The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-11-07
MIR. ROUNTREE's VIEWS.
Make No Appropriations in Excess Of Rev
enues. lie Says.


10 the Editor OF The Times:
Sirs-lr To close the public schools six
days this year (which is the worst that
can happen) is necessary, II is step In
the right direction Of saving both the city
and SCHOOLS, and It had better be done.
The members of the Council who pledged
themselves TO rule not 10 vote for any
appropriation in excess Of the annual bud
get, and voted against the extra apprO-
priation for schools, will in due time re-
ceive praise instead of condemnation.
Nnile IL may appear unfortunate TO
have 10 make an example OF such an
important and broad interest as the
public schools, at the same time such
rule could not be enforced against
minor department. with equally good re-
suits Such rule. once established and
rg1dly enforced as It should be, will
result IN great good.
In order TO appreciate the importance
or such a rule one must be Informed Of
the present financial condition of the
city, brought about by making extra
appropriations and issuing bonds How
muCh longer can this be done? II the
city government IL conducted two years
longer as 1t has been conducted prior
10 the present Council, it will be up
10 an excessive, an unjust, bonded
limit Take an honest assessment and
the city will be 100000 beyond her bond
ed limit.
win but pittance in the sinking
fund; with a fixed account Of interest and
redemption fund.- which must be paid out
Of each years current revenue. in amount
more than one-third Of the entire revenue
OF the city, with your streets, sewers,
and sidewalks IN a deplorable condition,
n remedy is badly needed With these
facts before you, suggest one. but not the
one which has caused the trouble and put
the city in its present embarrassing con-
ditiop-viz That Of maging appropriations
IL excess Of the current revenues Of the
city. turn your city government over 10
those VINO are willing, and will make
appropriations in excess Of the
revenues of the city. and It will
be but brief period before not
only the schools Will be closed for six
Gays, but forever, and your city annex
ed-not 10 Manchester, but to the grave
yards.
with the present sharp competition Of
rival cities you cannot raise revenue by
an increased tax rate. Your citizens are
already struggling under the burden OF
unjust taxation, and some Of them leaving
your city limits for relief.
There is but one remedy-that of living
within the revenues Of the city. Grad
ually pay off the present burdensome
deDt. Inis done, your schools, streets,
sewers and sidewalks will all be in a
nourisning condition. Otherwise, these
interests. together with the city itself. is
doomed. Stand by the present Council In
this, the test year and the most critical
year IN the history Of the city; keep down
all extra appropriations this year, and no
lice the beginning Of prosperity in 1898.
Elect such representatives as will con-
tinue the rule Of not appropriatng more
than the revenues of the city; condemn
those who would try 70 expend and APP
propriate money I'm excess Of the current
revenues of the city. Give praise where
II IS due-to those who are trying to save
both your city and schools.
H. W. ROUNTREE.