Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-12
SUNDAY. DECEMBER -, 1897.
TILE FINANCE hoard.


that one Of the greatest needs of this
city was board Of commissioners,
whose duty II should be to give to our
finances q degree of expert attention
which it is impossible for them to have
from the City Council, or its Finance
Committee. Numerous recent events
have confirmed us in our opinion as to
the necessity for such a board, and we
are glad to say that the Council Com
mittee on Charter Changes has recon-
mended that it be established.
II Richmond had had a finance board
for the past twenty-five years, the pro-
liability is we should not have issued
many Of the bonds which now burden
us. The odds are two to one, at least,
that then our Sinking Fund would have
been in far better condition than It is
now. Nor can we conceive 1t possible
that we should then have entered so
unadvisedly as we did upon the building
of our new City Hail. Nor is it at all
likely that we should have had such a
squabble about public school appropria-
tons as we have recently had.
We should be crassly stupid not to
profit by such dearly-bought experiences.
The Dispatch, however, cares not to
20 back to apportion the blame for the
shortcomings of the past, yet we cheer
fully shoulder our part Of II. And now,
we beg our taxpayers TO hearken to the
voice OF experience and. as far as posi-
BILE. help TO put our city's finances into
the hands of board of experts, who will
make 1t their ambition and special busi-
ness to see that the taxes we pay are
spent to the very best advantage.
The proposed change in the charter for
the creation OF this board was drawn
by our City Attorney and he has had
the advice Of many veteran councilmen
and other businessmen. 1t seems to the
Dispatch that 1t is a measure which must
meet the approval of the taxpayer
II the taxpayers will only give it their
consideration: but. strange to say, the
very men who ought to take most inte-
rest IN this subject are taking the least!
This will not do. Every good citizen
every taxpayer. especially-should make
himself familiar with the provisions OF
tao bin. We dare gay it Is not perfect
but 1t Is sim in the amendable stage.
Let us improve It If we can, and then let
us work to get 1t through the City Coun-
cl and then through the Legislature.
In our judgment it is clearly to the in
teres: of tho Democratic party here to
effect this change in municipal methods.
Let us show the world that our party
may always be relied upon to advance
.as welfare of Richmond. Let us give
proof that we are alive 10 modern pro-
gress In municipal government. Never
let II be said that It is necessary for our
people to seek relief By going outside of
the Democratic party!
The simple question before us now Is,
Shall we place Richmond's finances in
the hands Of a board of expert commits
sloners. or shall we continue TO pursue
the wasteful and unsystematic method
which now prevails?
Richmond has outgrown its present sys-
tenn. Our increase in wealth and popula-
ton and the many changes that have oc-
CURED in business methods here demand
that we should adjust our city govern
ment to present environments. A finance
board offers us measure of relief we
could not hope FOR otherwise. II our
people will bet studs tho scheme they
will approve q II they approve 1t and
are. active In their efforts. they can cause
the City Council 10 adopt t. But let us
not natter ourselves that 1t win go
through the Council without help from
US! No. The opponents OF the change
are organizing against It. Organization
mastpAe met BY organization. Effort by
fffert " they understood It properly,
= per GENT u the taxrpayers Of Rich