The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-07-02
A JUST DEMAND

The people Of Memphis are indebted to J. NJ. Dean. d. R.
tareason, NJ. Coli, {. {. Hanson and W.. II. Reid for the splen-
did manner in which they dissected conditions at the city hall, as
we'll as for the wisdom manifested in recommending that the pro-
posed increase in the tax rate from 81 80 to s. be held within
the bounds Of reason. apd fixed at s., which. to any reasonable
mind. must appear sufficient to take care Of all outstanding poIti-
cal obligations for the current wear,
II the city commission yields TO the Judgment OF the commit
tee the taxpayers Of Memphis will be saved approximately $1,000
600 this wear.
II the commission stands by its original determination to fix
the rate at $40. the conclusion is inevitable that the mayor and
the Republican yiccmayor ara fixed In the opinion that every man
who will vote Tor them is entitled to a job with them.
The report Of the committee is worthy of careful considera-
ton, The gentlemen composing the committee are nonpartisah
and honest. They are without selfish design. They represent the
best citizenship Of Memphis. They have no other desire than to
serve the best interests OF Memphis.
We have reached a crucial period in the history OF the city.
The committee points out clearly the danger that will attend the
continued waste Of city finances.
About a year ago the city employed a gentleman in Cincin.
natl to install a new system of bookkeeping. His salary is $3.50
a month. We are informed that he is the only man who under
stands his system. Either the expert accountant or the system,
or preferably both, should be thrown out,
The committee recommends that the service Of Mr.. +. I,
Miller as claim agent be dispensed with. Mr.. Miller is an aiiable
gentleman. and perhaps needs the job, But another matter to be
considered in this connection is that the city needs the money.
There is no reason why the Judge Of the police court cannot
assume the work of the Juvenile court, which would require not
more than Is minutes OF his time a day,
The committee makes the astonishing charge that there are
both administration police" and a large humber OF special ott,-
GERS without any specific duty to perform.
There are now four lawyers in the legal department Of the
city, Henry Livingston is employed as a lawyer and the others
are on the pay roll as a reward for political service,
To some men nepotsm is a delicate subject, butbin the ease
OF the city administration it seems to be a proud boast that all
the kin folks are provided for in lucrative positions at the public
expense.
Commissioner Quinn shares, OF course. In this bounty; Com
missioner Mason even went to Arkansas in order that he might
consume his full quota Of available Jobs, and the mayor likewise
IS entitled to hang out a service flag in honor Of his son.
The News Scinitar went into this fight against the proposed
increase in the tax rate because 1t regarded the unparalleled adj
vance as an outrage.
The report of the committee verified our belief and revealed
iarts existing in the city government which are almost unbciev4
able and would not be permitted by any administration possessing
a proper regard for the rights OF the people.
Whether the city administration Yields to the Judgment Of
the committee representing, asst does, the taxpayers and property
owners OF Memphis, or whether it will insist that it has a right to
snatch the purse from the hands OF the people, remains, of course,
with the city commission to determines
We submit that there is more involved in this issue than
'oe mere question OF exchanging a Job for a vote. II the city
commission, controlled by Mayor Monteverde, Commissioner
Quinn and Commissioner Mason, has any respect for the rights
OF people they will not resist this public demand.