The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-02-07

To the works under the mead OF c0nSlruc-
tion. and have been n1aiDly paid by the re-
CENTS from the private consumer. The
Auditor has been unable 10 furnish me with
the exact indebtedness OF the city In the
shape OF bonds issued for additions TO the
works; but it cannot be very large, for tho
original cost OF the works was only S250,-
600, and from that time down TO the pre-
sent the improvements, repairs. and exter-
sions have been usually charged TO the
works and paid out Oh the receipts from the
private gas-consumer., regret that 1
have not been able to procure more accu-
rate data, as the printed reports obtainable
only GO back AS far as the year 1856; but I
have very little doubt from their examina-
ton that the private gas. consumer has not
only paid the interest, but also the prin-
cipaI OF the whole cost Of the works from
their inception to the present day. BUT
whether this be so or not, the truth cannot
be gainsaid that the consumer has been VIC
timized for many years; that he has been
made to carry burden that every citizen
ought to have assisted in bearing; and that
it would not only be rank injustice, but
cruel extortion, to impose on him any
longer. In the name OF justice, honor, and
common fairness, he cannot longer be COM
Delled to pay for benefits which are dis
perfsed to all. Like the sun, the city gas
shines upon the just and the unjust; but it
is iniquitious to make. the just defray the
whole cost.
But there are other reasons more potent
than dollars and cents for reducing the cost
Of gas Hight. By 4 reduction in its price it
win extend its use to 4 large class OF the
most worthy, useful, and industrious Of
our people. There are many occupations,
many delicate kinds Of labor upon minute
objects, that require more brilliant light
than is afforded by kerosene and candles.
A larger proportion OF book-keepers, law
yers, doctors, teachers, printers, artisans,
manufacturers, and scamstresses. after
passing the age OF forty.tive or fifty
years, require brilliant light in order
to prosecute their labors, and cannot
dispense with sas-light. 1t is, there
fore, with many necessity. Now,
it IS the duty OF the city, Us it has the
monopoly of furnishing gas, to afford this
necessity at the lowest possible price; the
lower the price the greater the number
there will be who will be benefited; and il
the axiom be true, that it is the duty Of all
governments to bestow the greatest good
upon the greatest number, this is eminently
applicable to this matter. The reduction in
the price Of gas must necessarily lead to its
use by many who cannot now afford it.
The present cost OF gas is a very burden
some tax, except upon the very wealthy;
and how few are wealthy or prosperous
now among us?
In proportion to the quantity Of gas man
uiactured the cost OF its production will
diminish. It will require but slight adj
dition to the expense to make fifty per cent.
more gas than at present, excepting the
price Of the material.
we are hearing constantly OF conflagra-
tions and deaths resulting from kerosene,
now so extensively used. The great city
OF Chicago was nearly consumed by the
upsetting Of kerosene lamp, and the deaths
resulting from kerosene-eXplosionS have
been very great in number, and are con-
stantly increasing. In the direct proper
ton that gas is used and kerosene aban-
doned the danger to life and property from
fire will be diminished. a kerosene lamp
is liable TO become murderer and lncendl-
ary at any moment. 1t is our duty to protect
the lives and property OF our people IN every
manner within our power, and the eXter-
sion Of the use of gas will greatly contribute
to this end. II it were possible I would IA
vor the qrdtuitouS introduction OF gas
light into the humblest home in the city;
but, rs this cannot be done, we can extend
it to as many as can afford to pay the cost OF
its manufacture. Other reasons, in addition
to those offered, could be urged in favor OF
the adoption Of the resolution have offer
ed-such as the comfort derived from clean
illness and the comparison Of the inodorous
gas with the filth, smoke, and stencil OF kerc-
sene, candles, ETC., but will not impose
longer upon your patience. The movement
I have proposed I believe is founded upon
right and justice. II so, it must prevail.
Like other reforms, it has met with objec-
tions at its inception, but truth and equity
must in the end be victorious, in defiance Of
all opposition. move the adoption OF the
resolution.