The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-26
LETTERS TO EDITOR
BEST FORM OF GOVERNMENT

In the view of the undersigned, you are do- ing notable public service in encouraging the discussion of municipal government problems in your great and progressive newspaper. And, further, it seems to me that the one vital thing to keep in mind in all this discussion may be thus stated: That the best form of municipal government is the one which will most cause the citizens to interest themselves in the con- duet of their public affairs, and have the best tendencies to keep them informed on the pro- gress of the art and mechanism of true munich pal government.
 After years of observation and study of the subject in all parts of our own country in Canada and in several European countries, feel convinced that the old mayoralty and al- dermanic form, if properly understood, or ganzed and conducted, comes nearer to filling the above requirements than any other yet tried, for the single reason that it admits to participation in the municipal management larger rotating representation of the citizen ship, thus encouraging the young men-and now the young women also-to interest them selves intimately and seriously in those im- portant questions which have to do with the welfare and safety of every man, woman, child and interest included in the city's purview.
 Only in performing the actual functions of business, and in mastering the minutia of business practice, can any man ever hope to become real business man, capable of han ding the intricate affairs of commerce with credit to himself and with satisfaction to his stockholders. In like manner, the rule holds good that only men, or women either, who are duly trained and skilled in methods of car rying practical affairs in accordance with well-defined and approved rules of procedure can be expected to conduct he business of city economically and successfully. Special ap- titude and intensive training are required for of the departments of city government, such as police, accounting, purchasing, etc.
 It should be borne in mind that most citizens are more or less handicapped in the matter of attending to public business, and applying to it intensive thought and study, by the fact that their time and strength are largely ao- sorbed by their personal concerns upon which the living of their families depends This con dition will always initiate against the careful and efficient conduct of the public affairs of nearly all communities. This is a fact which we cannot escape, and which must be reckoned with in all our calculations in this connection. It may be that the solution will come, in part at least, through the entrance into public life of specially trained women, persons free from the cares of private business concerns who can devote their undivided time and attention to the public business. It is conceivable that by this means strong honest, capable and progress sive city administration might be brought about, in which all the interests of all the peo- pie could be fairly conserved and promoted, the rights of everybody protected and main tained under conditions which afford reason able economy, decent business methods broad liberty for the individual and general results commensurate with the expense involved
 Theoretically, the plan of a city manager possesses some attractions which may be de- cidedly misleading Where are we to find a city manager with the capacity and experience, and the special knowledge, to grasp the exact needs of this particular city and to realize these to the fullest extent through the conduct of the government? It is self-evident that the task can be met much more certainly by the old approved American method of representative government, provided the taxpayers are alive to their interests and see to it that men and of real ability and character are placed in those offices through which the city business must be transacted. Let us train men in the council to become big, grand, constructive statesmen, fit to be mayor of the city. Let these offices carry honor and responsibility with them, that they may be sought by men of the highest character and capacity, who are really representative men in their districts, and who regarded good types of citizens by their neghbors and fellow townsmen. Let it be known that those who serve well and honestly will be appreciated and rewarded, while all grafters and rascals will be cast out and dis graced. The tonic that makes good officials is the due attention of the citizens to their proper rights and interests. These, marching side by side, will assure honesty and efficiency in public office. s
 It is plain to any intelligent observer that