The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1920-07-23
BUSINESS MEN
SEEK ORDER IN
C|TY'S AFFAIRS
Committee To. Meet With
Council To Stabilize Num-
cipal Affairs-Want Home
Rule Bill.
Will STUDY MEASURE

This was the situa ton In the af-
fairs OF the government of the city Of
Richmond when about 200 business
men met Friday in the X. of P. build
Ing to discuss and act upon munich
pal complications, originating several
months ago and arriving at an acute
stage Thursday by the designations of
Byram G. Robins, as city attorney,
and Harry w. Gilbert, as president of
the board of public works:
An apparent deadlock between
the council and the board Of pub
lie works on the question Of ways
and means to increase the ca
pacity Of the municipal electric
light plant.
The financial embarrassment Of
the municipal plant, which did not
have sufficient funds on hand
Thursday to meet all Of its obi.
cations falling due on that date.
Serious friction among the
members Of the board Of public
works over public policies.
An incapacitated chief exeeu-
tive who has entered sani-
tarium, having received a ninety
days leave of absence.
''S Important OIIICS OF CITY at
torney about to be vacated, the
incumbent not being able to per-
form his duties satisfactorily be-
cause Of lack of coordination be-
tween the various city depart
ments.
The business men who met Friday
morning also made no effort to hide
the fact that they were gravely con-
cerned over the chaotic municipal
situation.
Results of Conference
After a two hours session these
business men took the following ac-
ton:
Appointed committee Of seven
to confer with council on any
question leading to tho proper
functionins Of tho city govern
ment, composed Of n. r. Robin
son, chairman of the meeting;
Lawrence HandIey, secretary Of
the meeting; Rev. J. J. Rae,
Charles w. Jordan, Henry Bode,
Frank T. Strayer and Joseph
Mills.
Appointed a committee Of five,
which will have the authority to
Increase it's membership to any
number desired, to determine the
adVisabliity of the committee sp-
pearins before the state IeeisIa-
ture before the adjournment of
the special session to advocate
the passage of law permitting
cities to establish some form Of
the commission system of govern
ment.
Adopted with cheers a motion
that the meeting favored Z es-
tablishment In Richmond of either
commission or city manager
form Of government.
Adopted with cheers a motion
urIne Harry w. Gilbert, president
Of the board of public works, and
eyram c. Robbins, city attorney,
to withdraw their designations.
Chairman Robinson appointed the
following men to formulate a commit
tee OF at least 25 to appear before the
legislature in advocacy of a change in
the present form of municipal govern.
ment: Walker Land. Walter Fulghum,
William Bockhoff, Howard Dill and At
wood Jenkins.
No immediate Relief.
Speakers pointed out that there was
legislature at its special session to
pass law authorizing cities to provide
commission government. 1t was sug-
gested that the best time to bring this
matter to the attention OF he legisla-
ture was when it met in regular
session, next January.
1t also was pointed out that under
no circumstances could a commission
form Of government be provided for
Richmond until the expiration Of the
term of the presnt administration, Jan.
l, 1922. The meeting thought IL wise,
however. to start the ball rolling" be-
fore the legislature at this time
City Attorney Robbins in addressing
the meeting took occasion to defend
the present form of municipal govern
ment, but the business men assem-
bled repudiated it unanimously shortly
after the conclusion Of Mr.. Robbins
speech.
Explains Boards Work.
Mr.. Robbins declared that the city
was not trembling on the brink Of dis
aster as might be imagined by current
reports. He declared there had been
too much petty and undeserved criti-
cism of the city government by the
public and by the newspapers-"one
newspaper in particular, which has
been living up to its lifelong history"
Mr.. Robbins asserted that the pres
ent form of municipal government was
good. He said that the board OF
public works acts much as does com
mission under the new form OF city
Continued on Page Twelve)