Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1943-05-11
Civic Federation
Lauded for Aid
In Charter Fight
james Praises Group
For Support Of
Change in Rule
BY MRS. J. REED BRADLEY.

Tribute to the Montgomery
County Civic Federation for the
part it played in sponsoring the
drafting of a county charter was
paid last night by Stephen James,
member of the Charter Board, at
the monthly meeting of the asso-
citation In the Bethesda Elementary
School.
Every worthwhile governmental
reform has behind it the inspiration
and ideals of some organization.
The advice and help of the Civic
Federation. and the knowledge that
it would support a constructive
charter made it easier for the
Charter Board to complete its task"
Mr.. James declared.
The changes incorporated in the
final draft of the charter as the re-
suit of federation suggestions we're
reviewed by Allen Gardner. chair
man of the Special Charter Com
mittee. Mr.. Gardner praised the
charter and said he felt that the
carrying out of its provisions would
go a long way toward promoting
democracy in the county.
While he thought the provisions
for home rule, merit system and
control of spending by a system of
checks were the highlights of the
charter, he felt that the principle
of seeking man for a particular
job and not a job for a particular
man would contribute most to gov
ernmental reform.
Draft to Be Published.
The final draft of the charter
will be published in six weekly
newspapers in the county during
the week of May II, Mr.. Gardner
said, and he hoped every voter
would study it before the general
election in November, 1914, when
1t will be accepted or killed.
Five weeks after the close of the
l943 session of the Maryland As
sembly, the people of Montgomery
County are still unaware of the laws
passed affecting their welfare, WAL
ter H. McClenon, member of the
Legislative and Legal Action Com
mlttee, reported in the absence of
the committees chairman, Richard
B. Barker. Mr.. McClenon said his
committee had made several un-
successful attempts to secure copies
CT all county legislation passed and
signed by the Governor. A definite
report will not be possible until ,Julv.
he said.
Mr.. James was named chairman
OF a nominating committee COM
posed OF Washington I Cleveland,
James Cosgrove, Henry H. Smelling,
Herbert Eaton, Dwight Collins and
MISS Erma Kile which will present
slate of officers for election at
the June meeting. At that time
the Executive Committee will make
a recommendation regarding the
proposed recipient of The Star Gun
Tor outstanding civic service to the
county.
Resolution Tabled.
A resolution proposed by Mr.. Co.'S
grove, chairman of the Constitution
and Bylaws Committee, provid-
ing Tor amendment to the consti-
tuition to permit the election of a.
vice chairman of the Advisory COM
mlttee who would serve as presid-
ing officer OF the federation in case
OF absence of both the president
and vice president, was tabled until
the June meeting. A resolution
introduced in October by H. D.
Amlss, providing that delegates to
the federation of 10 years service
snail automatically become dele
gates at large, was voted down on
the theory that such delegates
might make the federation's mem
bership unwieldy. The bylaws
make ample provision for comforting
honors on members who have rem
dered outstanding service. it was
pointed out.
Details concerning the Washing
ton Suburban Sanitary Commits
SONS plan to take over the collec-
ton OF ash. trash and garbage are
not available now, Mr.. Eaton, chair
man OF the Sanitation and Public
Health Committee reported. Tenta-
tive plans announced by the COM
mission several weeks ago provided
for the inauguration of the new svs-
tenn on June l.
Richard H. Akers was named
chairman Of a committee to plan
entertainment and refreshments for
the annual meeting in lieu of this
years banquet. The Executive and
Advisory Committee was empowered
to arrange summer picnic should
it seem advisable.