Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1901-05-29

contict with the State law; others
which are still in force do not apply;
Others again have been repealed, and
only a long search through the writ
ten ordinance book can determine their
exact standing.
The present printed book of ordi-
nances is almost worthless, and renders
the conduct of the affairs of the city
\ extremely difficult. 1t is imperative
that early provision be made for revis-
ing, compiling and codifying these i'm
poItant matters which are really the
foundation of our civic existence.
Beautifying Waste Places.
1t is a subject of much regret that
the movement ipaugurated some time
ago to add to the appearance and COM
fort OF our city by planting trees and
~shrubbery along the hid sides and dead
ends of streets should have been aban-
doned. The project is one calling for
united effort, and while the city has
no fund applicable to or available for
the purpose, it could be successfully ac-
complished by private subscription to
provide the necessary trees and plants,
and the utilization OF such prisoners as
may DO RI III nOl h-l1OQSC. 1tlO tO5ulI
would be most gratifying, not only to
the eye, but ere long. would provide a
cool breathing spot for our citizens.
Streets and Paving.
Much criticism has been made of the
conQItion OF our streets, and to one I'M
acquainted with the financial conditions
under which the Board of Public Works
operates, would seem merited. But when
it is understood that from the contin-
gent fund of the Board must be paid
not only the salaries of the Board-of-
ficials and street men-but as we'll the
new work not contemplated by the ten
cent levy fund, and since that fund
amounts on the average, to but $780, 900
per year it is readily comprehended chat
the sum is not sufficient to meet all the
demands upon it. AS d result, our
streets are filthy and will be so until
some better financial policy prevails.
The special levy Of ten cents on each
500 for new paving, new sewers, etc.,
is not applicable for other purposes,
and can legally he applied only to the
betterment of those streets which have
not been improved. Hence it must be
considered as entirely beyond the con-
troll of the Board, its distribution or ap-
plication being dictated to the Board by
the Councilmen.
The distribution of the ten-cent levy
fund has heretofore been in equal pro-
portion to each of the wards, originat-
ing from a resolution of Council, but
with no consideration as to equity or
the interests of the greater number.
While approaching that a radical depar-
ture from the old method will meet
with opposition, still l am emboldened
to advocate a policy other than now
in vogue, and believe the Finance Com
mittee should apply the fund as they
may deem most advantageous.
There is room for grave solicitude as
to the ability of the city to maintain
a satisfactory condition of her brick
paved streets. Many of them, indeed, /
may say almost all of them, are in ex-
ecrable shape, and this is particularly
true OF those streets in the business part
of the city. The only fund available
for the purpose is the Contingent fund
of the Board, the ten-cent levy being
applicable only to new work. We can
not anticipate any increase in the Con-
tingent fund, and may experience a
reduction, so that any relief from the
existing condition Of our improved
streets must come through the general
fund of the city. The fund is already
heavily loaded with it's obligation to
carry not only the reduction of bonded
Indebtedness and interest, but as we'll
the provision of e to carry on the
general business of the city through
the several departments. 1t is, there
fore, a serious problem to make the
available funds cover the requirements,
in fact an impossibility, necessitating
the delaying of needed improvements
and a practical violation Of the provi-
sions of the restraining ordinance, since
receipts must be over-estimated to pro-
vide sufficient revenue. This revenue,
not being realized, involves an ohliga-
ton in thea shape of outstanding or
ders, which are a distinct evasion of
the law and a fit subject for repudia-
ton, as well as a ground for censure of
those who compose Council.
Refund.
In advocating a refund of the city's
Indebtedness, l do so without fear of
SuCCeSSiui COlteullOu. he CONDITIONS
as briefly presented above, are abso-
lutte and positive, and to my mind adj
nit of no argument. We are confronted
by a condition, not a theory. and have
to deal with facts which are apparent
and incapable of contravention.
Predicated upon actual facts, the city
is in q position of having defaulted
in her obligations. the compromise
loan has been overdue for a year, and
is paying an interest rate of Ave per
cent. instead of three per cent. in. order
to secure protection from local bank
ers. This loan amounts to So. 900, and.
must be provided for. This provision
is a physical impossibility under exist
ing conditions.
The proposition to effect q refund
should, in my opinion. be bas ed upon
the present Indebtedness solely, but SO
formulated is to reduce the annual pay
ments to the amount contemplated III
the statute. While this Viii involve tue