davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30
eBEFORE THE WAR;

A "Henrico farmer writes the Dis
patch that at is a strange thing that
the entire government expense of the
entire State of Virginia before the war
was a little over 100000. and now it
takes largely over a million OF dollars to
govern two thirds of the same territory"
We have heard statements similar TO this
before. But is the fact as stated? No
unless a period long before the war is
referred TO.
The rate OF taxation in 1890 was 40
cents on the $10O-just what II is now. But
then the amount expended by The State
for purposes of public education was in
considerable. Now we believe, about one
third of the 40 cents tax goes to educa-
tional purposes. One fourth must go TO
the public free schools by constitutional
provision, and the Legislature regularly
supplements this fund TO the amount Of
$4,000 per annum, besides voting $4,000
Qncluding excess of INTEREST," for higher
education. So let us be not unmindful
OF the fact that while we pay no greater
rate now than we did Just before the war,
we have given ourselves a vastly more
expensive educational system than we haa
then. The bulk Of the money that in
ante-beIlum times went to pay the inter-
est upon our public debt we now use for
educational purposes.
Under date of November 80. 1861, the
Auditor Of Public Accounts said in his
annual report: ION debt OF $5S 0S0. $50 sc,
most OF which bears interest at per
cent, while a portion bears only per
cent, the state annually raises -, 537. 076.1S
for paying the interest and sinking the
debt"
Now. the annual charge or account OF
the public debt. including the college
bonds. Is s714,165. which amount will be
increased by $4,000 per annum on ana
after July J. 1901. Before the war the
annuity to the Deaf. Dumb. and Blind
Institution was $25.OOO and to the Uni
ycrsIty. the Virginia Military Institute,
and the Medical College each $4,000. The
proceeds OF the capitation tax, about
$4,000. went 10 the public free schools
Then the stanton lunatic asylum got |
$500 annually, and the Williamsburg |
asylum $4,000. Now. the State expends |
every year about $4,000 for the care Of |
the insane. Then we had 10 such pen-
sion list as that for which we now APP
propriafe the Inadequate sum Of $4,000
per annum, including the appropriation
10 the Lee Camp Soldiers Home. Then
legislative session was vastly more
expensive than now. aud the public
printing cost much more Then the
criminal charges were something under
$1,000 per anEumi now they are about
s'K'O0o per annum! In 1896 they were
sNAlsi; IN 1881. ssz2.lss. Before Che war
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30
To the Editor of the New York Sun:


Sir,-As George Washington was born
February II, 1732, and Abraham Lincoln
February IL, 1909, couldn't one day be SET
In memory of both?
My impression is that Washington him.
self In two instances after 1850 celebrated
on February 18th. T. M. JACKSON.
Brooklyn, N. Y, January 9th.
1t happens that just at this time the
Virginia Legislature is considering the
propriety of having a hyphenated Lee
Jackson legal holiday; but now that Lee
Camp has pronounced against it. we
doubt II the proposed change will meet
with success.
OF course Washington was born on the
nth of February. "old STYLE" and he
may have failed to take note of the fact
that the adoption of the Gregorian calen-
dar shifted his birthday eleven days off.
but that "cuts no figure down here. The
I'D of February is Washingtons Birth
day by popular prescription. 1t would be
In vain for our able statesmen and elo-
quent orators to try TO argue the people
into different belief. And then again
there would be no propriety in asso-
ciating the names OF Washington and
Lincoln.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30
pr. modge. nnd the street..

