The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-11-16


cacy of the appropriation. He said tho
matter should be dealt with cautiously
and with discretion. but all wisdom ala
not rest with the Council. whose members
were but servants Of the people. ana H.
was the almost universal sentiment OF the
community. so far as he could gather H.
that the appropriation should be MADE.
In conclusion Mr.. Snead moved that the
Board hear from Mr. Joseph C. decker
son. vice-president OF the school
After explaining that the President OF
the School Board. Hon. J. Taylor Ely
son was out OF the city. Mr.. Dlckerson
went on 10 state that there was no con-
fict between the School Board and the
Council, since six members of that BOARD
were elected by the Council and the
other three would be elected next spring.
Continuing. Mr.. Dickerson referred to
the pledge OF the Council TO live within
its income.
you will never do it," he said, IF you
keep up the city properly
Mr. Dickerson went on 10 describe his
appearance before the Finance Committee
at the beginning Of the present year and
incidentally told how in the month or
August Of last year a paper asking Tor
an appropriation Of 5000 had been re-
ferred to the Finance Committee, but no
report had ever been made upon II BY
that body.
Mr. Dickerson showed how the school
Board had had no actual knowledge OF
the an cunt which would be given them
until the appropriation ordinance ne
came a law late in the session, and the
contracts with the teachers for the ses-
sion had been made.
Going or Mr.. Dickerson made the point
that the salaries Of the teachers were fix
ed by the Council, not by the School
Board; that their salaries did not aver
age $40 a month.
"Cut their pay" he shouted, NO by
the Eternal. III never vote to do II.
know Of nothing that will injure this
city more than to interfere with her
school system. Better give $4,000 than
let II go abroad that Richmond cannot
support her school system-a system that
is third in the United States. Gentle
men, will you break it up? / cannot be
lieve it,"
In answer TO questions, Mr. Dickerson
said that the money on hand now would
keep the schools open until the 18th day
Of December
How much will it take TO keep them
going until tho 23d?" asked Mr.. Clutch
ms
About 5000" replied Mr.. Dickerson.
After explaining in answer 10 questions
from Major Allen that the reason
400 city children were excluded
from the public schools while
rs children from the surround.
ing country were being educated. was
because the grades that these city chill
dren could enter were already filled by
children from the city. Mr.. Dickerson
gave way 10 Mr.. r. w Minor. chairman
Of committee representing the Junior
order Of American Mechanics.
Mr.. Minor made a most excellent adj
dress In favor Of the appropriation The
American Mechanics. he said. were fight
Ing for a principle. knowledge he said.
ennobled man. and he begged the COun-
ell If 1t lay in their power to give the
money asked to the schools.
Mr. Carter next spoke on the cues
ton and after referring to the fact that
he had been ridiculed by a newspaper.
when at the last meeting he had inter
posed rule 81, and held up the appro-
priation, said that the law had now been
FULLY complied with by the School Board.
detailed statement had been presented
ana clear explanation made by the
yice-president Of the Board.
GIVE THEM The MONEY.
Mr.. Carter went on TO say that the
School Board should be given sufficient
funds to enable them TO conduct the
schools properly. and should be held ac-
countable for us expenditure. He him
self nad not been elected on any pledge
to live within the income Of the city, and.
therefore, was not bound He believed il
would be a good policy 20 make the APP
s4r9urirfiou for the schools.
If the citizens want it," he said. "let
rs take the hint. and in 1895 make such
provision for the schools that these scenes
shall not be repeated This question
should not be made a political football
from Rockets TO Screamersville. The
Council mas no right TO withhold the funds
osekd for by the School Board"
Mr. Zimmerman said hat. as member
OF the Finance Committee. he re-
GREETED TO say that he felt bound 10 vote
against the appropriation. He felt bound
by his pledge not TO appropriate dollar
more than the income OF the city for the
current fiscal year.
Mr.. Cutchins said that while he had
signed no pledec TO any one yet he felt
found not TO vote 20 appropriate anything
above the revenues. lie. therefore, asked
the chairman Of the Finance Committee
II II we're possible 20 make the appro-
priation out Of the revenues for this year.
Mr.. CHrdwicke replied that IN making
,p the budget every dollar Of the esti-
mated revenue had been appropriated. and
$1,000 more. II taxes were not paid mp
the revenues might fall short Of the esti-
mate. II they exceeded ~ there was a
floating debt 10 be- taken caro- Of.
Mr. Noble and Mr.. Harlwicke had a
somewhat excited colloquy az this point,
over the thirst OF She former for informa-
ton as 20 certain financial transactions or
the Finance Committee. 1fter which the
former made an eloquent plea for the
cause Of education.
Mr.. Vaughan said that when he came
into the hall he had the intention Of
voting against the appropriation. but after
nearing the clear explanation by Mr..
Dickerson he had changed his mind, and
would vote for IT,.
Mr.. Cutchins said II would give him the