Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1913-11-18
WILL INCREASE
 TAX ON POLES City Council Also Refuses to Give Money to the Asso-
 ciated Charities
THE MAYOR URGED IT
Alderman SorrcIl~ Thought It a Bad recedent-t.arbage Ordinance
 Amended.

The City Council last night, de- spite the plea of Mayor Simon Bloom that the organization was doing most effective work and rendering a fine public service, as well as saving the city money, refused to donate the small sum of $5 a month for six months to the Associated Charities. The main reason for the council talk ing no action in the matter was be- cause they feared that they might set precedent and likely encourage other organizations, churches, etc., to ask for appropriations from the city.
 Mayor Bloom addressed letter to the council, which was read, urging the aldermen to appropriate some sum in keeping with the city's fin ancial condition, to the Associated Charities. He said:
 "Gentlemen: Some time ago the QuCSllOl OL doolotlllSo 1h0 tHi,Su Charities in this city was suggested by Alderman Veil. Since that time I have given same my personal at tention. I am free to say that il my estimation it is one of the best organizations that Pine Bluff has.
 "It is of great benefit, and, with the Police Department, we have com pletely eliminated the street beggar.
 'We have on number of Occas- ions turned over to the Charities; several professionals and ia eaclb instance care and attention was given the same. l therefore recommend to your honorable body that we arrange to in some way repay this good work by making an appropriation for cer- tain allowances payable monthly, and, would suggest an amount in accor- dance..
 &Aldermanj Well moved' that the council appropriate $5 month for six months to the Associated Chari- ties, Alderman Corells asked the opinion of the city engineer as to the
 legal authority of the city to make
 such an appropriation. '"rhe As
 sociated Charities is a noble organl-
 zation," he said, "but I am opposed ] to setting such dangerous prece- dent. I favored giving to the Gen.
 eral H. King White monument fund, l too. but l. felt that the city had no legal authority to appropriate money | for such a purpose. It was Just as 1 meritorious, but it would have been
 bad precedent.
 Mayor Bloom said that he did not 1 feel that the city would be donating
 anything to the Associated Charities.
 The organization was relieving the
 city of great burden, he declared, 1 in caring for cripples and paupers, who formerly appealed to the city 1 for help and who often-times had ] to be furnished with tickets by the | city to leave the city. 'I know that
 the Associated Charities has already saved the city more than it is intend-
 ed to appropriate to it."
 ] "It is not question of charity"
 said Alderman Sorrells. If we are
 to donate anything let's give at least
 $1O a month. But my position IS
 that the city has no legal right to do l it. And besides the precedent would 1 be bad one."
 Alderman Simpson favored making the appropriation. He believed that
 it was a good investment and worthy cause, as well.
 Alderman Johnson suggested that each alderman donate his prorata Of
 s5 a month for the Charities, without taking official action. Alderman Bah lau said that the aldermen hal al- ready donated to the Associated Charities personally. No action was taen kin the matter. Alderman Ben Veil offered a 1 motion and 1t carried, directing that an ordinance be presented at the next meeting of the city council, increas- ling the tax on telephone. light and telegraph poles from 50 cents to &1. .oO per annum. "The city needs 1 the money" said Alderman Well.
 and these companies can stand thu