The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-10-17
A Word to You,
Mr.. Rural Voter
ALPHA

State Auditor G. Lee Moore obviously regards
it as quite a distinction to Lynchburg that
every dollar Of taxes assessed against its realty
for state purposes has been collected and paid
into the Virginia treasury. This is the way
to attend to business says Mr.. Moorc--"Nr
Adams attends to business al the time" The
auditor might we'll have added-lnd because
Mr., Adams has been attending to hrs official
business all the time for long time, lie IS
that much the better enabled 10 render ex-
cellent work in discharging an important pub
lie trust Indeed, Mr.. Moore cannot veil
speak too highly of our city treasurer, as #
faithful diligent, competent official Here in
Lynchburg full recognition OF the fact has
long been accorded him. The Richmond Even
ing Journal In noting Auditor Moores tribute
to Mr.. Adams, remarks:
II .yncnburg sometimes called the Hill city.
has set an example which would place the
State in very fine position were IL to be fol-
lowed by ali the cities and counties The treas
urer Of that city had charged against him taxes
real estate for the year of s5s.3S8.-4. and
today the books ia The auditors office show
that the same amount has been paid In by
Treasurer Henry =. Adams. II there il an
other city or county in the State in which
there is not delinquent taxes it Is not knosn
10 the auditor. He regrets that there are
no more Lynchburgs. In that city this year
there no attempt TO dispute the correct
Of solitary assessment, the owners of
the real estate coming right up and paying"
This is not printed for the benefit OF the peo
ple Of Lynchburg They do not need eniighten-
ment to the efficiency of either Mr. Adams,
their treasurer to Mr.. snead, their COM
missioner Of the revenue They have known
all about IL for many years past. But ths News
desires to especially and directly ask fire at
u realty assessment in Lynchburg of 35S.
353.l+ for State purposes in 1911 the auditor
books show n credit entry Of s5s,3S314. II
wishes further to point to people not fami-
liar with the local situation that the highly
commendable exhibit made by Treasurer
Adams this year, reflects no materially excep-
tional resuts--that it is hut the product of a
carefully consistently maintained policy which
has been observed for years in Mr. Adams'
office; that the experience acquired through
many terIAs Of service by Mr Adams az treas
urer of Lynchburs, has figured as important
If not essential quantity in bringing his
office up 10 its present point of high grade eff
cheney.
This being SO, Mr.. Rural Voter what do you
think or constitutional requirement that prac-
ticaliy says to the voters Of Lynchburg: You
cannot re-elect Mr., Adams your city treas
urer. Regardless OF how faithful he is: of how
strong your desire to retain him in offce-he
is ineligible to succeed himself in Office" You
don't regard that wholesome requirement.
Wei. such an exists Such one is writ
ten into the organic law Of Virginia with re-
spect to every city treasurer and every city
commissioner OF the revenue In the Common
wealth. But--and mark well the Qualifca-
tion-but it will be with the voters of Viz
GINA on the 9th day of next November. to
amend the constitution, as to enable Lynch
burgers to retain Mr. Adams treasurer II they
so wish: to retain Mr.. w. n. Snead. commits
sioner OF the revenge, il they wish, and to
enable Richmond and all Virginia cities to do
likewise with like officers The News Is there
fore urging that you vote for this amendment
II has simply used Mr.. Adams record as a
text to drive home the proposition that under
sensible conception OF local self government
experienced officials in charge Of a city's f.
rancial Affairs, ought not to be rendered in
eligible to succeed themselves in office. II they
prove unworthy incapable, let the voters
reject them ct the polls. Or If through ex-
perience and capable service they have made
good, let the voters re-eIect them
Vote for the amendment. then!--this in the
name OF good government, and popular
sovereignty. and the best interests of State and
city~-Lynchburg News