The age-herald., 1900-08-05

thing of State government inhibition-a failure on the part of the frameRs of the State constitution to anticipate or provide for even the possibility of the birth and growth of a great new city within the linn its of Alabama Mobile Montgomery and Selma were amply provided for by the con- stitution, and were given taxing powers adequate to their demands There was no Birmingham then, and none thought pos sible. tax rate of one-half of one per cent was thought sufficient and is suf- ficient for the smaller cities and towns of the State, which have no expensive growth to meet Therefore, Birmingham was con- fronted by a condition which baffled the skill of those appointed to represent the people in keeping her municipal manage ment apace with popular progress which was here so evident. To hypothecate flu ture growth, future strength, future in come, and the hope for future constitu- tional relief was the only course, the only way available-hence the issuance of these ponds, for the payment of which the faith and credit of the city was by virtue of acts of the General Assembly of the State, solemnly pledged
 The money thus obtained has not been wasted. As close observer of the manage ment Of the municipal affairs of Birming- nam since its first bonds were issued, the writer detects no serious blunder made by any administration. Beginning with the Jeffers administration of 1SS1-S2, and com ing down through the Lane, Thompson and Fox administrations, the four heads of city government which directed the expenditure Of these bond funds, it does not appear that dollar was dishonestly, or even injudi- c1ously, expended; and that all expendi- lures were for permanent and substantial improvement is evidenced by the magnifi- cent school buildings, the streets of Belgian, block paving and the invaluable system of sewerage, which protects and preserves the health of the community. These were in- vestments for the people. They constitute the beginning-the very foundation upon which the city of Birmingham is builded without these we could have no city sf Birmingham. Hence there is no room for regret.
 During the year 1895, under pressure of decreased tax returns and growing de- mands upon the treasury, the city found ltseif unable to promptly meet the interest upon It's bonded debt. With an honest de- sire and purpose to deal fairly with it's creditors, and to preserve it's good name, contract was entered into with Messrs steiner Bros, representing a number If bond houses, by which it was agreed that one-half the city's bond interest should be withheld for five years, the city to nav K per cent interest on all deferred coupons. Thls was done in order that the city might by natural increase of population and wealth, or by constitutional enactment. re- gain position that would enable her to
 
 During the administration of Hon. A. a. Lane, and again during that of Hon. David J. FOX, efforts were made to have adopted by the people of the State, through pope- lar election, an amendment to the State constitution, by which the Legislature of Alabama could permit the Mayor and AL dermen of Birmingham to increase the levy of city taxes, in order to meet the bonded indebtedness. Both efforts failed, the people of the State declining to express a willing ness for Birmingham to tax herself How ever, at the general State election in 1S9S the proposition was again submitted to the people in different form, and by their votes the Birmingham Amendment" to the State constitution was adopted, and to- day the city is collecting an ad vaIorem tax of one-half of 1 per cent for the sole purpose of meeting her bond obligations The fund thus arising is most sacredly guarded and pledged to an application as is provided in the act. So jealous is the act for the care of this fund that it especially stipulates and says that "the application or use of any of the moneys collected for the payment of the interest or principal of said bonds, for any other purpose than that authorized or required by this act, shall be deemed felony, and the person guilty thereof, whether he be the Mayor of the city, or any Alderman so voting, or the treasurer, collector, custodian, agent or servant of the board, must, on conviction. be imprisoned in the penitentiary for not more than five years, etc."
 Bros expires on the 18th of this month,