Any City monologue — The light: An educational pageant

(_impatiently_) H’m. It just can’t be done! It is out of the question to raise so much money by taxation this year. This list of appropriations must be cut. But where? What can be cut without raising a row? (_Looks over the list._) Half a million dollars for a new bridge over the canal at 7th St. There’s a perfectly good bridge at 9th St., and another at 3rd St. But the railroad and marketmen will strike if we don’t build this new bridge. To keep peace, I’ll have to stand by that appropriation. (_Pointing to different items on the paper._) That must not be cut; nor that; nor that; nor that! H’m! Three million dollars for the extension of Grand View Avenue. Really, that’s not necessary. That road is being opened only for the accommodation of some rich men who take advantage of my city opportunities, but live in the suburbs and evade paying any taxes to me. But their financial influence is so great, I dare not cut this appropriation. (_Continues study of list._) No, not that; nor that; nor that! Ha! here is the school appropriation: three and a half million dollars. I hate to do it, but I’ll have to cut here. Of course, it means curtailing the kindergarten, deferring the building of the much needed new elementary school in the 3rd Ward, the abolition of summer schools, the serious handicapping of junior and senior high school work, the overcrowding of classes, and no hope of increase in teachers’ salaries. Oh! I hate to do it! But I must! It’s positively the only place I can cut without bringing about a strike or at least a kick. But--oh--Taxation is Vexation!