The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-04-01


he thought the night schools which are
not flourisblng should be closed. the mod
ern language course I'm the High School
abolished. and other changes made by
the school authorities In order that the
city might live within its revenue.
An argument was made by Mr.. Lawder
against the water meter system, which
he declared was Of no advantage except
TO discover the location Of leakages. He
thought II would be very bod policy to
cut down the appropriation for public
schools in favor OF water meters.
THE AUTHORITIES AGREED.
The views Of Messrs. Cutchins and Law
der were answered by Mr.. Allen, who
spoke at length on the question. All
the best hydraulic engineers, said he.
after careful investigation and practical
tests had agreed that water meters were
absolutely essential TO solve the problem
OF waste. The Authorities opinions were
formed only after thought and scientific
research and were unanimous I'm favor
Of the water -meter system. Four out
of the five members Of the commission
which investigated the subject carefully
I'm Richmond had recommended the use
Of the meters TO increase the pressure and
prevent the waste while Mr. Reuben Shir-
riffs in his minority report had admitted
that the meter system would have TO be
resorted TO In order 10 stop the waste.
Il have read what the highest scientific
authorities in the world say on this ques-
ton" said Mr.. Allen, "and they all agree
that the meter system Is the only solu-
tion OF the waste problem which faces US.
If we disregard what the leading scien-
fists say, and put our weak, prejudiced
opinions against them, We may as well
abandon religion, and every thing that
Is advantageous TO our interests and well
fare. We are only laymen and have not
studied the matter carefully. WAY
should we reject qthe opinions OF the
leading authorities?'
GRAVE CHARGES MADE.
Some unexpected statements were made
by Mr.. Snedd in his speech against the
school appropriation being reduced lie
did not oppose the meters, he said. but
he did think the school system was more
important lie Understood there were
three thousand children now in the city
who wished to enter the public schools,
but could not be admitted by reason OF
the fact that the schools were already
crowded.
"There IS the Mechanics Institute" said
Mr.. Snead, (which l have been told by a
gentleman, who has looked into the mat
ter. makes Determinations in favor Of the
children of wealthy parents"
This brought Mr.. Allen TO his feet. do
you make that as charger" he asked.
'No. sir; | do not make It as a charge;
but l have been told so by a man who
Is reliable. and who has the courage 10
stand by his statements"
If You will make this as o charge" "
replied Mr.. Allen, 81 Will make n motion
here and now that the appropriation made
tc the Mechanics Institute by the City
Council d. Withdrawn, and that the city
OF Richmond will give no financial aid TO
that Institution. ! viii say Furthermore
hat believe II you will make the charge
alluded to that every member OF this
Board will feel inclined 10 vote for the
motion to cut off the appropriation"
Il do not make the charge" said Mr..
Snead, "but I believe the gentleman who
told me VIII stand 10y his statement, il /
bad five minutes with him"
you must remember" returned the
member from Madison ward that you
have made q serious insinuatiOn when
should not be made unless based upon
facts Now this Is a matter of business
and should be treated IN a business way.
Il am just as much business as you
are" replied Mr.. Snead.
Il think the gentleman from Clay ward
is mistaken" put in Mr.. Burton. II was
approached by a gentleman who IS very
poor. and who wanted his son TO be en-
tered as a pupil at the Mechanics Insti-
tute. l told him ! thought IT could be
arranged. Captain Elicit was applied 20.
and he had the boy entered without any
trouble at all"
TOO MUCH POLITICS.
This ended the discussion so far as Mr..
| Sneads insnuation was concerned. and
the school appropriation was further DIS
| cussed by Mr.. King. Mr.. Carter and Mr..
Allen. The latter said that the retrench-
ment movement had 20 20 forward or
taxes would have 90 be raised 10 such an
extent that property holders would come
IN with bound and make protest.
Until there ia a halt said he "the
financial condition Of the city will grow
worse and worse. IL We go on during
the next fifteen years as we have during
the past fifteen Richmond city viii be
"a hundred per cent bankrupt. The trou-
BILE is now that too much stress is laid
upon the several departments. and not
enough 10 the government Of the city.
The business man OF Richmond do not
take enough interest I'm the financial al
fairs OF the city. This has got 20 become
a business proposition and not a political
question. There is too much politics and
not enough business I'm the conduct OF the
city's finances now. Until there is a cut
ting down Of expenses ana a system of
business adopted by which the city can
live within its income. there IS no future
prosperity for Richmond
81 want to state here" continued Mr..
Allen. "and / want 10 20 on record. too
that since the appropriation for streets
was cut down tie Street Committee has
not the funds az its disposal 10 carry on
the work Of keeping the streets In proper
condition. 1 shall vote for the dismissal
OF the street carts and hands unless the
Street Committce Is granted q larger ap-
propriation for the year
THE MOTION LOST.
The question was called for, and Mr..
Tupin's motion was lost by the following
vote:
Ayes-Messrs. King, Lawder, Smith,
Snead. and Turpin-5.
Noes-Nlessrs Allen. Bahen. Brock
Burton. Carter Cutchins. Hardwicke,
Montgomery, Moore. Noble. Starke, Zim-
mermann-l2.
Several other speeches were made, and
Mr.. Cutchins offered a motion. the effect
of which was 70 strike out from the ap-
propriation ordinance the provision which
allowed the city 10 send a certain num-
Der OF pupils to the several institutions 10
which the city made appropriations. The
object OF this motion was 70 abolish the
restrictions TO which these institutions
are subjected BY the City Council in con
sideration OF the appropriations mace
Mr.. Cutchins' motion prevailed.
This measure had scarcely been agreed