Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-05-01
GINS.

our citizens, 1t was not to be expected that
they would blindly embark their capital in
the enterprise, but would first examine the |
subject IN all its details, and convince them |
selves as to the utility of the scheme itself,
and the safety of the investment. This is
altogether right, and indicates prudence
which we hope win never desert the peo-
of Lynchburg. But in making this invcs-
tigation, allow us to suggest that, it ought
to be done impartially, and with every dis
position to favour the enterprise, since
none will deny that it would enure to the
benefit Of the town, as whole, no matter
how it might turn out as private invest
mcnt. For one, we are entirely convinced
it would be a judicious move, in both as
poets Of the casc--as profitable, as convc-
nient. Others, however, think differently;
and these very naturally raise objections
which we propose to notice. One is that,
the town is too small to justify TIE enter
prise. We have already anticipated this
objection, in an article of this paper of 2lst
ult, in which it was shown by .tacts and
figures that, 200 private consumers would
insure it to be a profitable investment
Our readers are quite as competent as we
are, to determine whether that number
could be obtained.
1t is doubted by some whether the neces-
sary gas works would cost 100000; and
that as the contractors indicate willing
ness TO take half the stock, it is assumed
their profits, in constructing the works,
would be enormous. To say the least, this
Is an ilhberal inslnuation against the gen.
tlcmen whopropose to undertake the work,
especially as they come among us endors-
ed as gentlemen Of character and honesty.
But this matter about which there need
be no doubt, at all. Any of our architects
can tell the cost of building house of a
given size, and our mechanics and machi-
nists can surely tell what the several works
falling within their line of business will be
worth. Besides the Company seeking this
job, would prefer, and never doubted, tina,
the stockholders would look into the mat
ter in order to convince themselves they
were not imposed upon, as to the price.
Of the work. So there can be no possible
ty of imposition. And as to the willing
ness Of Mcssrs. Hoy & Co. to take half the
stock, they only do that to show their con
fidence in the scheme, which they hope to
see carried out, in order that they may ge
thebuilding Of the works. Ofcourse, ifthey
will not build them as low as any Other
Company, they will not, and ought, to ge
the contract. This is their trade, and they
want the job, not tie stock, though they
have confidence in its value; and when i
is ascertained they are proposing to do tn,
work as low as any body else, then they
think, and justly too,that they oughtto hav,
the preference as contractors.
1t has also been objected, we understand
that Richmond is "getting sick of her gas
works." which pay little or nothing
and that she regrets having constructed
them. Our information is directly at va
rance with these statements The work.
in Richmond yield handsome per cent
and are "giving unmixed satisfaction t,
the citizens" says the Wing, sin every sec
ton Of the town. As the workmcn hay,
become accustomed to the machinery an,
the qualities of the different sorts of Goa
employed, the gas has greatly improved
and all the streets and avenues of the cit,
are now brilliantly Illuminated at night
We very much doubt whether Richmond
would to day take twice the cost of tn,
works, to dispense with gas. LISA sourc,
OF immense profit and comfort to the CITY
We hope our citizens, without more per
suasion, will call at the Store of Messrs
Mcdaniel & Lee and take the balance Of
the stock, so as to get the Company organ
lied in time to have the work completed
by LIST of December next.
IT
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