The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1873-06-19
PUBLIC PARK.
MEETING OF COMMITTEES OF CITY
COUNCIL. CHANIHER OF COM II !,
MERGE. AND TOWN OF ),
MANCHESTER.
OPPOSITION To. THE SCHEME.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS. ASKED
FROM THE COUNCIL.

Wv NSiS iuFteu-eo CoopeidtS i-LaS
Council committee, met yesterday afternoon
at : o'clock in the Council chamber, Mr.. W..
{. Newbcrry in the chair.
Mr. Newberry stated the object for which
the committee had met, and remarked that
he thought the only business which the com
mlttcc could transact this evening would be
the free interchange of views from all par
ties. H. =
On motion Of Mr.. Starke. Mr.. T.. c. Howard
was requested to act as secretary Of the meet
ing. .r,s,.a,s,,., .......s..
! htr. Talbot said that while he was opposed
to the scheme. as ne thought the city was in
no condition at present to make the neces-
sary outlay, yet he should be governed by
the action OF the majority. =.'
Mr.. McRea, from the Manchester COM
mittee, inquired whether it was settled fact
that park was 10 be established, or whether
the meeting had only been called to consider
its propriety. I---.--...--.
Dir. Newberry said that 1t was his opinion
that the Council had decided to establish a
park.
MIR. Starke remarked that he dtsliked to
disagree with the chairman, but such was
not his opinion.
Mr.. Davenport, from the committee of the
Chamber of Commerce, said that he thought
the propricty and feasibility Of the matter
was only to he discussed, and called upon
Mr.. McCance to substantate his view of the
question.
Mr.. McCance replied in the affirmative,
and said that he thought 1t was the duty of
the Council to turn their attention to the
condition of the streets and wharves rather
than to park, at present. He believed that
capital would rather be invited if the city
would improve its docks and streets, for
strangers coming TO Richmond would scarce
ly be induced to settle here by visit to a
park several miles from the city, but would
look hrst at the business portion of Rich
mOnd.
Mr.. Newberry. (Mr. Talbot in the chair
decared that the Council bad never refused
to improve the streets upon a petition of its
citizens that he was sorry that he impress
sion prevailed that the scheme for the estab.
lishment of a park had not been decided
upon, and AS such was the case he thought
an apology was due to the gentlemen from
the Chamber of Commerce and Manchester.
Further debate then ensued, after which
Mr.. Newberry moved that the whole SUBJ
ject matter be opened for discussion ; which
was agreed to. w ..-.. .....
Mr.. Whitlock thought that there was no
city in the country that stood less in need of
public park than Richmond; that Rich.
mond spent more money in gas, water,
sewerage, and police than almost any other 4;
that in point of health Il park was certainly
not needed. for me- city could boast Of better
health than Richmond; it would be folly to
establish a park in one direction, thus in
cre:lsing the growth of the city, there, while
elsewhere it would be at standstill. He
thought that the Water-W forks, a new City
Hall, the completion of the Jumes River and
kanawha canal, for in the event Of the Gene
raj Government taking hold of the matter
large outlays would be necessary for the ac-
commodation Of the boats that would come
in, were all subjects that needed attention
and expenditures. He also spoke Of the
Dock as needing the attention of the Coun-
ci
Mr.. Talbot opposed the e'scheme, and said
that Richmond was park itself; that he did
not know that he would even accept gift
of land for q park il, it was understood that
it was to be improved as such. He had been
in favor of buying q little park in the east
end (Chimborazo) six months ago, but was
certainly not in favor of such I'D OUTLAY as
would be necessary to establish park SUCH
as is contemplated at present. He would
vote for the scheme if it was demanded by
the citizens generally, and thought that ii
should be left to a vote of the city.
Mr.. McRae, of Manchester, asked what
was the matter to be considered, and what
was expected of the Manchester delegation.
The Council of Richmond had decided that
it was their duty to establish park, but
from The current of the discussion 1t seemed
that only its feasibility was being considered.
de thought that Richmond would ever re-
main village, as Mr.. Talbot had said 1t
was, il some action is not taken to advance
the city's prosperity and make 1t attractive.
He believed one reason why the scheme ap-
peared to be unpopular was the fear OF en-
pending the necessary money, but II II Is not
expended at the proper time it might as well
be thrown away. lie thought that it was
very clear that the city had decided TO haze
the park. and the feasibility Of the matter
was something which this committee had
nothing to do with; that the committee had no
right to 60 behind the action of the Council.
Mr. Stearns, of the Chamber of Commerce,
followed Mr.. McRae, and opposed the scheme,
claiming, in his remarks, that his predeces-
sor had been entirely out OF order.
Dr.L. X. Chiles, of Manchester, thought
that he had never been called upon TO vote
upon or to consider any resolution that was
more definite than the resolution now 0eins
considered. II the City Council had passed
the resolution without knowing what they
were doing, it was their fault. 1t Would
certainly be out of place to consider its pro-
propriety for the committee bas no option
but to 60 to work and carry out the terms
of the resolution. He thought, IN conctu-
sion. that as the matter was misunderstood,
1t had better be recommltted to tue COUNCIL
for their action.
Mr. Davenport was opposed to the scheme,
and thought that if Oue.fourth OF the interest
which would be required tosuppert pupilc
park was to be put in with county appro-
priations to improve the roads, 1t would be
far better aud do much more good.
Explanations followed from Messrs. New
berry, Talbot, Davenport, Starke, and
Others after which Mr.. Clcpton, of Man
chester, said that he thought it would be
advisable for the Council committee first to
decide whether they would recommend the
establishment of park before they took
any further action.
Nr. Whitlock desired to hear some ex-
preston of opinion from the members Of the
Board of Trade present, and again opposed
the sche,ue for the establishment OF a park,
and claimed, in conclusion, that the city IS
not in as prosperous condition as the pre-
amble to the resolution sets fortp.
MIR. McCance said that he thought, under
tue resolution, the committee which ne re-
presented would have to report baCk 20 tae
Chamber Of Commerce. He also alltdea 70
the condition of the waterfront OF Rlen-
mond and valley of Shockoe creek. lie Ia
yored a judicioiIs outlay of money 10 MAKE
her trade and commerce what it ought TO be
and what he believed it would be under sucn
wise expenditure. - .Iss. 5".7
!, At $50 MIR. Talbot moved to refer the