Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1913-02-05
FINANCIAL POLICY OF ALEXAN
DRIA. X
(C0mmunicated.)
Editor Gazette:

Editor Gazette: q
For many years prior to 1902 tn
City Council vigorously pursued tn
policy of making no appropriation
for other than absolutely necessar
purposes" In their estimates an
sum was added for streets or. sewers
or for additional facilities for on
schools.
AS result of this policy OF falls
economy, our streets became a by
word and a reproach; modern sanitar.
conditions were impossible owing t.
lack of sewers; a grand jury condem.
ned our school buildings; the cour
threatened the City Council for the
condition of ,he City Jail; Our assessed
values were steadily decreasing, ant
with decreasing values went decreas-
ing revenue, or else a higher rate:
building practically ceased, modern
buildings without modern conven;ences
being plainly impracticable; our par
ents, wherever practicable, were send
ing their children to the Washington
schools; our mechanics and la5orers
found no employment at home.
Who then were benefited by the pol
icy of making "no appropriations for
other than absolutely necessary pur-
poses?" Was it our bondholdeHs?
In 1896 they sold their bonds to the
Commissioners of the Sinking Fund at
SO; in 1897 they accepted Sc; IN 1889
ghey were glad to take 80; in 1900 they
got 9S and SO 1-2, in 1901 they accept.
ed 81. In the fiscal year 1902 Our pub
lie debt amounted to the sum Of $685.
10000; and the citySs3 assets 10 the
sum of $322,9O0.O0, and excess of la
bilities over assets of s473,O00.2o. Dur.
ing that year the city received FROM
taxes the sum of $50, 777.00; from mis-
cellaneous sources the sum OF $685.
39S.45; and made a temporary loan
OF 100000, making the total receipts
$11G, 17O.46.
In the year 1902 the City Council
was working under the slightly
changed policy of making no "appro-
priations for other than absolutely
purposes (including streets,
sewers and schools.)"
Since 1902 the city and it's citizens
have expended approximately $780,
100000 upon streets and sewer; and
approximately s7O,000O0 upon its
schools, jails, gas works and other
public property.
What has been the result?
In 1912 the Commissioners o. the
Sinking Fund paid the ,bondholders l0G'
The public debt including tempo
rary loan" of $25,0O0.90 was S7I32,OOO.-
OC the city assets were S465,1O0.00,
the excess of liabilities S317,0G0.oo or
S156, 10000 less than it was in 1907,
The receipts from taxes were SlOS,-
1925 and from miscellaneous source
312.75 a total of $153,562.S2 or
S3S, 1926 greater than it was in 1902,
The physical result is apparent to
all. Our citizens generally are begin
ming to hope for better conditions, fol-
better homes, for better schoc4:. They
are ready and willing to contribute
their share towards attaining these
objects. Shall we let slip the present
Once gone, gone for per
haps another decade. Is it harder for
the present Council to continue :he
splendid progress Of the past ten years
than it was for the Council Of 1902
ito begin. The Council made a notable
record in 1912; will conditions, Justify
it in returning to the policy of no ZAP
nropriations for other than ahrolutely
necessary purposes" which prevailed
prior to 1902?