To the Editor OF the Dispatch:
In a publication III another paper ths
condition Of the streets" is described
and lamented. We wish only TO refer TO
what DR.. Hodges has said. AS the Doctor
has been a resident Of Richmond for less
than four years, we regret having pro-
duced upon HIM so Ill an impression. his
remarks strongly recall the Augean s,A-
bles, without Hercules, alasl or Pilgrim :
Progress, impeded by the slough or
despond-the mire ana despondenCy ooln
being literal in this case.
We really cannot agree with the Doctor
I'm thinking there is serious cause Tor
condition, and not as clean as they might
be; but we hardly consider this reason
for a panic.
There is possibility that the dirt on
the Doctors gas-globe might have pro-
ceeded from the fire. instead or the
What a pity We cannot burn ice. AZ this
season Of the year It is well TO keep the
windows closed. except for necessary yen-
tilation. 1t will be found much more COM
Portable, and will keep out the dust,
which is In the air in wet weather.
Alarmed by the Doctors forebodngs Of
conjunctivitis. | inquired of most OF our
oculists the number and causes OF those
cases of the disease under their care.
There are seven cases Of conJunctlvius
In town, and none OF them are attributed
to floating gravel which the Doctor de-
clares TO have grown very serious"
AS regards walking. although we ques-
ton its benefit TO those pedestrians OF
song and story (tramps), we would not
forbid moderate indulgence TO more opu-
lent patients. Except at great depths,
dirt is usually found on unpaved streets.
and when ii rains very hard. the dirt and
water produce mud-a very unsighty
compound. III only TO be slung in polit-
cal campaigns.
OF course. IL the earths crust were COW
cred with asphaltum. this evil would be
obviated, but, how then, would the grass
grow?
Perhaps the condition OF the streets has
affected the patients OF other doctors.
who tell me that practice is very dull
Can the streets have killed their pa
tients. instead OF simply making them ill,
like Or. Hodgess sufferers?
For my part. / do not believe that there
Is so much danger from the streets-un-
less you We're 10 fall down. or the "street
ny up and hit you In the face" ! earnest
ly hope that In future the Doctor Will
try not 10 take so pessimistic a view or
the situation, and will use his el0Quence
to persuade our city fathers 10 be more
in their annual donations
w. #. OPPENHIMER.
President OF the Board OF Health.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30
OUR CITIES.

Over 10000 per annum is what Rich.
mond contributes to the State Treasury
after being charged with her criminal
expenses and what is apportioned to her
in school funds. That is a very pretty
sum, indeedl
The growth Of her cities has enabled
Virginia 10 get along thus far with the
same rate of taxation that she levied be-
fore the war. And so everything within
the bounds of reason and justice ought
to be done by the State to encourage the
growth Of our cities and towns. The
patronage that Virginians give their own
home markets lifts burdens from the
shoulders Of our farmer friends. The
patronage that is given towns and cities
outside Of the State helps others at our
expense.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30
Money Wasted.

| To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
| We farmers are glad to see our law
makers taking up retrenchment in our
| expenses, by inquiring into the salaries
| and fees of our county officers. II re-
| ports are true, many of them are get
| ting much more than they earn. and could
| do with much less than they receive. and
| still make a good living No county OFF,
GER ought to be paid over 81 500 per year.
Give each one a fair salary in proportion
TO what he has to do and let all fees re-
vert to the treasury.
l do not believe our taxes are assessed
as carefully as they should be- Numbers
OF negroes pay nothing and some white
men, too. The Commissioner OF the Rev
enue should be compelled to make a
house-to-house canvass, and get the
names of all. Many negroes have $40. so,
or $50 worth of household stuff that is
not listed. List all from SO up, and go
to the Observation-Disclosures and see II your
list of names is correct.
l have done this business, and In one lit
tie district l added hundreds OF names that
had not been on the list before, and hum
dreds Of dollars worth of property that
had been overlooked. These fellows vote
and send their children to our public
schools; make them pay. The poll tax
can be collected If the right sort of man
Is sent after it,
1t is a strange sort Of thing to me that
the entire government expense OF the
entire State of Virginia before the war
was a little over 100000 and now IL
takes largely over a million TO govern
two thirds OF The same territory. Some
thing is wrong-too many officials ana
too much money wasted Then our taxes
were collected by the Sheriff and his dep
uties, and l don't think that much of IL
was returned delinquent. We might "con-
solidate" the county judges. and have
only one for four or five counties. but
for the Constitution that first put them
In; but there is room for improvement.
HENRICO FARMER
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

