Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-05-19

son why we should not take upon our
selves the burden OF improving those OF
Manchester
You have made a statement. the pur-
iose Of which is TO show that Richmond
ias deficit Of s22o.Doo. and ask me II II
Is correct. ] thirk that II ~ incorrect,
RI you win examine the items you VIII
ind that most Of What you term a de-
act was money expended in construc-
ton or i'm the acquisition OF new proper
". and will be paid for by proceeds OF
bonds
II Il we're correct. It would simply CO.
nforce my position. that Richmond can
no. afford TO take the burthen OF your
expenses I stated that her deficit was
about $4,000. believe that TO be ap-
proximately right showed that II she
annexed Manchester her deficit wouin De
Increased to s2lsc00; and she would nave
to increaGe her rate Of taxation to N.io Oh
the $780, II your statement were correct
the deficit after annexation would sum
up to $4,000. and we would have to IN
crease the rate OF taxation TO about E.OO
on the 500 You ask me further. II your
statement were correct. would II not show
mat Richmond was financially In as bad
condition as Manchester. / answer, NO,
without wishing to disparaee Manches-
ter, | call your attention TO the touo"-
ing facts:
Ry the last census Richmond had about
eight times the population OF Manches-
ter: but her assessed values or real and
personal property were B3,9o,OC, to Man
chesters $4,000 In round numbers-that
ia to say, our assessed values we're TWEEN
~ times "a great as those OF your city. Our
revenues are twenty times greater. Your
per capita Of wealth is about $40; ours
is about $3.50. Our business is probably
one hundred times greater. Your rate
of taxation Is Sl.60: ours Is s1.f0. IL Rlcn-
mond has managed her finances badly,
she has ample resources upon which TO
fall back.
But | desire to say. once for all, that
| do not intend 10 be drawn into discus
sion of Richmond's finances, at the re-
quest Of any individual. If the Cham
Der of Commerce were TO call on me, or
in any other manner an occasion should
arise which should make II my duty to
criticise them, | should endeavor TO dis
charge II as honestly and fearlessly as
/ have criticised the finances OF your city.
If you really wish information on the
subject, you are entitled to get It from
the city authorities.
/ do not know that IL is a matter Of
importance In this discussion. but your
figures concerning Manchester's increase
OF population from 1873 to 1880 are amaz-
ing. / was in the Legislature in the win
ter OF 1914 when Judge Clopton pre-
scented the bill for your Incorporation as
a city. under section IL, article s. Consti-
tuition of Virginia. In order that you
might be incorporated as a city under
our Constitution YOU were obliged to
show that your population numbered as
much as 5000. 1t was proved to the salts
faction Of the Legislature that you had
5000 people and we passed the bill If
your population quadrupled by 1890 you
would have had 10000 people. The census
think. gave you 10000.
l will say one word more, which /
hYe may be the last which ] may be
called upon to say publicly concerning this
question: ! have sought no controversy
with Manchester, and have not volun-
teered. even, in defence OF the tax
payers Of Richmond. ] have nothing in
my heart towards your people but the
kindest feelings. II | have said that, in
with Richmond, YOU were a
poor corporation. / intended 10 cast. no
stigma upon your city. / meant it not as
a reproach. or a thing that was dis
creditable. 1t is no shame TO any one not
to be rich.
Proud deeds are more than coronets,
And simple faith than Norman glood,
IT'S only noble to be good"
In all history no nobler people. no ma
ton with a prouder record, can be found |
than the Swiss. They were the poorest |
people Of Europe; but they were frugal. |
hardy, independent, and brave. On foot, |
with nothing but their pixies In their |
hands. they hurled back and put to rout |
the mailed squadrons OF their wealthy |
and splendid oppressors Ever since they |
have by their valor, industry temperance, |
and virtue maintained their independence |
and commanded the respect and admira- |
ton OF the world
IL Manchester Is not rich. nevertheless, |
she has record Of which she may we'll |
be proud. II she maintains her independ- |
ence she will command the respect and |
admiration OF all mankind. Whatever |
she may do she will always have my |
best wishes for her success, growth. and |
prosperity. Very truly yours,
JAMES II. DOOLEY