The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-07-19

she said she would not attempt to 'di- agnose all the trouble at city hall"
 Mrs. Asa r. Hull argued against larger salaries on the ground that civic pride should prompt good men to accept public posts. She came out for the mayor -aldermanic plan as proposed and expressed belief 1t would carry by an overwhelming vote.
 Opening the meeting, Hunter Arm strong, register of chancery court and leader of the aldermanic forces, de clared the city's crying need is for a return to representative government.
 "The system al city hall is not func- tioning," he asserted. Tt is not a democratic system, but highly auto cratic. We want to get back to con stitutional ideas and govern this great city after the manner of our federal government"
 Explains Ordinance
 Judge Wilkinson then explained the 1 tentative ordinance and asked for criti- cisms and suggestions. He said the committee wanted the public to express it's views frankly in order that the voters be allowed to vote on a plan that met the approval of the majority.
 
 Judge Wilkinson, who took occasion to declare with emphasis that the lead CTS of the movement were not looking for and under no circumstances would accept posts in the proposed new gov ernment.
 We simply want to give the people 1 relief" he continued. Our ordinance removes the government still further IsAs T wise the mayor about appointments un- less their advice is requested. low limit is placed on campaign expenses for candidates for city posts. Star chamber proceedings are strictly pro hibited The aldermanic board under this plan, could never build up a pOliti- cal machine.
 Candidates for office could not promise jobs in return for votes unless they filed written declaration 10 days before the election, giving names Oi their intended appOintees.
 Full authority is vested in the mayor Ito set Mp a financial system that would quickly check the city hal practices now in vogue"
 Mayors Bond $25,OOO
 Wilkinson explained that the may. or's bond of $25,000 would make him liable for defalcatiOns due to his neg ligence or inefficiency.
 But under this plan," he went on T don't believe an incompetent mayor would be able to hold forth long enough for a shortage to accrue. If the plan we propose were now in effect, I be- lieve President, D. E. McLendon could be made to cover some of the shortages that have occurred at city hall under his nose and the noses of the other of ficials."
 The mayor would make up the an nual budget and public hearings would be held before it could be adopted, 1t was further explained.
 No official of a public utility would be permitted to serve as mayor or al derman under the proposed ordinance
 l.. C. Odell declared residents of Cen tral park were ready to vote to smash the existing system and return to "dem. ocratic government"
 Mrs. Richard F. Johnston said she and other womep-were present to gath CT information.
 "We are here as interested citizens seeking data," she said, "and our minds are open"
 "The common people have no voice at city hall now" W. l.. Crumley of East Lake charged. Out my way we are good democrats and we want to return to democratic government. Also, we want to stop stealing at the city hall The right sort of management and a better system would stop it.
 Mullins Speaks
 Clarence Muffin was the next speak.