Willie X. Vanderbilt is looming I'D IS a
railway manipulation. He is about TO con-
solidate, IT is reported, all the Wander
bilt lines between New York and Chicago
under one management, and to establish
transcontinental system that will be as
compact as enormous. Depew's star is
setting, so far as this country is con-
cerned. The peach" has been counted
out by Vanderbilt in the latest railway
scheme, but he is to flourish further in
Honduras, where he is to direct the one
rations of a syndicate which proposes to
pay the debt of the country, create q
small navy for the purpose of preventing
smuggling, and build a railway from
ocean to ocean that will shorten the route
from Mobile to San Francisco one thou
sand miles as against the route via
Panama. So goes the story.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30
A Cruel Father.

Father: I have decided. my boy, that
you shall study pharmacy. and upon your
graduation take charge of the drug bust
ness. which l have so long conducted.
Son: Don't you think it cruel, father,
that you should thus revive me for a
punishment that civilization has long since
condemned?
Father: What do you mean?
Son: Why, haven't you just ordered me
to the pillery?
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30
Shall the Salaries of School SUPER
intendents be Lowereds

| To the Editor OF the Dispatch:
Hon. j. L. NJ. Curry, so well known for
his deep penetration Of thought and for
the profound interest he manifests I'm the
educational welfare OF the South, thus
expressed himself at the late superin-
tendents' conference in Richmond, on the
Value of the Superintendency":
This Is the driving-wheel Of the edu-
cational machine. As skilled Intelligence
is needed to direct machinery, so is school
superintendency."
1t is well known that most. II not ALL
superintendent of county schools are
compelled to supplement their pay from
the public funds by engaging in other
pursuits in order TO make a support for
themselves and families. Many superin-
tendents are not receiving as high a
monthly salary as the teachers under
them. and there is a clamor in literary
journals and among literary men and
women, and justly, too. for higher nav
OK teachers. On account Of poor pay
now superintendent are forced To
neglect some OF the many duties the
school law enforces upon them. and the
work Of these important officials Is con-
sequently not as efficient as it should be.
All the world over poor pay commands
poor labor. and II requires but little fore
sight TO take In the situation, IL the sala-
ries of superintendent are reduced. Men
OF high educational qualifications with
conscientious convictions Of duty Will be
compelled TO yield their places to un-
qualified men, and thus the safeguards
Of the public school system will be thrown
down and the foodgates of iniquity will
be hoisted. The people will see the hard
earned taxes squandered. The low-paid
county superintendent will not hesitate
to increase his salary nv INTRIGUING With
The County Treasurer Qess scrupuous
than himselD, whom he, through barter
In politics. has used his influence to put
MN IN power for mutual private ends.
Teachers will first feel the effects OF the
change. shaving and heavy shaving.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

will be the order Of the day. Low pay OF
teachers will result through the shaving
process and teachers who should COM
mand good salaries will be compelled TO
seek better fields Of employment in other
States.
Dean Swift, In speaking Of inferior
goods in his day, said: by the igno-
rance of the merchants or dishonesty of
the weavers, or the collision of both, the
ware was bad and the price excess
i've" May those who have the interest
OF the schools at heart in the General
Assembly Of Virginia avert so fearful a
fall all along the lines, and let the people
have good wares and thus prevent collu-
sion with all its attendant evils HX.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30
An Object-Lesson.

Beneath the arching skies of Jan.
They did their cycling pleasures plan.
And needless Of the signs that bred
The storms arrival. on they sped.
The clouds above more threatening grew
AS still they did their course pursue.
And as their product did o'erfiow.
He said: How gently falls the snowg'
A turn, an obstacle. and then,
AS came the shock unto her ken,
She rose, and painfully did say,
Il wish that we could fall that way"
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30
Provoked.

