The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-08-31
LET US GO FORWARD.

We have presented from day to day
arguments from representatives Of the
city government and others showing the
importance of carrying the bond election
for the city Of Raleigh.
There is no money that has been ex-
pended in Raleigh during this generation
that has done so much to make the city
desirable and attractive as the money ex
pended in improving our streets. Every
visitor to the city who contrasts the VIII
mington and Hillsboro streets Of to-day
with these same streets FIVE years ago is
favorably impressed with the excellence
and permanency of the improvements
that have been made. Having finished
these two streets and having about fin
ished Fayetteville street, the progressive
street committee and wide awake citizens
are anxious to see the good work go on.
Those who live on the other streets, see
ing the improvements which have been
made on Hillsboro, Wilmington and Fay
etteville, and the EXCHANGED value of the
property which follows in the wake of
street improvements, are DESTROYS that
there shall be no let up in the work until
every street and sidewalk in the limits of
the city is a credit to the capital Of the
State. The progressive steps taken by the
city government have Influenced the State
administration to ,inaugurate improve
ments about the capitol square, thus
meeting improvement with improvement.
The board of aldermen state that the is
sue of these bonds will not necessitate
any increase of taxation, the income al
ready coming to the city being ample to
nav the interest and provide sinking
fund to pay the bonds at maturity.
The suggestion that part Of the money
that will come from the sale Of the bonds
can be used for other purposes has been
promptly met by declaration by the
mayor and board of aldermen that not a
cent of this money will be used except
for street improvements. 1t has further
been stated by the street committee that
the men employed upon this work must
all be bona fide citizens of Raleigh. These
two statements meet the only proper, pop
Mar objections we have heard to the bond
issue. and there is now every reason why
the bonds should be voted by an over
whelming majority.
Raleigh is one of the most prosperous
cities of it's size in the South. 1t energies
from the panic with fewer failures than
any city in the South, and its business Is
in safe and conservative hands. 1t does
not believe in going head over heels in
debit for internal improvements, but in
steady progress along safe lines. line
bond ;ssue proposed is forward step we
orobt to take. but not such an expensive
Sten as will increase our taxes or en-
barrass the city in any way. Of course
tho interest on the bonds will have to be
,,o;d nv taxation, and it will require
nnlicV of close eCOHohis " A"- N~ NN~'
and nav the interest and provide sink
ing fund, but it can be done. Every dol
lar put in permanent street improvements
ia a dollar invested for the future as wei
nc the present good Of the city. The char
acter Of a city is seen in it's public thor
onphfares. Broad, well paved, well KEEP
streets and even, comfortable sidewalks
a. more to advertise the city favorabl!
than anything else. Monuments an'
narks are things Of beauty and pleasure
ro.oa streets are necessary for comfort a
vol az for beauty. You will find few
more attractive views in any city thai
,ou will get from any point on Hillsbor
street that gives good view Of the mon
nment erected to the Confederate privat
soldier. Every dollar expended Their
brings In excellent returns. II the bond
are issued, the work will 60 on unit
street by street, all our thoroughfares wi
do us proud as the capital of the Con
monwealth.