The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-03-15
In addition to this remarkable increase in

In addition to this remarkable increase IN
the amount Of new work executed by tnls
.departrnent we will simply state that in the
items of repairing and repairs an examina-
ton of the tabulated statements in the
Engineers office establishes the fact that the
increase in the quantity Of old work done
from year to year has been equally marked.
The Council will naturally conclude from
the above statement of the increase OF work
ACCOMPLISHED that the amount OF annual
expenditures In our department has been
increased from year to year in equal pro-
portion. But from the following table OF
expenditures, compiled from the same off,
cial source, the showing Is just the reverse,
and equally astonishing-viz.:
Amount expended on streets and sewers
Amount I'm i { expended on streets and sewers ,.,.-,
Amount expended on streets and sewers 100 -,
Amount t9 extended on streets and sewers
in 1875 l03,516
Amount expended on streets and sewers
in 1876 ........... So,Zos
Upon these official tables your committee
confidently rest their claim for energetic,
jndicious, and economical management OF
the important trusts confded to them, feel
| ing assured that in the face Of such over
w
will receive the commentator OF the Coun-
Gil and approval Of the community at large,
notwithstanding the preiudices which per-
haps naturally and inseparably attach to
this department OF city work.
May we not also hope that it will have the
effect Of liberalizing the views of the Coun-
ell in regard TO our annual appropriations?
With city rapidly growing in population
/ and in wealth, with an area steadily and
rapidly extending, and with an addition
from year to year Of new buildings in every
section of the city that constantly surprise
us from their number and general excel
lence, it cannot be doubted that the necessity
for an enlarged expenditure on streets is
greater than ever before. .ee7;-! il. :
The wear and tear upon our business
streets, we arc admonished by the accom-
panying report OF the Engineer, will also
REQUIRE increased expenditure. The me-
.cessity, therefore, for an adequate. appro-f
priatlon for street improvements is so plain
to all who candidly reflect upon the subject
that it would seem to be only necessary 10
satisfy your honorable body that the means
win be iudiciously expended to secure your
liberal and earnest cooperation In the WORK.
That money iudiciollsy expended upon
streets, either in opening or extending ne"
or improving dnu maiu'<'ih
ing in proper, condition those already open
ed, is the most fruitful source OF income 1or
the employment OF your revenues, Is sus.
ceptible OF easy proof by an examination: OF
the assessors books, or by appeai TO tue
experience Of all who are interested in real
property In orr city.
Z There Is one other point on which your
committee beg to say but a few words.
z The charge Is often made that an undue
proportion Of the street fund is expended
ia the suburbs. On the contrary, we hnd
that for the past year the Engineer states,
q that tifty-six per cent. OF the total expen-.
dItures was upon streets in the bnilt-up or
thickly-settled portion OF the city; seven.
teen per cent. was upon the business streets
proper; seventeen per cent.Was upon streets
connecting directly with thorough ghfares lead
Ing from the city; and ten per cent. was