Evening Star Newspaper, November 18, 1927, Page 10

10 GITY OF ARLINGTON ~ PLANIS DEBATED Opponents Say Incorporation Will Cause Demand for More Public Revenue. (Continued from First Page.) gens from this one source can never be calculated, say those who favor the a city government, delay in setting up local control will be extremely dangerous. Some contend that if it is proionged for a few years more it will be attended by “disaster.” “It §8 not necess to go into cases,” said one prominent citizen of the county to The Star. “Every think- ing person cannot help but be ad- vised of the innumerable harmful fea- tures, now irremediable, which have characterized the development of the county for many years. 1t is appar- ent to all that our local government very soon be clothed with all the pow- ers of a city of the first class, if Arlington County is ever to realize to the full extent the opportunities fo: development as an urban com- munity of high character which now lie at our door. The proper develop- ment of the National Capital also makes such a step by the county necessary."” Some of this may be true enough, | THE EVENING STAR, WASHINGTON, D. ¢, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1927. crease our taxes—perhaps enormous- The principal momentum for the city movement comes from the mewer citizens of the county—many of them and women from Northern , who have come to Washing- n their living and have be- come dissatisfied with the voteless condition of this city. They have gone across the river in large num- bers to found homes and exercise the rights which they have been used to exercise in the States—the right to vote in local and national elec- and to feel that they have a pa in the government of their own community, their own State and their own country. Much of the opposition to the city government comes from the older residents, who are conservative and against change. They are satisfied with what remains of the rural aspect the inevitabllity of the city and are trylng to make the best of it. The enabling act, which was intro- duced in the Senate at Richmond at the extra session of the General As- sembly by State Semator Frank Ball last Spring, prescribes that the people of Arlington County may vote upon a specified form of city government, which is set forth in considerable de- tail. 1t proposes that the whole of the county be included in the munici- pality, except the town of Potomac, in the southern portion, near the Pd tomac Railroad_yard, which already has a charter. The town may rem independent unless it votes to bec part of the city. That portion of Church which lies within Arlington County is also left out of the proposed new city. In general, the bill would set up a city similar to other cities of the first class under the Virginia law. It pre- scribes a city manager form of gov- ernment. It would c coun- cil of seven members. Members of ths Arlington County Better Government Commission have had before them a comparative state- ment to show the sources of revenue which would be available to Arlington City, to which it does not have access under its county form of government. Inasmuch as counties and cities both scalto &l e school funds, The comparison with the in- dependent City of Alexandria i trying to annex another slice of Ar-. lington County, is particularly inter- esting. Conclusions From Table. The conclusion drawn from the com. parative table is that, hy reason of sources of revenue available to Alex- andria and not available to Arlington County, that city is enabled to aug | ment ‘its income from the genera which is | property and poll taxes by 41 per cent. Reversely, Arlington County, by reason of revenue available to the and not available to Alexan- (namely, the State fuel tax te aid on roads), is enabled to increase its income from general prop- erty and poll taxes by only 7.4 per cent. 1f the same percent the case of Alexandri for Arlington City, it is es a loss of $32,883 of State aid, received by the county for the last fiscal year, would be compensated for by the a cretion to the revenues of $182,391 from sources available under a city form of government, but which are not a able under the county form, or_a difference in round numbers of $150,000. Similar comparisons may be made between Arlington County and other Virginia cities, with like resuits, it is contende should obtain e governing in | imated that | ¢ity government One of the import reasons for fncorporation, in the minds of its friends—and one that has not received much attention thus far—is the com- plete absence of legal liability on the part of the county for damages which be inflicted through the neg- ants of the county gov- ernment. claimed that if a coun- ty truck, driven by an irresponsible driver, should, through the driver's arelessness, run down an automobile and kill or injure one or all of its passengers, no action for damage can be brought against the county, but suit can only be maintained against the driver. On the other hand, it is held, under a city form of government, the city could be held responsible. It is claimed that in such circumstances much more care would be exercised | the selection