cent in salaries of all city en-
ployees eatning 1900 or less annually.
1t Is expected that the latter measure
Will be concurred in and become eff
fective September 16. giving city en-
ployees the benefit of the increase
for four and one-half months.