Lawyer: You have sworn that the de-
PENDANT, my client. struck you a power
full blow In the face?
Witness: Yis, sori
Lawyer: Well, then. in the full con-
seriousness Of the fact that you are under
oath. l would like to have you frankly
and fairly tell this court whether or not
that blow was provoked?
Witness: O'm not certaint about the
blow. sir. but we niver saw man more
provoked than mesiif was al the time.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30
THE RICHMOND DISPATCH.


Tho DAILY DISPATCH Is delivered 70
subscribers az FIFTY CENTS per
month. payable to the carrier weekly or
monthly. Mailed at s. per snnam: 50
for six months; si.5e for three months;
20 cents for one month. Price per copy.
9 cents.
The WEEKLY DISPATCH at 81 per
annum.
The SUNDAY DISPATCH at $50 per
snnum. or rs cents for six months.
subscriptions in all cases payable In
advance. and no paper continued after
the expiration OF the time paid for Send
post-ofnce money order. check. or regis
tered letter. Currency sent by mail will
be at the risk OF the sender. Subscribers
Wishing their post-oface changed must
give their old as wen as their new post
Office. sample copies free.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30
The ReaI TrOuble.

Clipper: 1 understand that you are in
rather bad shape financially around at
your church.
Upper: We are, indeed.
Clipper: What's the matter? Haven't
you pewholders enough?
Upper: That isn't the only trouble you
see, we haven't the right kind OF minis
ter to hold the pewholders.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

Northern Neck News.)
Public sentiment in favor OF the cleo
ton OF United States senators by direct
vote OF the people is growing 10 every
section Of the Union. Bills have recently
been introduced In the Legislatures Of
Maryland and Illinois legalizing senatorial
primaries, and Virginia mast keep up
with the procession.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30
Recognized Home Rule.

Flasher: II you have so much to do,
why don't you take your typewriting
machine home with you at night, and
use 1t there?
Dumbleton: Well, you see, couldn't
do any debating at home.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

Now we have the suggestion of Hanna
for the presidency, and why not. If the
present condition Of things governmental
Is TO continue? Isn't Hanna in succession
to Mckinley as President logical out
come of McHannaism?
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30
FnvorabIe Indications.

Mr.. Lingerly having risen to go as the
clock strikes twelve. suddenly seats him
self again and remarks) OF course, dear.
you know that 1 will be here tomorrow
night
Miss Languid (yawning): There seems to
be every indication Of il.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

President Diaz. of Mexico, is to visit
the principal cities of this country. He
VIII find that his silver money will no.
where be refused, and least of all in the
towns where the self-styled sound-money-
ties are most numerous.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30
Anxious Father.

Wife Creading paper: There is an ar
ticle in here about a remarkable kid
mapping.
Husband (walking the floor with the
baby: 1t must have been a remarkable
kid. Nothing short Of chloroform would
make this one do anything OF the kind.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

On page Of this issue We print let
ter from Professor y. Puryear, formerly
Of Richmond College. now Of Madison
county. His subject is the Underwood
Constitution and his antagonism TO that
instrument is expressed in most vigorous
style. We do not concur with him as to
the expedency Of calling constitutions,
convention at this time but we have
found his letter very spicy reading. in
deed.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

sir, that when I married you married
beneath my station. l am worthy
of a more distinguished position in life
than the one\you have brought me TO.
Husband (coweringlO: That's fact
dear; you deserve a place in the Austrian
Reichsrath.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30
The People Favor Il.
Observation-Disclosures Herald.

