Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1890-09-04
CURRENT TOPICS.

ana upright men Tor office can not be
misunderstood, nor safely ignored, by
the nominating convention. The peo-
pie keenly feel that they pay enormous
compensation to county officers, and
rightfully feel that they are entitled to
demand the highest order of ability and
fidelity in return. The occasion is criti-
cal, and the man who fails to appreci-
ate it is lacking in information or as de-
void of conscience as he thinks all the
people are. Scores of Republicans in
every community of the county have
inflexibly made up their minds that
greater calamities may happen to par
ty than temporary defeat.
There must be no bargaining nor
trading for nominations. That sort of
work can not be concealed from the
public no matter how slyly it may be done,
and is sure to be sternly resented at the
polls. The men chosen by the con-
ventiOn must be of such character as
will instantly recommend them to the
confidence and respect of the people.
The demand is not simply for upright
men, but for men who have just appre-
probation of the duties and responsible
tiles of office. With such ticket, and
such organization as we ought to have,
there could be no reasonable doubt of
the result. If contrary results prevail
what? Have the elections of the two
years last past no lessons? Is it possible
the merest tyro in politics can not cor
rectlyinterpret them? Our majority of up
ward of 800 in 'SS was reduced to between
300 and 400 in 1885, of the most i'm
portant officers on the county ticket lost,
and two others would have been, posi-
bly,, but for the blundering of the Dem
ocrats. What was the measure of dis
content and uneasiness among Republi-
cans prior to the convention of one year
ago, as compared with now?
Republicans who have some object
further than personal advancement of
individuals need to take counsel togeth-
CT, and to see to it that the right kind of
men are sent to convention. The party
can not afford to make any mistakes in
nominations this year.
THE tax rate for next year is attract
ing attention in st. Clairsville, and it is
safe to say will attract very much more
when people are confronted with their
tax receipts, next winter. The total per
centage levied is $2.22-37c. on the hun
dred dollars valuation higher than last
year, and higher than ever in the histo-
ry of the town. The levy for State pur-
poses is unchanged-27 on each hun
dred dollars-for county purposes is in
creased from 42 tc 50c.-for township
purposes is decreased 1c.-for corpora
tion purposes increased 10c.-for schools
zoe.
More than one-half the increase, it
will be observed, is for schools. Steam
heating is being put in the school build
ing, at an expense of $500; but it was
given out before the contract was let
that there was a surplus on hand that
would about meet that expenditure.
The surplus was produced from addi-
tions made to the duplicate by the Tax
Inquisitor.
About $4,000 per school year is paid
teachers and the balance the levy of
45c., is expected to produce will be re-
quired for janitor and fuel.
The opinion prevails among people
who have given any especial thought to
the matter that there is an unnecessary
extravaganza in the matter of salaries
of some of the teachers. Except in
room No. l and the Superintendent, no
especial talent nor training is required.
Scores of young ladies would be glad to
teach No. 2, or 3, or 4, for $50 per month
young ladies fully as well qualified as
those the people are now paying $40.
For No. 5, a capable teacher can readily
be found at $40-$20 less than is now
paid. OF course, those who are enjoy
ing the usufruct of these salaries, and
their connections, will stoutly insist that
the salaries proposed are too small; but
are they? People who foot the bills
ought to have some voice in the matter.
As good an all-round teacher as there is
in the county-Mr. J. G. Taggart-
paid, on average, S45 per month. His
work is in the country schools, and he is
required either to take care of the room
and build fires, or hire some one to do
it. He is teacher of experience and
capacity, who has made life work of
the profession, who is required to in
struct and manage all grades of pupils,
and upon whom is thrown the entire re-
sponsibility of the school. Will any
disinterested person maintain that the
teacher in No. is worth SIS per month,
and whatever it costs to take care of the
room, more than such man is paid? or
that those in Nos. 2, 3, or 4, are worth
within $5 per month, and whatever it
costs to take care of the room, what is
paid Mr.. Taggart? OF course not. Then
why should the people of st. Clairsviile
be taxed to pay such salaries? Scores
of young ladies equally as capable can
be obtained at the salaries stated, and
not one of these teachers can make as
much at any other calling in the town.
This is matter worthy the thought
full attention of the Board of Education,
and if members do not voluntarily give
it such attention taxpayers should see
to it that they do. The new heating ar
rangement will necessarily involve more
expenditure in its working than the old.
Salaries are from 40 to so per cent.
higher than before the era of high prices
following the war, while the cost of liv-
ing is no greater, and equal and in some
cases exceed the earnings of the mechan
les of the town.
IT is hoped the County Fair will BIOS
som out with something of its old-time
glory to-day and tomorrow. Much
more interest in its we'll being is exhib-
tied than in recent years, and hopes are
entertained that this years exhibition