Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-08-04
Mayors Encouraging Report

HAYOR GEORGE AINSLIE'S annual re-
wi port merits the careful study Of every
person who feels pride in Richmond and has
Il real interest in its material growth and
prosperity. 1t is revelation OF what
progressive city can accomplish in quiet
way without boom or undue blasting Of
trumpets, and its figures are calculated to
apply tho muller to the pcssiinists and
knockers, OF whom. unfortunately. Rich-
mond, in common with every other city. has
its share. 1t is also worthy of study by the
students OF municipal methods because OF
the splendid results that have been obtained
through the partial rcvolutonizing Of the
local governmental system AS the Mayor
observes. Richmond has abandoncd-may ii
be for all time--thc old unbusinesSlike sys-
tenn OF mortgaging its future and living on
its credit. the while plunging deeper and
deeper into financial difficulties and now,
through scientific budget, is cutting the
pattern of its expenditures TO the cloth of
its revenues That has resulted in IL sur
prising economy OF government and CO.
ordination OF the various departments cs-
pccially pleasing to the city at large, and it
precludes any desire for n return to the old
system which had its :nsistcnt advocates.
Two sections of the Mayors statement are
of especial significance, one relating to West
End improvement, the other to the city's
educational needs In neither one can the
city AFFORD to delay or adopt parsimonious
policy. One OF the most extensive building
programs the city ever has enjoyed awaits
street improvement beyond the Belt Line.
Already the city is badly overcrowded.
houses are urgently needed, and still the de-
vcopmcnt of this valuable property cannot
get under way until proper facilities are pro-
vided. There is moral obligation" as the
Mayor says, apart from the material side,
which means vastly increased taxable values,
to proceed Immediately with this improve
ment work
The school situation is urgent. 1t must
be met rs quickly as possible. The city has
outgrown its educational facilities so rapidly
that the problem is grave. Schoolrooms are
congested, and hundreds OF pupils are COM
PEELED to attend only part time. High school
accommodations arc lacking, and the whole
educational system suffers. Funds for
school enlargement must he found and the
city authorities will do we'll 10 address them
selves vigorously to the best method of
bringing Richmond's schools up to the
highest degree OF efficiency.
Figures of the report are decidedly en-
couraging. Growth in the number of manu-
featuring plants, their capital and products.
the marked increase in the citys activity as
Il jobbing center, increase of bank clearings
by SGS6,212,301 and of bank deposits by
more than S20,000,000, with building opera
tons showing an increase OF nearly $1,000
900. and healthy activity along every indus
trial line, inspire those citizens whose faith
is pinned to Richmond, and they furnish con-
Hincing evidence that ii is entering upon AN
era OF unprecedented prosperity. If all this
has been accomplished III the year following
the war when financial and industrial condi-
tons were upset, what may not be achieved
now that they are rapidly returning to nor
NAL?