Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-04-30
THE PRIMARY TO-DAY.

THE PRIMARY TODAY.
Tho 1epallzed primary election OF the
Democratic party OF Richmond takes
place to-day for the nomination OF
candidates for both branches Of the
city Council. ana for other places in the
CITY governm mt. As TO the general
ticket. there seems TO be rather less in-
tcrcst than usual; but as to the Coun-
oil ticket. I'm the majority of the wards
there Is q CLOSE fight so 10 speak.
The struggle is between the Candidates
supported by the Democratic League for
Good Government and candidates SUP
uorted by others Of our Democratic breth-
ron. That the league has pursued a
conservative course in the canvass that
It has made can scarcely be denied by
any unprejudicod man. Indeed. If the
league should fail I'm any quarter where
II has reasonable hope of winning II VIII
be. no doubt, because it did not take
position so advanced as many OF It's
members wished # to take.
The league is making a lght in the
rartv. not against the party. IL it shows
The country that the Democratic party
can be relied upon to correct its errors
or shortcomings wherever they are point
Cd out. there will be less disposition
than heretofore 10 organize citizens
movements" for the correction Of abuses
I'm municipal systems. This is view
that party men would do well to keep
In mind. and should incline them 10 make
some concessions TO those who have
organized for the sole purpose Of urging
The city of Richmond 20 adopt the policy
Of living within its income.
Furthermore. We entertain little doubt
that. IL the Democratic League had not
been formed to fight within the party
there would have been citizens party
formed to tight outside Of the party
Thus. the league has been instrumental in
keeping our party together. and should
have due credit therefor.
The league has also been useful IN
centerlng public attention upon the fact
that Richmond has been living at too
great a cost, considering IT'S income.
The facts brought out in this connec-
ton. we feel sure. are impressed upon
the public mind, and are not likely to be
forgotten.
The league has clearly demonstrated
also that taxes on Richmond real estate
are very high. The figures that it has
nut forth, comparing Richmond with
other cities Of our grade, have been un-
challenged. These figures show that
though our tax-rate here IS but Sl40 on
the sl0O of assessed value. the burden
upon our property IS extraordinarily
high; because, whereas. the average OF
assessments elsewhere is but little more
than co per cent. Of the value, the as
sessments here represent more than %
per cent. of the value. However our
primary may result, these facts, We cam
not but believe, win continue i'm the pub
lie mind, and make the people very
watchful OF the city's expenditures here
after.
The league has also been useful TO this
community I'm raising a discussion IN
which 1t has been said Coy members of
the City CounciD that there Is a mill
lion Of dollars due the city for delinquent
taxes. We fear that the city Will find
that much OF this debt is barred boy limi-
tation of law, and we know that these
are not times when the city ought TO
exact It's pound of flesh from the unhappy
delinquent, but we are confident that the
result Of this agitation VIII be that
there viii bo corrective legislation on
this subject
The league has also been useful iu
bringing to public attention the danger
Of the city's continuing TO sen bonds 60
meet deficits I'm current expenses. No
matter whether the league elects momi-
mates. rather, few or many members of
the City Council to-day wen warrant
that hereafter more prudence Will be
exercised IN the sale of city bonds.
Tho league has also been useful i'm
proving 20 the world that 1t IS possible
to conduct a municipal campaign with
dignity. 1t has uaulsod in no abuse.
personal yilihcation has been no weapon
Of the league. That Jos amiablc DISPOSE
ton has not been appreciated boy AN the
people hCrc-that abuse ana misrcprcson-
tation have been freely visited upon u-is
too true, and is TO be much regretted.
We have seen great concessions made
here TO organizations that hadn't one
fourth Of the numerical strength Of the
Democratic League for Good Govern
ment; but little or no disposition has been
shown TO conoiliate the thousands Of
honest and unseiAsh Democrats who COM
sutute the league. And this. TOO. in
the face Of the strong probability that
but Tor the iuterposluon OF the league.
the likelihood was that our party would
be confronted 40 The May election by an
independent ticket AS it SIS now. The con-
test Is being wagcd within the party.
and with great conservatism ON the part
Of tie league. The questions ~ Issue