Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1922-04-20
Peoples Forum.

! April Goth, 1922.
To the Editor of the Oxford Eagle:-
I My attention is called to circulars
issued by the Executive Committee
of the Parent-Teachers Association
of Oxford, urging a bond issue of
$60,O00.00 to build an additional
school house. These circulars pro-
claim new building is a necessity,
and that the financial condition of
the city and it's taxpayers is such
that we can well afford it. These
statements are followed by an ap-
peal to vote the issue for the sake of
the children. This appeal is calcu-
lated to so influence some people
that they will shut their eyes to ev-
cry consideration of facts, and it
may be that it was with this design
that this appeal is made.
Let US calmly consider the real
facts. First, is new building a real
necessity; not simply desirable
thing, but a real necessity? Second,
is the town really able to afford it?
A few years ago, a movement was
put on foot to issue $75,000.00 in
bonds for this purpose. 1t was then
said that an architect had condemn
ed our school building as liable to
collapse at any time, and that it was
not possible to repair it so as to
make it safe. The opinion of anoth-
er architect was sought. and a way
was found to make the building alb
solutely safe, at a trifling expense.
| mention this fact as evidence, that
it is not always safe to rely on pub
lie rumors, nor opinions too hastily
formed.
The statement is made that new
building is absolutely necessary now,
because of the insufficiency of room,
etc. In the opinion of many con-
sentative, practical business men,
this is a mistake. However much
some people may desire more, and
better conveniences than we have,
all must admit there is vast diff
ference between what is merely de-
sirable, and that which is absolutely
necessary. If, in fact, more room IS
needed, who will contend that it may
not be added to our present building
and at an expense trifling as COM
pared with $60,000.00? 1t has been
done in the past, and can be done
again. Unless conditions improve,
there is every prospect of our hav-
ing fewer children in our public
school year hence than we have
today. We all hope not. but remem-
Der, our city depends almost solely
for it's prosperity on agricultural
conditions. One more year like 1870
and 1921 will materially affect all
lines of business, which must result,
should it occur, in many people ieav-
ing Oxford. This has occurred In
the past, and it can happen again:
Many of us remember when we had
plenty of vacant houses. and when
rents were not sufficient to pay
taxes, insurance and upkeep, to say
nothing about interest on invest
ment. What has happened once can,
under similar circumstances, happen
again.
TIL esecond contention of the Par
ent- Teachers Association circular IS
that we are amply able to afford the
luxury of better building with
more conveniences, etc. / do not be-
'lieve we are in, that financial con-
dition, where it would be either wise
or prudent to increase our bonded
Indebtedness. The statement gotten
up by Mr.. Elliott is convincing OF
this fact. Until recently, it was
thought wise to limit bonded indebt-
edness Of municipalities to 10 per