Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1888-05-12
The City's Interests.


In regard to certain matters that have re-
Gently been brought before the City Coun'
Gil, ard which vitality concern the city IN
terests, as also that of every citizen, L de-
sire the courtesy of small space in your
columns. l hold it to be fundamental
principle in municipal affairs that no clty's
legislative body has the right 10 divert and
appropriate its funds for the benefit OF any
private enterprise whatsoever.
So strongly does the business OF this state
ment impress one that 1t has only to be Tor
INFLATED to be received as an axiom in poilt'
ica affairs. This very clearly appears when
it is considered that the funds OF a city are
derived from the taxes levied on the entire
property, both real ard personal, which eX'
lists within its limits. There can be but one
legitimate object for which these taxes are
raised, which is that they are to DO used ex'
clusively for the maintenance CT the CITY
government in lis various municipal Offices
and affairs. In view Of these facts the CITY
has no tight to take the property of the cit
iZene, which the funds in its treasury repre-
sent, and appropriate them for the benefit
of private interests, however desirable and
beneficial these interests may appear. III
precedent Of this kind was once established
TO W hat ruiuous abuses would it not very
soon lead e? If monetary assistance was
granted to one enterprise, no matter how
desirable and beneficial that enterprise
might appear, would not another, as equally
desirable and equally beneficial, have the
same right to help, and demand that no OK
ception be made in their case? Who can
tell the number OF such demands that would
soon be knocking and clamoring to be heard.
Would the OVERLOOKING treasury OF the
United States government itself suflce TO
satisfy the rapacty Of such claimants?
But seriously, where would it all end
What protection would that much abused,
and long suffering, and long silent class. the
taxpayers, have if such requests were grant
ed? 1t requires no prophetic gift to see
that the city would soon be involved in
financial ruin, if lis treasury be thus opened
to the rapacity ofneedy enterprises. Our only
protection lies in closing The doors to all but
the legitimate demands and claims of the
CITY. Is it not time to call n halt; would il
not be well to review the past history and
experience of our city in regard to these
things; are we never to profit by that ex-
perience which is said to be the teacher,
even of fools? We would be far goneinGced
in folly, if the sad history of our city's eX
plots in this direction are not needed. See
the magnitude of the city's bonded debt,
piled up until it is a burden almost too in
toerabe to be borne, and all because OF the
city's reckless prodigality in helping and
fostering desirable and beneficial en- erprises.
Let me illustrate by comparison To buiid
mansion for the comfort and convenience
Of ones family is often both desirable anc
beneficial. 1t not only is benefit TO them,
but it sets in motion very many wheels Of
industry and trade. by which Others reap
great advantages both directly and Incl
denialy. But suppose | lack the NEAR
needful to accom- lish my purpose, and pro-
coed TO levy contribution on ell my neigh
bors, on the ground that this mansion of
mine will increase the value Of their prop
erty and put money in circulation, by
which they too will be benefited, and there
fore it is their duty to help me in my enter
prise. Would not such an argument merit
the ridicue which it would receive?
must protest, that in all have eaid,
DO not wish to be understood as opposed TO
any interest or enterprise by which the city
or any of its citizens are to be benefited
In common with my fellow citizens, l have
interests that will be advanced or depressed
as the city advances or retrogrades in pros
perity. 1t is this very interest in the future
prosperity OF our old town that has dictated
this article.
There are other items in this connection
that l would like to present did it not tres
pass so much on your columns. L will Just
mention the heads of some, and leave them
to be filled up by reflection. 1at. What
would become Of the city, whose govern
ment is an elemosynary institution 81.
Does "desirability aud advantage" overleap
all other considerations ? Sd. Can an enter
prise be made to succeed that has not with
in itself the elements Of success? 4ih. What
right has legislative body TO make dis
elimination in favor of some and not OF
others =? 5th. In subsidies" are not one
class of citizens benefited at the expense OF
the others 9th. Have not all classes OF
citizens the same claim TO patronage? It'll.
What is the highest rate of taxes to which o
community will patiently submit? There
are other like conundrums that suggest
themselves, but forbear.
Very respectfully, ]. r. l..
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