The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-03-09
Citv improvements.

inspection in different parts OF the CITY
OF improvements that are intended as
well to promote public convenience as 10
improve the health OF sections heretofore
badly drained. We availed ourselves ' "a. OF o
the opportunity rendered OF OF accom llppf
ing them. 49,. ..i.oi y,a.s ~ I. -:
The streets OF Church Hill and plans Ior
extension Of theprincipal streets were iiFst
examined. Some admirable improvements
have been made there by grading and Gu. cul-
yerts, and large section, not long ago
dotted with ponds and sMampy surfaces
has been drained and rendered eligible ior
improvements. Very creditaDie puliaihss
anpear where there would have been no
living n short time ago. The grazing OF
Church Hill has progressed extensively, ana
il there were only trayelable thorough
fare uniting that elevated hill with the rest
OF the city there would be such improve
ment of Church Hill as "would astonish
the patives."r The sites are fine. II the
proposed road were made by way OF the
famous ravine which runs from Broao
street at Twenty-frst street to the Masonic
Hall, on NJ street, we venture to say that
Church Hill would in few years become
lovely part Of the city. -, ,.......
The streets are being thrown across the
Boody-run ravinc to connect the hill with
Chimborazo, soon to be cleared of the rare
edifces that adorn it, and to be setapart as
public park, to be gradually improved and
ornamented. The ways to it will be fine
and commodious, and the park will be one
Of the very finest points Of observation i'll
the city, whilst the views spread out in the
direction OF the -river-View are expansive
and admirable. If Che oblique street along
the ravine from Broad and Twepty-irst to
N, at the Masonic Hall, shall be opened in
good time, Chimboraso Hill will be a fire.
quent resort for jewellers IN the eastern part
of the city for tho sake Of the magnificent
landscapes there to be seen.
1t is hoped that the city may extend Mar
shall or Clay, or some Of the principal streets
parallel with the river, beyond Church Hill,
across Gillie's creek, and in the country to-
wards the Federal cemetery. Such an i'm
provement would, be advantageous to
Church Hill; but 1t would be more-lt
would become popular drive. and one OF
the most pleasant, especially in the summer
afternoon, with tho sun behind. ~.
The incomplete improvements on Church
Hill show what. an, advantage they will be
when completed. The drive from thence to
lakewood is upon one Of the best thorough
fares in and around The city. lakewood Is a
decorous and peaceful cemetery, containing
numerous graves of those poor Confede-
rates who fell in vain. A monument to
their memories bears this noble inscription /:
"The epitaph of the soldier who falls with
his country is written in. the hearts Of oil
"who admire patriotism and honor brave
cry" ~ 80 'si''' "'' O. ..H'
winding along the hill by Blakey's mill
into the valley Of Gillie's creek we see how
the topography thereabout is adapted to
improvement; and, following the valley to
Rockets, the section is. suggestive Of pro-
iects and thoroughfares promotive Of pri-
vate benefit and public accommodation in
opening the ways and facilitating the inter-
course between town and country.
The city is looking to The improvement Of
Rockets for the conYenice of commerce as
/ we'll as the promotion of health. A fine
street has been opened from the 3" Rockets
road" (o!d style)'to the gas-house, which
smooths the way to that Invaluable estab-
lishment, which wears the appearance that
indicates the fidelity and skill with which it
is managed. The Kanawha coal (now used)
is great improvement upon that formerly
used for generating gas, and the coke that
is made by it is the best that has ever been
turned from the retorts. .>-...--- L.
The city has done good work in widen
ing Dock street and paving it. 1t now pre-
sents spacious and firm way, commodious
for commerce, and preserves firm, dry
surface especially advantageous to heavy
transportation. XXX ,,.'. ....s.....
Colonel. CUTsHAw approves most earnestly
of the plan Of arching over Shockoe creek
and building aboveita railroad at such an
elevation as to carry trains above Main and
Cary streets to the river. A: bridge cross
ing: the. river by the lower point Of the
| island would enable the railways south Of
the river to connect with those ON the north
side. A union depot on Franklin street
would be point from which passengers
could 60 in any direction. All roads on the
north side could reach this depot by descend
Ing the valley Of Sheckoe creek. And this is
the route by which the northern roads should
approach the scity.-,-That route would en-
able the roads toayoid all conflict with sur
face-travel and transportation by vehicle
and on foot. .Itwould end positively all
questions Of that SORT, q. This matter of the
entrance and exit Of, railroads. into Rich
mond is one OF great moment, as our peo-
pile ought now:to see. Richmond is admira:
bly, situated to make the very best DISPOSE
ton Of the roads with reference to their
own convenience asIwell as that Of the pub
lie. y .'''':''," :, 80 :, - -.
Sweeping around The northern part OF
Shockoe Hill, VIC find the streets projected
across the great rayine' beyond Leigh street
in q; condition Of progress towards compile
ton. When complete, considerable dis
trict near the heart Of the city will be
brought into demand. - sEs,s.l',. .,..
The grading In the northern part Of the
city and out towards the Fair-G Grounds is
extensive, and 70 one who has not been in
that section Of the city lately it will be sur
prising. The plans OF the City Engineer
extend ont to the broW. OF the hill above
4 - L.