The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1879-04-08

not be continued; for If it he proper aud
lawful to bind the city beyond your judg-
ment to small extent, then there IS no
limit to the power to bind 1t, and the shift.
tngs OF popular will may pass out Of place
our present worthy representatives and in.
stall such as would ruin the people by their
burdens. The charter has sought to pro-
tcct the tax-bayers and property owners by
certain restrictions as to expenditure in re-
quiring vote OF your joint bodies on large
sums OF money. 1t seems that you have
drilled from that safeguard in great de-
gree in allowing powers OF expenditure to
your committees without your passing on
them.
You will be surprised to find that Il
very large proportion. OF the salaries,
wages, and other city expenditures
are fixed and made by committees before
you pass upon them, and then of course it
is too late 10 prevent what may be obicc-
tionable.
There is probably no danger from this
with the present honorable members. but
you should hold closer control ofthe money
spent. and thus guard against possible fu-
ture danger from continuance Of the pres
ent system.
The present margin OF your power to
issue bonds is growing narrow, in view OF
improvements you will soon have to make.
Absolute necessity will soon force you to
make large expenditure on water-works,
and you should not delay an actual prepa-
ration for them.
We are now doing we'll enough, but year
after year yon have been told that the pres
ent power was worked to its full capacity;
and now the report again warns you that,
without spare pump, the cylinders OF all
are wearing out.
This is too vital matter to justify longer
theorizing, planning, and prospecting, but
the surroundings demand Interchangeable
action.
The officers Of the city are now cramped
and crowded until there is not one who has
sufficient room for the proper conduct OF
his business. Necessity will soon demand
enlarged accommodation, and you should
not delay another year TO meet this demand,
or to start towards it. These two necessary
improvements will require the full amount
of the present margin OF bonds. Relief
will come from bonds to be retired in 1880
and thereafter, and from enlarged value OF
real estate in new buildings; yet these ne
cessites should awaken YOU 10 economy
and strict watchfulnc>s of the city finances.
FINANCE.
Mr.. Skinker, from the Committee on FL
nance, presented the following resolutions:
ReSolred, That The petition of William
Jinkins asking to be compensated by the
city in the sum of Sl05. the amount Of de-
linquent bills due to him for scarenger's
work from various parties who arc unable
TO pay, De.rcjcctcd.
Resotred, That the petition OF Williams
Il Gibson asking refund of $lS.l2 tax
penalty charged against Truchart's estate
be rejected.
The committee also reported that it is in
eXpedient to legislate on the subject Of re-
quiring the Treasurer to receive fractional
currency, including specie, in payment OF
all bills and dues to the city, as the present
ordinances cover the question.
Mr. Taylor presented Il substitute for the
Finance Committees report in reference to
receiving fractional currency and silver i'll
payment Of gas, water, and other bills,
providing that the Treasurer shall receive
fractional currency and silver in sums not
exceeding ten dollars and denominations
not less than twenty-five cents.
Mr.. Taylor's substitute was adopted by
the following vote:
AyEs,Messrs ADAMS, Baker Crsnslawi Curtis; Curtis
Dowell. Pierce, Philips, Pollock, Rankin Iaibost
grove, K;ug, Oliver, Skinkcr, and Woods.
The other resolutions were agreed to.
LIGHT-A SPLENDID ADVERTISEMENT.
. Mr.. Curtis presented report from the
Committee on Light authorizmga member
of the Committee on Light and an officer Of
the gas-works to visit northern cities with
view OF gaining information as TO gas, DC.
Adopted.
The committee reported back. without
any recommendation, petition OF Oliver 81
Robinson, asking the privilege OF using the
apex of one hundred city 9as-lamps for an
advertising sign, the petitioners to pay
twenty. five cents for each lump and to keep
the same in order.
Discussion.
Mr.. Christian presented resolution
giving authority to the Committee on Light
to grant the petition for one year II deemed
expcdient by them. Referred to Committee
on Light with power to grant.
EXTENSION OF wATERPIPEs.
Mr. Davis, from the Committee on Water.
presented resolution appropriating sS40
for the extension Of water-pipes on Twen-
ty-fourth street between Marshall and
Leigh streets. Agreed to. -.
The committee also presented a resolu-
ton paying Smith Ely about 5000 for dam
ages to his property on Twelfth street be-
tween Main and Cary streets. Agreed 10.
Personal EXPLANATION.
Mr.. Higgins rose to personal explana-
ton, and sent to the clerks desk and had
read an article he had written on the sub
ject OF a reduction IN the price of gas.
After the article had been read be proceeded
to show how be had obtained the figures
viz, from the Auditors office and from his
own deductions. He also had read the fol-
lowing letter:
HARTFORD, CoNN., March II, 1879.
Hon. John u. Higgins, Richmond, Va.:
Ny Dear Sir,-I have with much pleasure
this morning read in the GaSlight journal
your communication to the Richmond DlS-
batch on the subject Of reduction in the
price of gas in your city. Accept personal
congratulations on your advanced and cor
rect ideas in regard TO the matter. AS you
will see by the heading OF this note, this
company has already taken the step, dating
from the 1st OF this month. We do not
propose to have oil take away any more OF
our business; but do propose to furnish a
good gas ct price that will not only retain
our present business, but induce many WHO
have already gene to oil to come back to gas
at an early day, and also to induce many TO
use gas for cooking and other uses instead
OF coal on the score OF economy.
Wishing you success, and with kind pe"-
sonal remembrances to yourself and many
other Richmond friends, am, very truly
yours,
[Signedl JouN ?. HARRISON.
FRAMED BUILDINGS. 49,.
Mr. Taylor. from the Committee on the