The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-01-01

and vigilant, and render the most effec-
tive service. The fire-plugs throw the
water as far and with as much effective
ness as large steam fire-engines the pres
sure being great, and the management at
fires is excellent and successful. Indeed,
with few Improvements, which are now
being installed, our Fire Department Will
be most efficient. The city authorities
have constant progress and improvements
in mind. and they will doubtless be soon
made, thus giving the city increased pro-
lection and benefits from this admirable
department. et4t
Her Finances.
The finances of the city are in & most
excellent condition. They are well and,
cautiously managed. The Council has
found the way clear to reduce the rate
of city taxes. The tax-rate now Is city
taxes sl.1o-10o: school, 20c.; sewer-tax.
2oc.; State tax, 35c.; making a total of
s1.s5-1D on the hundred dollars. This
compared with the tax-rate OF Rich
mond, is slightly in favor of Manchester.
as R!chmond's txx-rate OF Richmond is
hundred dollars. not including the sever
tax in force there. which moro than
makes up the difference Of 10 cents,
abovea appearing.
These things are stated In the way of
business comparison and illustration and
are Indicative of our prosperous condi
ton in this regard and prospects for
reduction In the future. But this tax
rate. 1t Is hoped and believed. can be
reduced as soon as the water and sever
aeg connections are fully enforced MANY
OF the streets and sidewalks in the city
have been permanently improved dur
ing the last year.
Excellent Banks.
The prosperity and growth of city
are frequently measured by the in
fluence and business OF her banks.
Manchester is blessed with and bene-
fitted by two most prosperous, progress
sive and finely managed banks-the Me-
chanics and Merchants Bank and the
Bank OF Manchester. The first named
was established in 1889, and, under the
conduct of it's most capable and courteous
cashier. Mr.. J. II. Patteson, and Its Wig
liant and efficient directory. this most
worthy institution has prospered aid
grown In Influence and popularity, until
1t has become q most potent factor In
the city's life and destiny. It Is yearly
increasing in Its financial influence, and
has before it a most prosperous outlook.
The sister institution The Bank of
Manchester. while younger has attained
a wide and increased popularity, and done
most excellent work in the city, ana
has materially augmented the banking
facilities of this community, and has be-
come a most enterprisng and energetic
Influence for the betterment of this city.
1t Is most efficiently managed by its polite
and competent cashier, Mr.. Clarence
Walden.
Fine Schools.
~ Wa hnv nah 10 ,;nt,o
principals, who are managing and d.
recting the schools In most successful
manner, and we have we'll qualified, ac-
ceptable and earnest corps of teachers.
who are cultivated and professional, and
are instructors in most instances of
large experience, acquired In the school
room.
Our School Board is in full accord and
sympathy with all measures and move
mentst to maintain and heighten the excel
lence our schools have attained, and to
broaden and elevate them.
This Is manifested In many ways-most
notably In the careful selection of teach
ers, the strict enforcement of our dis
clplinary regulations, the enlargement
and enrichment of our school course, the
introduction OF the teachings of vocal
music and drawing, and the effort to have
a High School Building erected
An eIIoFI VIII De iaue " ot5uiiiAo u
large and enthusiastic education associa-
ton, in this city, January 9Th, and to thus
arouse and enlist all OF tie forces of
cur people for the advancement OF our
schools, the enlightenment OF our clt-
.izenshlp and the promotion OF the
literary ana moral excellence OF our city.
The Churches.
& The churches Of the city have made
decided improvements during the past
few years Manchester is notably Blessed
considering it's advantages, with ex-
cellent church edifIces. There are six
teen church. buildings in ther oity-ten
white and six ,colored. No moro beauti-