Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-11-26
MUST USE ECONOMY.
IT, ALONE, WILL PREVENT THE RAISING
OF TAXES IN THE CITY.
Play No Important Part--yiews OF
Several Committeeman.

Two committees Of the Council OF the
city OF Richmond-thoee on Finance
and Retrenchment and Reform-have
lately been giving a great deal Of thought
10 the financial condition Of the city.
The result OF their elaboration and study
cannot now be told. but certain II Is that
Richmond. as corporation, IL In a good,
sound state pecuniariy. though the time
has come when the city fathers must be
guarded as 10 expenditures and approprla-
tons. IL is practically settled in the
Committee on Finance that no increase In
taxes Will be made, certainly for the
present. Economy Is the word which
Is now being used TO the Council Commit
tee as the balm TO the ills that have
been apprehended, and II seems to be be-
lieved that by close and careful expendi-
lures in the different departments OF the
city government the citys financial affairs
Will adjust themselves in year or so.
The annual interest on Richmond's in
debtedness is about $4,000. and the re-
ceipts to the city from all sources OF
revenue amount this year TO between
$,S00Q0 and 81 10000. This Will leave
nearly q million for the expenses Of main
tanning the government, carrying on i'm
proVemeuts, &c.
he members OF DOtn lne uidutt anu
RetrenChment and Reform Committees
are of the opinion that there are very
few officers whose salaries could be cut,
and that the result Of this cutting would
not save more than 5000 to $1,000 an
nually to the city.
VIEWS OF CHAIRMAN TANNER.
Owing TO the Importance OF the ques-
ton of Richmonds finances and the de-
sire Of the people TO know whether or
not an increase in taxation-say OF from
lao to $3.50 or 81 GO on the $lCO-would
| be necessary i'm order for the city to meet
it's current expenses the Dispatch fur
nishes interviews with the following
gentlemen who are members OF both the
| Committees on Finance and Retrench-
ment and Reform:
Colonel William T.. Tanner, chairman OF
both committees: think the financial con-
| dition of Richmond Is good. Her public
| buildings, parks, gas and water-workS
schoo-houses, &c, are worth. In my
| opinion, as much as it's total indebtedness
amounts to. What ia necessary now is
that all the committees and departments
shall use all possible economy. OF course
certain expenses will have TO go on, but
| IL Is essential that no appropriations eX-
| cept those absolutely necessary be made.
| / do not believe we will have 10 increase
taxes II the proper care and prudence Is
! used in the management of the city
affairs.
ALDERMAN JOHN e. CARY.
Colonel John Il. Cary: 1t looks very
! much to me as If IT will be necessary 10
! increase taxes or cur;ail expenses. The
affairs of the city should be carried on
| by its councllmen Just as the private citi-
zen carries on his business. l do not
think any man or corporation should live
| beyond its means. II Is due to me to
! state that ] have not had time to study
| thoroughly the question now confronting
us.
Mr.. Thomas 3. Murphy: I am opposed
! 20 any increase OF taxes, and do not be-
| lieve IL will be necessary IL proper econ
omy IS used. This economy must be eX-
| ercsel in the Council committees. If
| these bodies would live within their an
nual appropriations the Finance Com
| mlttee would not be embarrassed 50 ire
quentIy. / believe firmly that by care
| ful. buslness-like transaction Of the bust
ness Of the city It's affairs will adjust
| themselves in the next few years. But
| I'm order for this TO bring Itself about
there must be no reckless appropriations
| of money. believe the baby bonds were
! the only things that saved the city during
( the past summer.
MIR. HARDWICKE TALKS.
Mr.. Charles W Hardwlcke: We must
not make any unnecessary appropriations.
| by being economical the city VIII pull
through all right. The committees should
! be careful I'm the matter Of expenditures
and if they are so and the Council adj
/ here's to the same policy 1t will not be
| necessary TO increase taxes one cent.
| The question OF decreasing salaries 90
not care 10 discuss. l do not see how
! the city could 50 cut them as 70 save
more than about 5000 annually. Pru-
dence and economy will avail much, and
although the city will have TO help many
OF her poor this winter, she will by these
principles overcome all threatening din
/ IL