of em- ted out that city | Sl A Tremendous Sale of Men’s Wool taking out | OVERCOATS || LA\ |} ) 3 N 2 ) | Square Sport Watch 5 \ A beautifully engraved square sport watch fitted 4’ ,} ¢ r-ith a‘high-grade movement, complete with radio- : , et ” " $15.95 $17.50 & $20 Values 50c a Week the other side contends, but they “What is the hurry?” They oppo what they call “rushing into s of the county. They are sorry to see |it going. They do not want a great city |city to develop around their farms form of ‘government before we are [or suburban homes. The old Virginis nd _deliberately thre families, very few of whom are now hn;l l'-n;,lluululul hene- [left in the county, for the most p: lice justice court and a corpg court would be established. officers. of the county would b of the city during the period nization and until succes: when we Boys' COATS $2.98 eavy ¥ - weight melt red blue 8 flannel lined,’ brass = KaOR Leda et 1316-1326 Seventh St.. N.W. ney 1 trim. © Sizes 1. taxpayers agai pss of the wes by indemnity as’ is private corporatic Fhose who are tryi a zood case sist that citizens of A are constantly in danger of injury or loss of life from the possible careless- ress of numerous county trucks and ; are without redress. They say is true with reference to every county official and employe. They declare that if a sheriff, through false arrests, maliciously made, should inflict damage upon citizens, even to the extent of wounding, killing, there is no redress against the coun- ty, but that there would be redress in such cases against a city. Liability for Damage. Again, they point out, if the road- building department of the county leaves a dar a weak bri causing an resulting in the injury or death of more persons, the county is not liable, while a city would be. All private persons, they explained, and all corporations engaged in Ar- lington County construction work or operation of automobiles, both of h are attended W well known zard to all persons in the county, are liable to damages inflicted b heir employes or agents upon others. They. say the county, alone, is exempt. In- corporation, if pointed out, would transfer the hazard from the shoul- ders of the individual and place it upon the entire community, where, in the case of thickly settled communi- tes the law says it belongs. f Although persons on the other side of the question think that such an ex- tended discussion of this phase of the question is out of proportion to its im- portance, the city promoters declare that a serious accident, attended by Joss of life, such as the possible run- ning down by a county truck of a bus Joad of school children, might be the only thing which would cause the average person to attach any import- ance to this particular reason that is being advanced for incorporation. Over against these considerations, anponents of incorporation point to the fact that the county gets back from ‘the State a big slice of the gaso- jine tax and that the State is building and maintaining State roads, ‘which The proposed city would have to do itself. They say that Arlington County should not be ‘expected to bear all the expense, especially now, of building the great boulevards which will carry for all time the dense traffic through Washington to and from the South. It a city form of government must come—and some of those who are op- posing it today are willing to admit that it will come some day—let it be after the State has built the proposed Tee Boulevard from the Arlington Me- morial Bridge, they say, and after other new roads have been built or old ones rebuilt. It will be time enough, say opponents of the enabling act, to talk of a city when the popu- lation nears the 100,000 mark. There persons fear that the county ‘would be swamped financially or the people given more than they could bear in the matter of taxes if State aid for roads were withdrawn—either that or 1he roads would be a disgrace to the county. Would Need New Revenue. It is not denied by advocates of a eity government that new sources of revenue must be developed if Arling- ton County Is to take care of its own development. _Already it has been pointed out that the proposed new city would have to develop a rich in- dustrial area which would produce more taxes to support schools, build and maintain roads and pay for other civic improvements. 1t is realized by many of the advocates of incorpora- tion that this need might bring the proposed new city into conflict with the National Capital Park and Plan- ning Commission’s ideal of a great park system along the Virginia side of the Potomac River. While there is no stion that the portion of the river shore from Washington to Little Falls and bevond | would ever he used for factories, it is believed by many persons that the to make out Plain Blues Over_ Plaids Mixtures Plain Colors T’E’!Backs An Overcoat Sale Unequaled Nine different styles and patterns—seven colors —and the best garments ever sold for the price. All Wool—Heavy and Warm Overcoats that are well tailored—that conform to the styles featured this season. All are quarter lined. Some with quilted lining, and the sleeves lined and in double-breasted models. All sizes for men and young men. Men’s Goodyear Welt, High and Low s 2 95 Dress and Work Shoes = Many popular styles in Tan and Black Dress and Work Shoes in either broad or narrow toes. Every pair has genuine all-leather soles and rubber heels. Sizes 6 to 11. A Real Special! Gracefully shaped case, a guaranteed movement and a radiolite dial. A low price for such a watch. $12.95 50c a Week Save $1 to $1.50 on Shoes Purchased Here! Boys’ and Girls’ $3.00 Durable Leather Shoes $1.47 Hundreds of pairs of Tan and Black High Shoes purchase . from a nationally known firm which has the reputation of only mak- ing high.grade, ail-leather shoes, arranged on ftables for quick solling, Every pair 1s guaranteed’so give satisfaction. All sizes 8% to = and 2% to Value Making History! 