Evening journal., 1923-01-13
BROAD Changes
in CITY CHARTER
(continued Tfom page one.,

Continued Ffom Page One.)
bill which was defeated in the last
session OF the General Assembly, the
ie wbill shows numerous important
differences. In place of a oommis-
sion OF five members, elected at
large on a non-partisan ballot. each
to head a city depRrement, the new
bill provides for the election OF what
win be known. as a council OF five.
also TO be elected at large. The
counsel would select the city man
ager. who in turn would select the
heads of the five departments to be
Established. The council also would
choose one OF its own members as
mayor and presiding officer.
Another new feature is the estab-
l!shment Of a civil service commits
sion and the placing OF all city en-
ployes on civil service basis.
The meeting was called by Mayor
Harvey at the suggestion OF Leon
Walker, chairman OF the Citizens
General Charter Committee. After
a lengthy session. the Mayors Ad-
visory Board adjourned to meet on
Monday afterr oon at $50 o'clock.
The first objection to the exolu-
sion of the Board OF Harbor Com
missioners was voiced by Mayor
Harvey after Mr.. Walker had ex-
planned that the committee felt that
as the harbor board was in its in
fancy and had a number OF vital
matters pending the best interests
h. aaWEfaA hNF Y
cluding It from the new government
for a period of five years.
Mayor Harvey contended that II
tho proposed new form of govern
ment was good for one department,
II would be equally good for all. He
said that in his Judgment the city
manager. who would be $4,000
a year man, should be competent
enough 10 administer the harbor
board affairs as well as those of all
other branches of the government.
Major Joseph c. Lawson express
ed like views Hs-said that there has
been considerable objection to the
proposed elimination OF the harbor |
board and added that IL there was |
Justification for its exclusion on the |
ground OF its infancy the same ar |
gument could be urged in favor of |
the present Department |
Of Public Safety.
Mr.. walker said that the entire .
matter was still in tentative shape |
md that any suggestion was valua-
ole. He argued that the committee
'elt It was wise TO give the harbor
board at least five years to get well
ifider way in the hands of the capa-
Die men who are now in charge OF its
affairs.
Another point made by Mr.. Walker
vas that the board under its present
,uthority had established contract
with important officials at Washing
on" whose aid was essential to the
,uccess OF the harbor proposition.
lie said the committee felt that the
present iharbor commissioners would
,e better able to continue this con-
act with the government than
would new men.
Mayor Harvey, replying, said that
he principal idea OF the new plan
v government was the Capitalization
v the departments and coordination
" all branches of the government"
rhe mayor said 20 exclude one would
lead to the exclusion OF
,thers.
No decision was reached concern
NC the disputed point as the meet
ng was simply for the purpose OF
discussion. 1t is likely that as re-
ult OF the expressions made at the
Meeting which is believed to reflect
. large part of public opinion on the
natter, the proposal to exclude the
,arbor board may he dropped.
Tentatively, the nve departments
md the present city departments