The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-04-19
CITY Politics.
Views or Prospective CouneiImen on
Important Points.

Views or Prospective CounciImen on
Important Points.
SHALL THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BE KEPT
UP?-THE QUESTION OF STREET IMPROVE
MENTs AND THE REIMBURSEMENT OF
PERSONS WHOSE PROPERTY IS INJURED
BY ALTERATIONS IN GRADEs-THE GAS
QUEsTIoN-sHALL CONSUMERS DE MADE
TO BEAR THE BURDEN OF LIGHTING THE
STREETS AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
T On the 7th OF Ray the Conservative yo-
ters OF Richmond will be called upon to
nominate members OF the City Council.
On important points now receiving atten-
tion it Is we'll for the views OF gentlemen
mentioned as candidates to be known. 1t
will be OF benefit to them, inasmuch as it
will attract to their support all who wish
such views to prevail; it will drive away
from them only those who would have voted
for them under apprehension. Tt will
save them, too, much OF the trouble OF
personal canvass, and, what is more. be OF
vaIue to the public in determining, to some
extent, who are suitable men to represent
the wishes OF the people in the City Coun-
Gil.
A representative of this paper on yester-
day asked O number OF gentlemen their
views: 1st, as to the school question; I'd,
as to the matter OF street Improvements and
changes OF grade; and Sd, as to charging
consumers of gas for the gas used in light
ing the streets and public buildings. These
seem to be the most prominent issues OF the
canvass. Every gentleman mentioned for
the Council will be kindly requested to fur
nish his views on these questions land on
any other that he may wish); and ii given
they will be published, as are those below !:
PRESIDENT o. F. MANSON.
Doctor: Are you in favor OF maintaining
the public schools in unimpaired efficiency,
and would you vote necessary money there
for?
A. am in favor OF maintaining the public
schools not only sin unimpaired efficien-
cy," but in greater efficiency than at pre-
sent; for instance, I would recommend the
establishment OF night schools for the in
struction OF those whose circumstances
will not permit their attendance in the day
time. This might be done with slight in
crease Of expense.
9. How do you stand on the question OF
street improvements Are you in favor OF
paying persons whose property is injured
by changes of established grades-that is to
say, streets where cutters, curbstones, or
pavements have been laid?
A. In the present depressed condition OF
business OF all kinds I think that the best
policy would be to keep the present streets
in good order-postponing the opening OF
new strcets-and regarding old thorough
fares, until the revival OF manufactures and
commerce. In proper cases just damages
ought to be paid by the city for altering the
grades.
8. Are you in favor Of the present system
of conducting the gas-works, by which, as
the public understand, the consumers are
made to pay the cost OF lighting the streets
and public buildings in addition to paying
a considerable profit directly into the city
treasury?
A. In regard to the gas question, my views
have been already very fully laid before the
public. The gas consumer ought to be fur
nished gas at prime cost, and the il!umina-
tion OF the streets and public buildings
ought to be paid like other public current
eXpenses--out OF the common treasury.
The private consumers OF our sister city,
Baltimore, are at present furnished gas at
$1.50 per 1000 feet by private companies,
who, of course, make 4 profit thereby. Ii
our city works were to furnish gas at cost
the price could be reduced to or below that
price. Every consideration OF personal
safety, necessity, and comfort demand cheap
gas for the people. In proportion to the
extension OF its use the cost would be dl-
minished and all classes Of our people would
be benefited thereby.
JOHN BELL BIGGER, ESQ.
In answer to certain questions PROFOUND
ed to me [same as those addressed 10 Dr.
Manson1 as an aspirant for the position Of a
member on the City Council from Madison
Ward, have to say that the subiect-matter
is, I presume, ct least new in the form in
which it is presented-ccrtainly new in its
form OF presentation to me. Not having
given these important matters the consider
alton they deserve / will not hastily
adopt any line Of action to govern me,
il elected, which my own individual
opinion might now dictate, but prefer to
ascertain the opinions Of those whom 1shall
feel proud to have as my constituents, and
when in possession OF their well-digested
views OF the right and Justice Of the mat
ter, will Gf elected), rs their representative,
Weld obedience to their ciearlv-eXpreSsed
will in the,premises, or return the trust re-
posed in me back to the sovereign power.
ROBERT w. OLIVER, ESQ.
In response to same questions:
/. Yes, am in favor Of maintaining the
pubic schools, for think that they are one
of the grandest institutions in this.country,
and. If necessary, would vote to appropriate
money to sustain them.
2. am decidedly in favor OF the city pay
ing damages to owners Of private property
injured by apparent and unnecessary grading
of streets. / voted against the grade ordl-
nance as recently presented before the
Council, deeming it unnecessary foryears to
come, and therefore useless expenditure
of money both to the city and to private IN
diYduas. .
=. 8. am in favor Of continuing the present
system of conducting our gas department
lin lighting our streets and public buildings,
feeling that large number OF our citizens IN
that way contribute towards our expenses
who would not do so in any other way. l
will add, however, that am clearly IN IA
for OF reducing our expenses for manufac-
turing gas. A large number OF our citlzens
rent houses, and do not own property; but IN
paying for gas there is large amount OF
reyenue obtained in that manner that the
city would be unable to get in any other
way, and very lightly felt by the parties
paying the present rates.
JAMES HAYES, ESQ.
In answer to same questions:
1. I am strong supporter OF the public
schools, and am willing at any time to vote
necessary funds for their maintenance.
9. Where q street is curbed, guttered, OF
paved, and the grade is changed, am IN
favor OF paying the property owner for any
damages caused thereby.
- 49, ,x,, T an, in favor nj