100 Women’s Richly Furred Coats shore from the Highway Bridge to i A T Alexandria might well be developed % o hsie - for that purpose. _ Just unpacked from one of New York’s leading makers. Fine quality suede velours, with side drapes, fancy tuck- It the Federal Government deciles . Group Noo 1 3 g to construcs the proposed great roa 5 to Mount Vernon close to the river, ings, fur tabs and moufflon, beaverette and mandel col- & lars and cuffs. Richly lined with brocade silks, in sizes for g These are luxuriously befurred on col- misses and women 16 to 48, * lar and cuffs, and of a quality that rep- this scheme for industrial develop- resents wonderful value at this price. $2 and $3 Women’s Hats ment along deep water might have to be abandoned. But many Arling- Included is every new shade and fur, and sizes for Women, Misses, and extra For Thanksgiving wear. A nobby felt or metal- lic and satin hat, in light or dark colors, for $l -49 ton County folks believe that the best large women. bobbed or unbobbed heads. Group No.2 route for the Mount Vernon road - LA \\ OU ml pec‘.fl- S : This is our choice group and these coats i p $2.00 Ivory Finish would be along the heights a little hack from the river. The scenery on i represent the finest creations of rich fur X and fabric. You'll not see anythin, $2:95 Bassiverte . 9149 5 s rubber tires; bi- Body 27x15 inches, on wheels. this high ground, they say, is more beautiful, while the elevation affords luxurious as these beautiful coat crea- $3.00 Toy tions at anywhere n i i $4.95 7= Phonograph $198 e L . p \ With Record Ready Tomorrow= A Specially Planned 7 I 3 = S 17-Jewel Illinois This watch is absolutely guaranteed to keep per- fect time. Shown in either white or green war- ranted case. 75¢c a Week in time for Thanksgiving [y, Offering Savings of tremen- dous proportions on our entire stock of luxuriously fur-trimmed coats and your choice of 2 special low prices Square Sport Watch A small, fine, accurate Elgin watch. Practically any style case. Each guaranteed and complete with 50c a Week had b b A o b b B o o4 rounding countr Friends of the there are speci; round'ng Arling ity scheme say that circumstances sur- om County which do | not obt+in in the case of any other | Jike area in the United States. It i8 adjacent to the National Capital. With | most of Alexandria it comprises th portion of Virginia which the & ceded to the Federal Govermm for the District of Columbia. It given back to the State in 1846 mer ly because the men of that day had | not the vision to foresee the wonder- ful development of the Natlonal Cap- ftal. 17-Jewel Hamilton Sport Watch This excellent watch can be purchased at the standard cash price without any additional charge for credit. $3.50 All-Wicker GO-CART ‘With hood cycle wheels $6.00 Roller-Bearing Coaster Wagon Body X 6; disc wheels; % rubber tire $5 Solid Desk & Chair Set $3'95 t top; 24 inches high. For 3 to 6 years. $150 Bisque Head 4 Moving Eye Infant Doll 3 )C Fully dressed, with cap. $1.50 Aluminum WATER SET 98(: 6 cups, tray and pitcher. Just like mother’s. Steady Growth Predicted. $1 a Weck This region, it is pointed out, con- 1ains one of the only remaining close- in, suburban areas adjacent to the Federal City, a city which all author- ities helieve is sure to develop to an pxtent that will cause the nation and Ehe world to marvel. By reason of the county’s greater accessibility to the downtown section of Washington upon the completion of the Arlington Memorial ge, everyhody in the county believes that it is due for a steady growth in its population, It is | predicted that within years the Whole of the county will be built up almost solidly. It is helieved that the character of the development of the county will be largely determined by the measure of governmental con- trol vested in the local government hereby it can be guided into the st channels. n tha-coirun ob Aivge Who 1?& a finer view of the river and the sur- Every wanted fabric, fur and shade is Plays any 6-in. record. included and every size up to 52 Tubular frame: 1-inch tires; I;éll Ilk]l;els |I'ilmm!‘(l. 00 All-Steel Rubber Tire Auto $5‘95 Red enamel finish. For boys and _girls. $5.00 All-Steel 5298 STEAM SHOVEL Steelcraft toy; black and red enamel finish. VAL BRANCR RING ST, Uy 1C03 I St W, "N ATy A Julian Goldman Charge Account Is at Your Service! Spring saddle, liinch cushion tire, 14-inch front Wwheel, $7.49 §