The Nashville globe. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1906-193?, 1910-10-21
Bond Issues.

propositions, namely, first, the issu-
ance of bonds to establish a normal
school for Negroes; second, the is
stance of bonds to convert Black
Bottom into a park; and, third, APP
proving of the Gas Company fran
chise. All three of these PROPOSE
tons are of vital Importance to all the
people.
The Normal, Agricultural and Me
chanical College for the Negro youth
of the state has been provided for in
a bill passed by the last General AS
sembly, the matter to be decided by
the voters in November is, do the
people of Nashville want the college
located in Davidson County? The
City Council has voted yea, and they
are the representatives of the peo-
pie. The councilmen did not vote on
this proposition in a heated passion,
there was no p%artisanship in their ac-
ton, but after a careful study of the
situation they decided that it would
be a profitable investment FOR the
city to spend the amount they have.
stipulated for a normal college for the
Negro youth of the state. But a ques-
ton was raised as to whether the
council had a right to take such a
step, and SO it was thought best to
give the people a chance to express
themselves at the polls in the gen.
eral election. We urge upon every
Negro to go to the polls on the eighth
and vote for the bond issue for the
Negro Normal. There is practically
no opposition to the proposition, but
it is necessary for the Negroes to
show to the world that they are deep
ly interested in their children.
The history of Black Bottom is
well known to all the people of this
city. 1t has always been a blot on
Nashville's record. A crime-breeder
of the basest type. We do not be-
lieve there is a single respectable
voter in this state who would hest
tate for a moment to cast his vote
for a proposition that means the elm
ination of this disease and crime
breeder. For years and years this
portion of Nashville has harbored'
hundreds of criminals and debaucned
men and women, and it is remarkable
that epidemics have not broken out
in that section of the city.
1t must not be forgotten, however,
that there are some men who do not
approve of this move. The dive keep
ers will work hard against the break
ing up of their dens, but these are
largely in the minority, but can be-
come a majority if the law-abiding,
industrious voters neglect to vote for
the bond issue. Every Negro father
who loves his family and every man
who loves humanity should support
this proposition. 1t is to their in
terest to do it, and we believe they
will, but for fear some may allow the
excitement prevalent to divert their
attention, we call upon the sober men
to join in a united effort to see to it
that no one forgets his duty to his
city on the eighth of November.
The Gas franchise is another pro-
gressive step on the part of our May
or and Council. Nashville must keep
abreast of the times in all things. We
cannot hope to stay in the front ranks
of the twentieth century achieve
ments unless we improve with time
Our gas troubles have been many in
the past, and unless the system is i'm
proved and brought up to date, the
Inconvenience will multiply tenfold
in a few years. This city is growing
rapidly, and with its growth and the
large suburban population of a class
that demands all the c%onveniences o.
{ city life, the capacity of the presenr
gas plant will not nearly supply theil
wants. None can say these improve
t ments do not benefit them, for they
| do. The poor are benefited as we'll al
tht rich, for while the rich may us,
, the the greater part Of a commodit,