Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1921-02-03
The BOND issue,
THE Acid TEST

The time has come when every man,
regardless Of his position and at anyI
sacrifice, should contribute what heI
can to clearing up the confusion of
the public mind on the great qUes- !
ton which has been put up to the
citizens of Wauseon.
We have arrived at the confusion
stage Of the discussion. For vari-I
GUS reasons, several issues have been
introduced into the situation, where
there is but one. Men have raised
the question OF economy, the ques-
ton Of the size of the issue, the
question of the need of a gymna-
SUM, or o. IN auditorium. These
questions have the effect, whether
intended or not, to cover up the real
issue.
So much hinges upon the correct
decision that the utmost frankness
alone viii help.
There are four classes lined up as
usual on this question.
l. A few who are honestly op-
posed to voting the bond issue, for
conscientious reasons. We should
honor them and listen respectfully
10 their reasoning. In my Judgment,
they are mistaken, even on the
ground they take, the question of
economy. l think their comparisons
are false. They compare the size of
this bond issue with the size of the
issue voted for the present high
school. which was voted under total
ly different conditions. Their com
parison should rather be made with
what other schools and towns are
doing. They should look at Stryker,
with a tax valuation of $4,000, 600,
who are voting a bond issue for
school purposes of S175,OO0. Or Ma
poeon with q valuation practically
the same IS Wauseon, but a bond
issue Of $295,000.
2. A few Wlo are supporting the
proposition for selfish reasons. So
far as the ste is concerned, that
motive is eliminated, and wisely, by
the acton Of the Board in withdraw
ing that question from the contro-
versy. Those who wish to think
clearly should ignore this very small
class.
3. A number who are opposing it
for selfish, partisan reasons. They
are mistaken even on the ground
they have chosen. Their reasoning
should be weighed in the light Of
their motives.
! 4. The vast majority who are in
favor of it for both business and
civic reasons.
The Acid Test
There is, as always, one sure way
! of testing the sincerity of man, no
matter to which OF these classes ne
! belongs. Does he come out in the
open? Does he encourage or attend
out to the front door of his business
place or does he carry on his pro-
paganda ''on the quiet?" This is
the acid test. OF q mans sincerity
The surest test of a mans belief IN
his own cause is his willingness to
have his reasons brought out int
the daylight. Truth loves the liGht
Error iloul3shes in TIE darkness IS
] Does a man discuss this great pGD
lie question behind euprod haat;s, il
whispers, by sly winks and il .s9n.
does? DOES lie. seek the alley u the
!, pool room
Apply ~ S test to the present
situation. j throws a vast cleal
light. The School Board haze taker
the public into their confidence al
/. every stcea in the discussion. The
supporters Of the issue have called
L. at least four public meetings. A
; these meetings they have invited
frank question and objection. They
have proved their sincerity.
; Oae Issue Only
There is one clear question for tn,
: voters to decide, one and one only
7 The question is not, shall the schoo
: be on the north side or the soutl
: side. Location is left to the Board
= They will not locate the building I'm
= til you give them a building to 10
! cate. The question is not-shall tn
: bond issue be $225, 600 or less? w
{ must have that amount or no school.
: The fundamental issue is-shall w
i be citizens of Wauseon? Wauseol
is located on both sides of the track
/ It's real territory includes a larg
n piece of the surrounding country
Shall we have a New High Schoo
Building. | am convinced that whe
the right thinking citizens Of Wau
seon see this clearly they will vot
L overwhelmingly in favor of the bon
n issue.
l, My POSITION
Q AS a citizen, may l state my cree
y on this issue? I have no axe to grinC
n My parish is Wauseon, not an
: church in it. l have for years bee
t actively interested in education,
s. am interested in Wauseon. l war
5. to see it grow. | want to see it rt
e cognize that it's growth depends u
on keeping in vital touch with an
/ serving in every way the countr,
<. and believe that its safety and secl
Y rity depends upon the education {
|. today. l am interested in the boy
d and girls of Wauseon. Any one Z
+ them is worth the amount of tn
a bond issue. ! want them to hay
q clean amusement, rich education;
opportunities to the best
2, the land. I am interested in ALL tt
= citizens of Wauseon. l want to 81
70 that their home is larger than the
ia house. They need an auditorium,
central place for social gathering
is better recreational facilities. A
n these this high school will furnish.
ld am convinced that Wauseon W
Id never cease to regret it if this o
c. portunity passes. Her growth, h
OF business, her good name all depel
oL on the decision.
Of | am convinced that it will pro
Of dead loss FINANCIALLY to Wa
IN seon tax payers if it fails. The &
gument cannot be stated here a
now, Except to say this-if :
as vote it down, it will probably me
n the less of the Smith-Hughes aid,
ur at least $4,000 annually in tuiti,
besides very much more that it
IN (Continued page fvel