The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-02-19
SENATOR WHITAKER
Gives Some Sound Reasons Why the
Refunding Ordinance Should be
Passsd-Its Defeat Would be a
arava Plnndar.


Grave Blunder.
Wheeling Sunday News: With re-
markabie unanimity OF opinion the bus
mess men OF Wheeling are nrrayed with
the supporters Of the refunding ordi-
nance. No financial measure has ever
been brought to the attention Of the
citizens in which the solid men Of the
town have evlnced so much interest,
and which they are SO heartily avucat-
ing. Regardless OF politics, men who
have knowledge OF finance endorse the
scheme, and will go TO the polls next
Saturday and vote for 1t.
Among the citizens who support the
refundIng ordinance, and whose opin-
ions are always given great considera-
ton by the voters, is Senator Nelson
Z. whitaker. Mr.. Whitaker is given
to looking Mt municipal problems from
business standpoint, and being pres
ident OF one Of the greatest industrial
concerns In the Ohio Valley. his views
on municipal finance are Of undoubted
soundness and influence. and are entl-
tied TO serious thought by all who are
going to vote on the proposition.
Mr.. whitaker was interviewed by a
News reporter yesterday afternoon.
and consented to give his opinion OF
the ordinance for publication. He was
approached by. the News several days
ago for an interview, but refused to
make a statement until he had thor
ouEhly studied tho ordnance Since
then he has looked over II very care
fully, and yesterday. In reply to Ques-
tons said
"If the proposition Of refunding in.
volved the question Of increase in the
city debt, there would be substantial
grounds for opposition, but. on the
contrary, It is simply an extension at
lower rate Of interest thus attordlng
reduction Of the burdens already In
CURED. It Is difficult, practically I'm
possible, TO conceive how any fair
minded. intelligent citizen can ind
good reason for not supporting tho
very commendahle proposition to be
voted on the cath Instant; as a plain,
sensible, business matter there can be
no valid objection. Tho obligations
now imposed upon the people cannot
DC eVHueNlt AuHS must VIC "'NN "'-N
provided for; e at once, or at an early
period, provision must be made, and
IL the resources are not at hand, (and
1t Ia evident they art noO, they by
self.denlal and self-exRetlon must the
requirements be obtained; and how can
this be done. except by economy relent-
1essiy enforced. the withholding Of ordi,
nary and necessary expenditures or by
Increased Tux rates with consequent
great public dissatisfaction, IL the re-
funding proposition Is not accepted. H.
on the other hand, the Interest ratio can
be reduced, Is It not an emphatic ccon-
omy, Imposing no hardship, but result
ing in a material and substantial saw
ing and heneht2 This Is why / believe
in the refundspB OF the city debt.
"The placing OF 4 more remote ma
turlty at tho lower rae of Interest In
the manner proposed commend itself
most highly. Involves no increase of
tax rates. gives immediate and perma-
ncnt relief to the present strlngency of
city finances. enables the procuring by
fair and equitable, means OF the In-
candesceht light system Of the city. tho
maintenance and Improvement Of our
prcsen miacrable streets and public
highways md In many other why's
provides for direct and indirect benG-
fltS to our citizens. That there can