The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-10-22

fairs mere, the popular city accountant
and former candidate for Mayor has
prepared list of questions. which will
be found below. and every one or which.
goes to the very root of some matter
in which citizens of a great municipal
CORPORATION like ktchmond are inter-
ested These questions We're secured
from Captain Mccarthy by representa-
tive. OF the Times last night, and are
printed because of present interest IN
the alleged municipal scandals now I'M
der investigation here.
THINKS THEM PROPER.
These questions have suggested them
selves to me from time to time as proper
ones for the consideration of the people,
said Captain Mccarthy, and l give
them to you for whatever they may be
worth.
80 far as am concerned, in order
to stir up public interest in local AFFAIRS,
continued captain Mccarthy, Will
meet any one who desires to discuss them
and will take either side of any ques-
ton | nave asked. and argue 1t to the
best OF my ability"
FOLLOWING is the list of questions pre-
pared by Captain Mccarthy and secured
for publication IN The Times:
1. Should we have some Councilmen
elected from the city at large?
.. Would it be we'll to allow persons
not resident in ward to represent the
ward in the Council?
3. Is it desirable to increase the powers
Of the Mayor in the direction Of ap-
pointmcnts, etc. y by Council action as Tar
as the city charter and the STATE consul
tuition will permit it?
AS TO BONDED DEBT.
4. Ought we to increase the bonded debt
fSy- inn
the water supply or the Improvement OF
the. river.
5 Ought We to increase or diminish the
present tax rate?
G. Is the present revenue of the city
sufficient to secure all necessary improve
ments and pay current expenses.
Is government by commission as
good or better than government by
Council committees. and would it be we'll
to extend the commission SO as to include
all the important departments of the city
government?
g If Councilmen are TO be paid. shall
the salary be large or small?
g. Shall the public schools of the city
continue to grow more expensive by rails
ing the standard for graduation. and by
enlarsing the curriculum?
TO- Is it true that our streets are COM
paratively in bad condition. Has the city
the means necessary to make all the
streets good?
IL Is it possible or desirable to have
municipal campaign. without Federal or
State politics. dealing only with the
practical questions Of city government?
GAS AND WATER
Il. Shall the city continue to furnish
gas and water at a profit or sell both
at cost, and if necessary make up the
resulting deficiency by direct taxation?
IS. Shall we abandon the tried and
abundant James River for Swift Creek
and its unknown changes and difficult
ties?
"A. Shall we hold on to our present char
ter or try for a new one, with all the
changes and uncertainties of legislative
.Shall we bear the Ills we
have or fly to those we know not OFF,
Is. Has the time arrived when fran
chse for public utilities being no longer
experiments, should no longer be given
away but sold or made to produce reve-
nue. for the people and city?
j 16. Ought the corporate limits to be ex-
tended. and would the advantages out
weigh the disadvantage
II. Is tie present police force sufficient
or must it be larger. and, II so. how
much?
IS. Would it not be wise move on the
part of the Council to make the Mayor
a member. ex-of1icio. OF all the Council
49,. Do the people desire to enter the
of cities for great population.
great area. great wealth and splendor
and TO that end to encourage theatres.
gambling, races and all the extrava CANT
;1i~,
Of great city? or do they prefer the
quiet safety and virtues of moderate
growth? Does 1t pay in the higher nd
noblers sense to become .'a great city,"
Is this competition necessity or de-
usion?
EVIL AGAINST GOOD.
20. Are evil influences and ignorant
and corrupt people as much emitted TO
under our form of city
as the forces for good and
The intelligent and virtuous people? DO
we recognize the principle that5they are!
y. Does the city need an Inspector OF
milk and food?
% Does the city need on inspector or
buildings?
g Ought the city to provide a great
hall. safe, capa cious and attractive for
associations and great pub
lie occasions?
"a Do the people want a free public
library on the basis OF the Carnegie of
fer, or on any other basis?
25. Shall we have high, low. medium
or no license for saloons?
&C. Is the purely commercial view
Of how to run a city the only worthy
view?
81 Is it true the bar-rooms and liquor
interests can and do exert more influence
in Richmond elections than all the
churches combined? Ought it to be true?
2s Would it not be well to provide
seats at the meetings Of both branches
ST the Council for the Mayor and heads
Of departments. and require their at
tendance that they may learn by hearing
and in turn give information when ques-