Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-03-29
NEW CITY AMBULANCE,
Taxpayer" Calls Attention to Its Expense
some Former Predictions.

To the Editor of the Register.
Sir:-Not long ago Taxpayer had the
honor 10 make a few remarks through
Your paper relating to the proposed ambu-
lance scheme. which at that time was be-
fore the City Council Tor its considera-
ton. I'm objection was made at that time
to the city's acceptance of an ambulance
with the provisions attached, on the score
of unnecessary expense as one had al
ready been provided by citizen or
Wheeling and offered gratuitousIy to the
citys unfortunotes; and also because it
was not thought just that the taxpayers
Of the city should be the medium through
whom a private animosity should iind
vent This was replied 10 with the vigor
characteristic of the writer, but with
more venom than truth.
Tn a second article Taxpayer made
slight error in detail. which, however, did
not affect the principle at stake. The
writer was satisfied to rest on his oars
and trust TO the future to endorse or an
uul his statements. Although he claims
10 be neither prophet nor the son of a
prophet. it appears that some things he
called attention to at that time were not
without foundation.
An ambulance was presented to the city
by Mr. Eloch. which was doubtless done
in the proper spirit. The public was
promised that the expense would not eX-
coed $500. What do we see now? The first
contract let was nearer $500 than $500
Then new ground must be bought on ac-
count OF lack of space; more public money.
Now it is proposed that new horses be
purchased to be used for this work eX-
clusively. and driver hired TO take
charge of them; and the taxpayers of
Wheeling are again called upon to foot
the bills.
In the name of Justice. where is it all
TO end9 The taxpayers of the city are
Interested They want to know before the
next election whether such unnecessary
extravaganza be continued when streets
and alleys are becoming no better than
corduroy roads and the city liable to a
damage suit at any time. Such high
handed administration cannot be very ac-
ceptable to the more conservative of our
thinking voters. \ City Council that can
see no further ahead than their voices
will carry is a public menace. In this one
instance. instead of the nominal expense
of 500. we find ourselves liable for not
far from 5000 at the lowest calculation.
and that for a luxury the city could not
afford. and in view Of the fact that an
ambulance had already been provided the
city was entirely unnecessary. For once
the city had a rare chance to get some.
thing for nothing. hut our far seeing Coun-
ell failed to take advantage Of it.
Now of all times. when business is not
at its brightest it would seem TO your
humble servant that it would be more
consistent with the sound administration
we had hoped for. that useless eXtrava-
cances at least would not be counten-
anced. and as a Republican I wish TO
sound note of warning. How long viii
the people stand loose, careless business
methods. in Council? As sure as time
rolls on. unless there is a reform in this
respect. there will be a reyersion Of senti-
ment that will become a landslide at the
next election. TAXPAYER.