The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1895-04-23
AN IMPORTANT MATTER.
Shall BerkleY Have Charter or VIII
She Annex TO Either Norfolk or
Portsmouth,


Portsmouth,
BEnRLEY, Va, April 22d. 1895.
Editor of tho yirginan:
AT the last session of the Legislature
tho present Council of the town Of
Berklcy applied for city charter, to
embrace within Its territory said town.
South Norfolk aud large body of adj
lacent land not yet opened up by
streets or roads. 1t was then fully
developed thnt large majority OF the
tax payers were bitterly opposed to
such action, and although said Council
expended largo sum Of money in
employing lawyers from Norfolk, Ports.
mouth aud Richmond and made other
expenditures not necessary here to
mention (but to be Seierred to by ltoms
III later article), the full Committee
on Counties, Cities and Towns"
OF the House reported unani-
mousl Y against their pan, and sont
them back with the seal of .heir dsap.
proval.
An effort is again being made by the
same elnterestedspnrtles Ill invor OF n city
charter to Include South Norfolk and
otuer sections therein, SO that if left
alone, the folly of tho past IS TO be
shown that those who would have to
bear the bur dens of city charter,
with its hord of otiicehoders aud
numerous expenses for public buili.
ings ami requirements for general
purposes, are thoroughly opposed to
the same, aud these should be mainly
considered III such matters, no Others
who nre not suited can easily move
from the locality, while they are LETT TO
endure tho hardships or else sacrifice
their property.
Tho question then arises, what is the
best course to be pursued III the prem
lses! III street and other internal i'm.
proyements are desired, it seems that
the easlest and simplest way to secnre
them is through amendments to the
present town charter, which could al
low the issuing OF bonds, the proceeds
OF which should so directly for those
purposes aud for none other, aud be
managed with less machinery than is
required undor city charter. If, how.
ever, town charter will not avail un.
Ger any circumstances, why not accept
FOR the town OF Berkley tho cordial in
v!iatlon extended by the city of Nor
iolk to JON her, become pnrt OF a cIty
That ls fayorably known throughout
Tue whole country. and secure the bene-
hts oil her material aid. The taxes col.
iected could remain i'll tho territory
from which 1t Is collected, aud certainly
tins step would save the revenues nee
esshry To support the otlice-holdors,
puD!ic buildings. etc, required under
separate city charter, aud we could
also dispense with some of the Office
holders now receiving salaries from the
town. as the officials of Norfolk would
have jurisdiction over the whole terri.
tory. Again, If there must be change.
and II the people nre prelndIced
against annexation to Norfolk then
why not be annexed to Portsmouth.
which Is claimed TO be model and
conservative city, saving the useless
expenditures aforesaid in this way? 1t
would seem, therefore, that there are
two, and really only two practical
changes to be consideie ed, first, amend
meut to present charter, secoud, an
neXation To Norfolk Certain 1t IS that
not one single, solitary argument can
be adduced In favor Of separate CITY
charter, which cond faYoraOly appeal
to the judgment Of en unbiased tax.
payer, or TO one not personally inter
ested III such action.
TAXPAYER,