Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-06-24

at home and abroad not proof ofreparable misfortune
but as the ndubtabc evidence OF inherent recuperatiye
power which no similar ordinary calamity can re-
tard or destroy
herewith hand youthe report Of Mr.. Koher, chief
engineer OF the tire department. which will inform YOU
OF It's present condition. Too much praise be be-
slowed upon the members of this department ndividu-
ally and collectively for their gallant conduct, during
the late fire. That the city not preserved from its
ravages is no fault Of theirs, but the want of plenti-
full supply of water at all the points where it was nee
died. and the more perfect equipment ofhook and ladder
companies for the prompt removal OF combustible
buildings to aid in arresng the progress the flames
With proper arrangements in these particulars can
not doubt that the lives and property OF our fellow cti
zens would have been perfectly safe.
recommend that certain limits be prescribed by Or
dnance within which wooden building shall hereaf-
ter be erected more than fifteen feet high, and that cot
ton cloth roofs Innings or partitions for rooms and
the extension OF piaZZas, verandahs or roofs except
OF lncombustibe materials, be prohibited.
also recommend that the legislature its next ses-
sion be emoralised to provide by law for the removal
ofsuch buildings during the progress ola fire, as the
safety OF the city may seem to demand.
We have had sufficient experience to show the great
necessity OF plentiful supply Of water in all parts of
the city, and no efforts or means should be left I'M
employed to procure it. Every encouragement should
be offered private enterprise for the construction of
perfect system OF works to provide the city with an
ample supply of pure fresh water. From this source
reservoirs may be filled, which will be sufficient for all
public and domestic uses To guard against obstruc-
lons or accidents to the supply from such works will
and to encourage the construction of private tanks
in yards and cellars to be filled by the rains of Win
ter.
also hand you the accompanying report of the Street
commissioner, showing an expenditure of 1928 70.73
on the streets of the city.
" this sum the city has paid. 1926 O56 80
Balance due by property holders. S3s93so
Making the total sum Of ............... s2sl7073
l am informed by the late Mayor that the amour.
hOId hoch aap 4
ceedngs have been instituted for its recovery. The
condition OF the streets where they have been injured by
the late fire demands, and am persuaded will re-
ceVe, your immediate attention.
refer to the account OF the late COMPTROLLER Mr.
Berry which shows the Indebtedness of the city to be
81 1854 1897 SO, exclusive OF interest.
regret to say that have not been able to procure
report from the late Treasurer showing the state of
his accounts.
In view Of the large expenditures andi embarrassed
resources OF the Treasury | recommend the appoint
ment OF suitable committees to make such investiga-
tons as will enable them to presents clear view of the
financial condition OF the cty, that policy suited to
its ways and means may be promptly adopted.
IL is matter OF congraulation that law has been
passed, which authorizes the funding of the city debt
by which the floating scrip and other Indebtedness OF
the city will be Withdrawn from circulation and a
great reduction nadei in the rate of interest.
The duties of the city officers connected with the
execution OF this law will, sure, be promptly and
faithfully performed. The law authorizes the commits.
soners to issue bonds payable within twenty wears bear
ing an interest OF ten per cent per annum payable semi
annually, in exchange for scrip. The value of these
bonds will depend on the prompt payment of the inte-
teSt which secured by pledge of the entire reyepues
and resources of the city.
Permit me TO invite your attention to the very great
importance OF requiring from the tax collector and as
SCISSORS as far as your official powers may allow. an
ergetic and faithful performance of their duties
l cannot too earnestly impress upon you the very
great importance OF promptly adopting such measures as
may most etectuay preserve the sanitary condition of
the city, by the prohibition OF all slaughter stands aud
houses within certain limits the removal of all purify-
ing substances, and the filling up of all low places.
where water and filth may accumulate and produce
disease.
must request you to examine into the condition of
the city hospital and prepare system for its better sup
port and management.
An efficient and reliable police is most inaportant
branch OF the city government On it's proper organi-
zatlon and management must depend in great degree
the safety OF life and property. None but trustworthy
anty perform their duties night and day. in all parts
OF the CITY, 1t shall be my aim that such only are in
the service The slightest neglect their part shall
cause instant dismissal. In return they should be
promptly paid.
call your attention TO the condition of the city pr
son. Ehclent measures should be Immediately adopt
ed 10 prevent the escape and insure the punishment of
CRIMINALS An aversion TO labor may be Justly regard
ed as the incentives to crime among the upprncpled
portion OF the community. The Imprisonment with
out labor OF those who violate the law the absence of
necessary arrangements to place them in solitary con-
hnement is little less than establishing school for the
education OF rogues, who to live on the COM
munty IN ldleness, either in or out of prison. there
fore recommend as the most eectua means furnish.
ing and preventing crime, that those who are convict
ed thereof be required to labor the streets or other
public works.
urgently call your attention to the very great inn
portance OF establishing common schools The large
and increasing number of children among us, and the
great distance of the Atlantic States Of the Union,
where education is cheap, impress upon US mpor
tant duty which may not be dsregarded. Most of
those who have immgrated TO California with their
families are laborng people. and have not the means
OF educating them. To establish therefore, wise
system OF education, which shall our present and
future wants. is an important duty Of the city govern
ment.
AS all improvements must necessarily depend ON the
revenue collected every proper should be used
to increase the amount.