Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1884-09-10

ut SENS to me that il is not only obnoxiou
10 the provisions OF the constitution above quot
ed, but II also violates that section OF the char
ter of the city which makes il a misdemeano
to appropriate money raised for one purpose q
any other object. Under this section thinl
money raised for the celebration of the 9TH OF
July and the reception of distinguished persons
cannot be devoted to the observance of Decora
ton day.
~ deem. the object of this appropriation a
most worthy one. The efforts OF our veteran
| soldiers to keep alive the memory of their fall
len comrades certainly deserves the aid and
| announcement of their fellow-citizens We
should all, think, feel il duty and privilege 10
contribute TO the funds necessary to carry out
such purpose. And should be much dsap-
pointed II an appeal to our citizens fol volun-
tary subscriptions for this patriotic object
should be In vain
But the money so contributed should be a
iree gltt OF the citizens and taxpayers, and
should not be extorted from them by taxation
rms IL so, because the purpose for which the
money is asked does not involve their protection
IL may or may not be approved by them.
THE people are forced To pay taxes into the
city treasury only upon the theory that such
money shall be expended for public purposes
or purposes in which they all have direct or
practical interest.
1.-The logic of this position leads directly to the
conclusion that, If the people are forced to pay
their money into the public fund and il is spent
by their servants and agents for the purpose in
which the people as taxpayers have no interest
the xaction of such taxes from them is oppres-
sive and unjust.
IL cannot rid myself of the idea that the CITY
government, I'm its relation TO the taxpayers is a
business establishment, and that IL is put in our
hands to be conducted on business principles
This theory does not admit of our donating
the public funds I'm the manner contemplated by
the action of your onorable body
II deem il my duty. therefore to return both
of the resolutions herein referred to without APP
proval.
So universal was the approval elected
by this veto from all classes of the citiz-
ems of the city of Buffalo, that the leading
Republican Journal, the Buffalo Express,
spoke as follows, editorially, expressly
mentioning the fact that Mayor Cleve-
lands contribution to the fund was LILO of
the whole sum needed.
A whole volume of sound sense and Just prin-
ciples OF municipal government will be found
condensed in veto sent to the council y,ster-
duy by MAYOR CLEVELAND. II is refreshing 20 read
the message Appropriations OF the public
funds must not be made except in accordance
with law. Safeguards provided by the consti
tuition and the charter must be respected. The
money raised by taxation must not not be di-
verified from its legitimate objects. However
worthy the sentiment recognized in any msap-
ropriation. justice, not generosity, must prevail
When the council wrongfully votes away the
people money. ere is no credit In the act, be-
cause the money, having been extorted from the
people, IL is not free gift from that body The
city government is a business establishment aud
must be conducted on business principles All
these golden rules are laid down in disappearing
a vote of $500 for Decoration Day-a small su m
for worthy object; but as the Mayor shows, IL
is not for the amount of the appropriation nor
the merit OF IL, but the principles involved
which must be considered. Private bounty
ought to be equal TO such call: and then to
prove that he thinks 50, Mr.. CLEVELAND private
ly contributes one-tenth of the whole sum need.
ed, thus experimenting excellent principles by
liberal example.