The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-12-10
THURSDAY. DECEMBER 10, 1908.
The Annexation Bill.

I'VE have been slow to commit our
S1yes to the Anderson annexation bill,
It involves a difficult question and
I3le that has agitated the people OF Vir-
inia for q long time, but we have final
| Ne cone to the conclusion that the Dill
fair and sensible. and that 1t should
INCOME the law of the State. Some have
LED to prejudice the General Assem-
h against the bill on the grounds that
$s; Is framed especially for Richmond.
snat may be true, and yet it applies
SI other cities and sections just as 1t
,plles to Richmond and 1Ienrlcc, and
iii operate as well elsewhere as 1t Will
fSerate here.
I've believe in the principle Of popular
Elections. We believe In local self-gov-
Eminent, and We believe that the peo-
N, Of this section and that should, as
$frule. be permitted to decide by bal
II all questions Of peculiar interest TO
aem. But in case like this. where
Aere are several conflicting interests 1t
bould be difficult to arrive at the eQui-
ss BY popular vote. 1t would be much
Hitter to submit all the issues to the de-
Ssion of a competent judge, who would
I'LL as an impartial arbiter between all
hrties concerned. 1t is a question IN
Ehch the property owners are chiefly
Sncerued a question involving proper
a4rights and property values, and every
aGreet. property owner would prefer
s5seens to us, to have such questions
sc,f1ed In court rather than by an In
scriminate election.
Tho trial judge. under the provisions
the bill. is to be selected by the Gov
nor from some other circuit than that
which either the city desiring anneXa-
"a or the territory to be annexed. lies
"a any county affected by the proceed
Is. or other persons affected thereby.
ay appear and make themselves parties
,fendant to the case, and be represent
q by counsel.
II case OF annexation, the city or town
.nexing new territory, will be required
assume and provide for the reim-
,rsemelt of the county Of just pro-
,rtion Of any existing debt of such
,unty as may be determined In the
soceeding, and also for compensation
such county for a1y@ schools house or
her public building OF such county To-
.ted within the annexed territory. which
,all not be reserved in the proceeding
the county.
II a city annexes town. the city
vi, be required to assume all the In
.btedness of the town SO annexed. and
aall own all the corporate property,
anchises and rights OF the town.
one OF the most important provisions
1.-the bill is that which relates to taxa
IN, It is provided in section that
iha tax rate upon the land annexed
hall not be increased for Il period OF
We years after such annexation, and all
venues derived by such city Or town
ON taxation in said territory during
lch period. either on property or from
her sources, including licenses, shall
!. wholly expended by such city or town
,on street, sewer, light, water or
her public Improvement in said terri
Ty."
The language is not quite as explicit,
.rhaps, as 1t might be, but the meaning
eat is that taxpayers In annexed dis
lets snail, during n period of five years,
iy the same rate OF taxation that they
ere paying to sthe county or town be-
nd r1 "a
Il tho local taxes. which they pay dur
ic that time, shall be expended in Local
,proyement. The bill should be sc
nendeu, however. as TO provide that an
sxed districts shall have the right II
crease their taxes, II they SO desire
NJ local improvements. and 1t would
so be proper for each annexed district L
ave local board OF improvement Il
rect the expenditure of the improve
emit fund.
AZ applied to Richmond and vicinity
means that II the Judge should decide
at contiguous territory in Henricc
lould be annexed for five years, thu
x,payers would pay to the city 81
nts on a dollar. and that all the reye
ie thus derived should be expended II
aking sewers and laying water pipe'
n said improvements. In lights etc. a:
= as the money would go.
ii would be OF great advantage to th'
sckiy settled sections Of Henrico jus
yond the city limits, TO Barton Heights
aestnll Hill and all the suburban set
kmentS 10 be taken into tho city upol
eae terms. Property owners would a
.cA begin to get the benefit OF III
Res they pay, and IT would not be lonl
,fors they would have all the city con
.riar.caa hut apart from TIA matte