The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-11-10

There has been a great deal Oh luie TAIN
in connection with the proposed eN'r"
anpropriatlon for the public schools q
Richmond. and the discussion has taken
a wide range entirely outside the case
The Times has tried, however, to discuss
.n,s question on its merits and leave out
all outside matters which have no real
bearing on the case
We take Il for granted that the mem
hers Of the City Council are as much in
favor Unpopular education as we are ana
we concede that they are entirely consei-
o,,ious in the discharge of their duties
We believe that they have refused TO vote
this extra appropriation because they reel
that they are obligated to keep the eN-
nenses OF the city government safely
within the revenues Of the city and that
they think It bad precedent TO be voting
extra appropriations. We feel sure that
If the city had ample means these gentle
men would gladly vote the extra appro-
priation demanded by the schools.
In that aspect OF the subject the mem
bers of the Council are TO be commended
for faithfully discharging their duty in
spite OF public clamor, and 10 threaten
them with defeat in the next election, ST.
from conscientious motives, they refuse
TO vote this appropriation, not only has
our disapproval. but we wish to empha-
size the fact that we regard that sort OF
spIrlt as well calculated to deprive the
city OF its best Councilmen and TO en-
courage the election Of men who go into
the Council for the purpose of currying
favor with the masses, regardless OF the
true interests Of the city. We have had
already too much OF that sort of thing
in the Council Of Richmond. and our
present financial straits are in great
measure duo TO that sort Of legislation.
The city ofiRichmond needs men in the
Council OF good Judgment good princi-
pies and good courage who will in gene
raj do what they conscientiously believe
to be 20 the best interest of the city, re-
CARELESS Of popular demand.
But we believe that those members OF
the Council who have refused to vote this
needful appropriation are making mis-
take. We believe that 10 would be
much worse precedent to cut off the
school allowance and to shorten the
school term. We believe that this would
be q distinct blow at popular education
in Richmond and would have democrat
izing effect.
There are parents who from lack Of ap-
probation. are not disposed to take adj
vantage of the opportunities afforded by
the public schools TO give their boys and
girls o good Common school education.
There has actually been talk in this State
OF compulsory education. With which,
however, we have no sort of sympathy.
but we do believe that IL is the policy OF
our city government not only TO edu-
cate such 'childrcn as may be sent to the
public schools. but in every. way by pre-
cept ana example. 10 awaken and de-
velop the public sentiment in this COM
munity IN favor Of popular education.
II viii not do for the City Council TO say
20 this people that to shorten the school
tenn Is a matter OF small consequence.
10 say that Is inevitably to create the
impression that In the minds of the coun-
eiimen the public school system is not
such a. great'institution after all.
This we think Is the merit OF the case,
and II Is THIS aspect Of the subject that
we would impress as torcefully as we
may upon tho members or the Council.
We say also that IN a matter OF this Kind
the voice OF the people is not 20 be ig-
nored. II the people demand OF the
Council an impossible thing and demand
that the Council pursue such course as
TO impair the revenue OF the city and 10
cause distress and injury 20 the citys
credit. then II Is time for the Council TO
show It's backbone and 10 refuse to be
led into error--even al Ahs demand OF the
people. But when the people who pay
the taxes with almost one voice call upon
the Council 20 vote tho small SUM OF
Hooo ia order that the school routine may
not be interrupted ard that the children
nay have thefull bsnsats Of fun term.