tMatheWs-MlddIeseX HefaId.)
The sentiment of large majority OF
our people is unquestionably in favor OF
the election OF United States senator's
by primaries. and now that the matter
has been presented TO our Legislature.
1t Is exceedingly important thet they
should take 1t up In earnest. and give
To the people the opportunity OF express
ing their preference as to the choice OF
those who represent their interests In
the highest branch OF Congress. The
question demands prompt and decisive
action. and Mr.. Reddy's bill. or one
similar to It. should be passed before the
Legislature adjourns.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30
The Man Who SCOTS.


y
He used TO scoff at women,
Called them foolish. brainless things
Who would sell their souls for dresses
Or for necklaces or rings.
lie scorned them for their efforts
To be beautiful ana sweet.
But there chanced 20 be a woman
Fate had destined him to meet.
She was neither good nor lovely.
Although he deemed her SO:
She was mostly artificial.
But, poor fool. he didn't knowi
To-day men look in pity
on the man who used 20 scoff,
And wonder what will happen
When the mask
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30
The Proper Wear.

In Shakespeare's time, when winters
rime.
Did man with chills attack.
He then did share, as underwear,
The kind entitled sack"
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

In answer to an inquiring legal friend,
we would say that section 1S5 of the Code
OF virginia, 1887, provides that the judges
of the Hastings and Corporation courts
shall be paid "out Of the treasury of their
respective corporations" County Judges
are paid by the counties.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

Everything possible is being done for
the entertainment and amusement of our
presidential visitor from Hawaii, but,
nevertheless and Notwithstanding, the
proceeding is necessarily Doleful.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30
A Necessary Recourse.

Mr.. Boarder: AS I have frequently re-
marked before. Madam. your soups taste
to me as II they had been doctored.
Mrs. Caterer: They have to be. sir.
They are subject to so many complaints.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30
Fortunate.
Farmville Herald)

Farmville Herald)
Tho government has been fortunate N
having General Lee as its representative
In Cuba during these stormy days IT'S
courage and calm judgment have been IN
Constant demand
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

There are people in this country, we
fear. who will sympathize more or less
fully with the Spanish proposuo. 10
anchor warships of Wall street
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

indianapolis Journal)
Poverty" said the platitudlnous
boarder, rs the cause OF most crime"
Strange. isn't IT," commented the
Cheerful Idiot, how straitened circum-
stances Will make a man crooked7'
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

They have started Funny Mans Clui
In Chicago; all the members wear Jest
protectors.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

Oh, for a retrenchment knife so very
keen and sharp that cutting with it
would not hurt! Who can devise one?
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

Don't blame young person for being
fresh. The inheritance of every new
born individual is freshness.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

The world would be better of II thu
men who hang up" everything were
hung themselves.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

In the estimate of his fellows. he re.
treats.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

1t is less a question of bigger salary
and more one Of lesser general expendi-
ture
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

the car-track You know he is interested
in reforming the currency.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

sees a chicken git up an fly inter de mex
lot, l knows bettah.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

The pugilist's motto-pounds and pence
!. e., the pounds that bring recom-pense.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

Dey say chicken mighty dui-witted,
but when ! walks erlong de road an /
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30
Agreed with Her.

Wife tmaking pass at her husband
with broom; ! want you TO remember,
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

Possibly Mr.. Button wasn't pressed
enough to take that colonelcy.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

All letters and kilograms must be ad-
dressed to THE DISPATCH COMPANY.
Rejected communications will not be
returned.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

At fashionable parties now, the stand
ing thing is a seated supper.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

All letters recommending candidates
for ofice must DO paid for to insure their
publication. This is long standing rule
NJ ofsrs
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30
ADVERTISING RATES.

Above rates are for every day" or ad-
rertisements running consecutively
Reading notices in reading-matter type
I'VE lines or Less. 81: in nonpariel. loaded.
five lines or less, IS cents.
Card OF rates for more space furnished
on application.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

o, old papers for sale at the pisoatcs
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-30

Resolutions OF respect to deceased
members passed by societies. corpora
tions. associations. or other organiza-
lions will be charged for as advertising
matter.