Evening capital and Maryland gazette., 1910-06-23
TAXPAYERS APPROVE OF BOND


Inc decisive appfOEdl gwen Ds thS
taxpayers Of Annapolis TO the proposed
ordinance for the purpose of issuing
bonds. the proceeds Of which are to be
used largely in continuing Annapolis
system Of street improvements, is sig
niRcant in a number Of ways.
First Of all. the hearty support given
by the taxpayers, including many of
those who are the most highly assessed,
shows that our citizens are not, as a
rule. affected by selfish motives, but
are willing TO pay for improvements if
they are satisfied the amounts they con
tribute are to be veil used. The fact
that the proposed improvements, as set
forth in the ordinance. are all carefully
thought out and well chosen, is largely
the reason why the taxpayers gave the
proposition such hearty support.
While the proportion of those who
voted is not actually very large when
the number entitled to do so is eonsid
cred. yet it was considerably larger
than the number Of those who have
voted previously on such measure
when voting was confined to taxpayers,
This shows q. a.healthy growth of in
treest in such questions. IL is a pity.
however. that such matters do not re-
ceive the careful consideration of every
citizen. Every taxpayer in the city
should have made up his or her mind in
the matter. and showed interest in the
city's welfare by voting for what was
considered the best interests of the
community.
As IN previous cases where the right
TO vote was extended to the property
holding women, a good many of the
stock arguments of those who oppose
giving the ballot TO women. under any
circumstances. were confuted. They did
not show that they valued the privilege
given them, and voted in good numbers
They exercised their right of suffrage
intelligcntly and conscientiously. Not
the slightest incident occurred to em4
barrass or annoy any of them, but. on
Aiit' 'RltNl stl > tAtNAA lANotiNt was q
source of pleasure and benefit to all.
The women as well as most of the men,
showed themselves to be on the side of
municipal advancement.
The action of the taxpayers is an ex-
preston of confidence in the present ad-
ministration. The members of the City
Council and their agents will have the
spending of a considerable sum of money
and the verdict of the taxpayers was
that they would spend it conscientiously
and well. The Capital has no doubt
that this will be the case. and merely
urges the greatest care and economy in
the expenditure of every cent.
A question connected with the bond
issue is that of the next tax rate. 1t is
evident that the Council will have its
hands full during the coming fiscal year
in carry ing out the improvements under
the bond issue. This being the case,
few if any, additional works should be
anticipated. and only reasonable sum
be provided over necessary expenses in
order to provide for contingencies. 1t
would appear therefor. that decided
cut in the rate is quite feasible. The
present Council will close its year with
a splendid record if it carries out sue
essfully the improvements specified in
the ordinance. and also gives the tax
payer a substantial lessening of their
burdens.
Looking to the future. it may be said
that the necessity of further bond
issue is not likely for many years.
With the completion of the pavement of
West St. no large work of improve
ment is imperatively necessary in any
quarter Let the few unpaved blocks
be given attention year by year from
money! raised by the levy, and let the
taxpayers have the benefit of the
leSSeninE bonded debt as the series
mature, and of the splendid increase in
our taxable basis. In few years the
community will begin TO feel the relief.
and the present Council has the oppor-
tunity of adding to the good things it
has done an action which means lasting
good to the people of Annapolis.