The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-02-10

wise the property Of such utility neces
sariIy used in. or conveniently useful
for the operation thereof The method
of determining the price TO be paid TOT
the public utility property shall be
fixed In the ordinance granting the
franchise.
Strict Control of Utilities.
Section ZOE. All grants, renewals
extensions, or amendments Of public
utility franchises, whether it be SO pro-
vlded in the ordinance or not, n be
subject to the right Of the city
"tal To repeal the same by ordinance
at any time for misuse ur nonuSe or
for failure to begin construction within
the time prescribed, or otherwise TO
comply with the terms prescribed,
Obj To require proper "a adequate
extensions Of plant and service, and the
maintenance Of the plant and fixtures
at the highest practicable standard OF
efficiency,
"(cl To establish reasonable stand
ards OF service and quality Of products
and prevent unjust discrimination IN
service or rates.
Books Shall Be Open.
I'D To prescribe the form Of &C
counts and at any time TO examine ana
audit the accounts and other records OF
any such utility; but If a public SER
NANG NhAlAtAll1CtbA VI any ~
shall be given the power by law TO pre-
scribe the forms Of accounts for pub
lie utilities throughout the state or
throughout any district OF which the
city is a part, the forms so prescribed
shall be controlling so far as they CO.
but the council may prescribe more
detailed forms for the utilities within
its jurisdiction;
"(e) To impose such other regula-
tions as may be conducive to the sate-
ty, welfare and accommodation Of the
public"
Permits revocable az the will Of the
council for such minor or temporary
public utility privileges as may be
specified by general ordinance may be
granted and revoked by the council
from time to time, it is further pro-
Vided. .
Section 106 a v that accounts shall
be kept for each public utility owned
or operated by the city, distinct from
other city accounts, and in such man
ner as to show the true and complete
financial result of such city ownership
or ownership and operation, including
all assets, liabilities, revenues ana eN-
penses."
The campaign for more funds foI
Memphis schools receives substantial
support among the financial provisions
Of the new charter In establishing
the divisions of the tax rate in section
I6. II is ordained that the school shal
have at least Is cents OF the total rate
which is 6 cents more than the schools
are receiving under the act OF 1879
The present rate Of Is cents Is alloweC
for parks and 3 cents for the @ossit
library.
Higher Tax Rate Authorized.
Authority is given the council t
raise the tax rate from the presen
$3.50, per 500 TO 81, and by popula'
vote the rate a be raised to 81. so
but that is the limit without furthe
| legislative authority,
In It's civil service sections the new
| charter provides for 'open competitiv,
tests 20 ascertain the relative fitness
OF all applicants for appointment 4
the classified civil service of said city
including mechanics and laborers-
skilled and unskilled. They provid
also for the creation Of eligible list
upon which shall be entered the name
OF successful candidates in the orde
Of their standing in examination an,
for the filling of places in the civ