The Paducah evening sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1906-1929, 1908-09-09
THE MAYOR AND THE SCHOOLS


OF all the malevolent and absurd
utterances on a subject that demands
our most serious consideration, the
attempt OF the, morning paper today
to make use of the deplorable school
situation TO abuse the present city
administration. was the most pitiable
that ever has come to our notice.
That paper never did anything TO
aid in the expurgation. of the old
school board after Il had recklessly
plunged the schools in debt and
squandered the money designed for
the pay of teachers: but II did mis-
represent Mayor Smith when he be-
gan his crusade against the bawdy
houses; 1t suppressed the news OF his
near beer" crusade, and his veto
Of the ordinance, permitting the
transfer of saloon licenses no doubt
gave that loyal organ the crouch.
which resulted in the effort TO fasten
on his administration responsibility
for the shortage of school funds.
Il was through the vigorous eff
forts of Mayor Smith that the legis-
lature authorized the city to increase
saloon licenses, thus providing suf-
ficient revenue to maintain the city
for the fiscal year, and the other rev.
enue raising steps he has taken to
provide for legitimate city expenses
are sufficient to stamp his administra-
was Mayor Smiths success that in
duced the next-morning paper to
turn in desperation to him. hoping
that by putting him on his mettle he
might be induced to take a hand In
the school situation. II he does, rest
assured. something will happen; but
as to just how he is to do il, our
next-morning contemporary has
nothing to offer.
| II does not know, maybe. that the
school board is distinct corporation,
receiving a certain pro rata from the
state and 80 cent levy on city
property; that II can sue and be sued
in its own name; that even in the
matter of Issuing bonds the board
does not have to consult the city au-
thorities. Any interference of tho
mayor could justly be resented by
the school trustees. and he would
have no right to interfere more than
any other citizen.
AS to diverting funds from tn,
city for school purposes: there are
no funds to divert; IL there we're
funds they already would have been
| appropriated to other purposes,
something that is done In January of
each year; and If there were funds
to be diverted. not the mayor. but
the general council would be the
proper one to do that.
Does our disingenuous contempor-
airy really believe that all the money.
which is collected in taxes from the
people for city expenses is dumped in
the lap Of Mayor Smith for him TO do
with just as he pleases, and that
when We desire more money for the
schools all We have to do Is TO ask
Mayor Smith TO give us as much as
we need?
| IL it does not believe this. will It
please wake up and tell us how Mayor
Smith is to relieve the situation, Civ
ing figures and other necessary data?
II Vt can find way for Mayor Smith
to relieve the situation, believe us.
Mayor Smith will go to the rescue of
the school board. At any rate. NJ Il
nattering to Mayor Smith, IL not very
complimentary to the school board,
that even so unrelenting a foe OF the
administration, az the next-morn-
Ing News-Democrat has proven itself
to be. should turn to him for aid.