The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-06-20

Correspondence Of the Richmond Dispatch.
PETERSBURG. June l9, 1866.

PETERSBURG, June l9, 1866.
In connection with the improvement OF
the channel of the AppomattoX, the very
important work of rebuilding the public
wharf property has been commenced, and
will be steadily prosecuted till completed.
And not only will the city wharves, which
embrace an area of several hundred feet in
length, be entirely rebuilt, but the owners
of private wharveS have signified their in
tention to put all necessary repairs upon
their property, so that every facility and
convenience may be furnished vessels run
ming to this port. This work was much
needed and has been earnestly called for.
Our wharves, as well as our channel, have
been disgrace to our city, and their i'm
provement will beyond doubt result in
much benefit.
1t is estimated that the expenses Of the
city for the current year, independent Of
the salaries of officials and outside indebt-
edness falling due, will reach sum ex-
ceeding sixty thousand dollars. Reports
of the various appropriations that would
be required were made by the different
committees at a meeting of the Common
Council yesterday afternoon, in order that
a proper tax bill might be.,ffamed to meet
them. This tax bill viii probably be re-
ported at the next regular meeting of the
Council, to be held 6ly LIST.
A proposition VT introduced into the
Council yesterd, looking to the reduc-
tion 0.the greosent force of the fire depart
ment, and TO the prohibition of all per-
sons under the age of twenty years from
becoming members of any company. The
suggestion was embodied in report on
the condition of the department by the
chief engineer, and shaped into motion
by one OF the Oldest and most influential
members Of the Council. The chief engi-
neer places the aggregate force of the four
companies forming the fire brigade at
about three hundred members--a number
above that allowed by law, and to reduce
this to its legal standard he proposes to
have the names Of all members under the
age OF twenty stricken from the rolls.
This Will probably cause some dissatisfac-
ton, as among some Of the most enthusi-
sstic and hard-working as well as prompt
and energetic members Of the brigade are
the young men in their teens.
Asa Hartz lectured TO thin audience
az Library Hall last night--not more than
forty or hfty persons being present. To-
morrow night, at the same place, the piano.
rama Of Paradise Lost will be presented
Tho farmers in this vicinity are now in
! the midst Of harvest. Generally the wheat
crop IL Indifferent, but here and there a
u good deld may be seen. On the plantation
Of Dr.. Epes, near City Point, learn the
yield will be very satisfactory.
Our domestic market is very abundantly
supplied, and prices are not considered
high. Tho choicest meats are plentiful,
and vegetables In perfection may be OBJ.
tanned at every stall. While in this par.
ticular department business is brisk, in the
great public mart trade IL dull. The stock
of goods on hand is large, and great in
ducements In the shape of low prices are
offered but money Is scarce and pur-
chaSers few.
Many stores and not few dwelling
houses ere o6sred for rent, and tenants
cannot b found. Rents have fallen, but
business does not justify tho opening Of