The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1919-06-20
Executive Or Steering Com
naittee of IL Men Named to
Secure Call of City Elec-
ton.
MAX L. BEAR HEADS
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Meeting Was Not Antagon-
istic to Commissioners But
- "Autocratic' Form of
City Government.

The mass meeting held last night
at the court house to organize for
return of the city to the aldermanic
form of government passed motion
by almost unanimous rising vote, ex-
pressing the sense OF the meeting as
favorable to the change mentioned in
the call and created an executive COM
mittee of twelve to circulate the petit
tions required by law and to see that
all necessary steps are legally taken
to bring about an election to decide
the issue.
Max L. Bear is chairman of the
executive committee, and his asso-
ciates are: J. E. Taylor. Campbell
Jones. Walter H. White. w L.. YER
q. w. Tate, Z. M. Appiegate, r.. r.
Butler, Walter RIcker and Cam
Beirne. They began their work at the
close of the meeting, and signed up
all supporters of the proposed change
who were present
The meeting was called to order
by Attorney J. J. Sullivan, with about
$50 men present. Mr.. Sullivan stated
that the meeting was for the purpose
of taking steps to promote the return
to the aldermanic form OF govern
ment; that only those favoring the
step were invited to the meeting. and
that discussion of the advisability of
the change would nor be welcome. He
called for nomination of a chairman
of the meeting and w. L. Meyer was
chosen by acclamatioa.
Chairman Meyer stated that no per-
sonelities would be allowed in the
meeting; that all were personally
- .ena4y to the present commissioners.
but opposed to the commission form
of government. He said that those
present had been loyal to the present
form during the six years stipulated
by law for trial of it. and that on the
expiration of the time they are now
free to seek change. John Massey
was chosen secretary of the meeting
by acclamatton.
Chipley Jones introduced the mo-
tion committing the meeting to a re-
turn to the aldermanic form. and on
it being put to a rising vote occu-
pied chairs We're few and far be-
tween.
J. ]. Sullivan proposed the appoint
ment of an executive committee of
twelve and explained in detail the ne
cessity for such committee. The
was carried without q dis
senting vote. and the chairman ap-
pointed the gentleman already named
as the committee.
Attorney H. S. Laird was called on
and he said he favored the return TO
aldernanfc form because the rule OF
two men is autocratic and dangerous,
out of harmony with our democratic
institutions.
Attorney w. L. Zachary was called
for a speech, and he stated with con-
siderable ytgor that he wanted a form
OF government in which every section
Of the city would be represented. DIR.
F. G. Renshaw was called and he
spoke in his usual facetious manner.
Attorney John S. Beard spoke for
q few moments with considerable ear
nestness, avowing that he WAS champ
Joining neither side, but. came to get
and wished to warn
those present to remember how elab-
orate unwieldy and cumbersome the
old charter was, and how impossible
it had been under it to fix definite
for any transaction. He
asserted that the change sought would
carry the city back under this charter
which was so universally condemned
J. J. Sullivan interrupted Mr.. Beard
to inquire whether the latter knew
that advocates OF the commission gov
eminent were not welcome at the
and the audience applauded
Mr.. Sullivan so vigorously that Mr..
Beard remarked he could see the
was not as sincerely demo-
cratic as it had claimed to be. and
took his seat. Mr.. Sullivan continued
to declare Mr.. Beard out Of oeaar.
the latter made rather
dramatic withdrawal from the room.
After Mr.. Boards withdrawal. Mr.
Sullivan charged that when Mr.. Beard
was in the state senate. he himself
fcontinued on Page seven.l