The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1880-10-06
LOCAL MATTERS.


Mr.. Smiths Sunday Piro.
WHAT THE CITY MAY BAyE TO PAY Fol
PUMPING WATER INTO TIE STREET MAINS
YROM THE BASIN WHEN THE RIVER WAS
LOw-AsTONisHlYG Loss SUSTAINED BY
Mr.. J. C. SMITH AT THE CORNER or NISTH
AND CARY STREETS, kc., &C.
Mention was made 10 the proceedings OF
the Council printed in this paper yesterday
Of the petition of James &. Smith, Esq,
asking TO be reimbursed for damage done 10
bIs storebouse and personal property corner
Of Ninth and Cary by the recent fire caused
by sparks from the city's steam tire-eDgiues
while al work pumping water from the ba-
sin into the street mains.
3fr. Smith says in his petition that he in
formed bis counsel OF his loss, aud desired
him to communicate with the proper city
authorities and inform them that he would
look TO the city for repsrati0n, and to ask
that the city would send some one down 10
the place OF the fire TO make an estimate OF
the loss before the property was disturbed
at all. His counsel saw the Mayor and City
Attorney, who said that they did not deem
It necessary for them 10 take any such steps
on behalf OF the city. Desiring an estimate
to be made that would be beyond fair dis
pute. and knowing that bis loss amounted
10 much more than persons unacquainted
with the class OF property that was In the
house would think. be asked his counsel
again to see the proper authorities and ask
that they would reconsider their deter
mination and send some one to estimate
and adjust bis loss. Colonel Patrick
II. Gibson came down q short time utter
wards on behalf OF the city, and with Mr.
Smith began to make an estimate OF the
loss. Before it was concluded, however,
Colonel Gibson declined TO proceed any
further. The authorities were again in
formed. and Mr.. Smith says in his petition
that the Finance Committee authorized the
City Attorney to agree with him upon some
fair mode OF ascertaining the loss, and me
amount, when ascertained, TO be equally
binding upon him. Your petitioner, he
says, ies copy OF the agreement entered
into by the city though It's attorney and by
him (Smith) through bis counsel. The two
gentlemen selected by the city and the pefi-
toner, and also third gentleman selected
by the two so appointed, are named in the
agreement. These three gentlemen entered
upon the discharge OF the burden imposed
upon them on the 9th day OF September.
After taking such testimony as could be
furnished, and after considerable delibera-
tion, the gentlemen made an estimate Grad
juStment Of The loss.
Upon these facts your petitioner here re-
specifUlly requests that your honorable
body will take proper steps to have him
paid BY the city Of Richmond the amount
ascertained by the adiusters above alluded
10. Your petitioner can think OF 70 reason
why he should not be paid the amount as
certained. The loss sustained was caused
by the acts Of the officers OF the city, through
no negligence OF your petitioner. The
amount was ascertained by three honorable
and intelligent citizens OF this city. The
city, through your the earnest and repeated
endeavors OF your petitioner, was given an
ample opportunity 10 ascertain the said loss.
Your petitioner has acted fairly and frankly
with the city and he now asks that your
honorable body Will cause the city to act
Justly towards him and pay the amount
ascertaned az the measure OF his loss-to
wit, Sj,133.S4. xeurs truly,
ISicned1 JAMES c. SMITH.
The agreement referred to IN the petition
Is in the usual form OF an agreement for
submission to appraisers, and is signed by
A. NJ. Kelley, attorney for the city, and
james e.. Smith, by his attorney, c. V.
Meredith. The declaration OF the apprais-
ers is signed by II. X. Ellyson for the city,
David Baker, Jr.. representing Mr. Smith,
and Mr.. j. II. Montague the third ap-
praiser. sworn to before Mr.. Kelley, a no.
tary public.
The following is the schedule OF property
- H.. Il <n1 l.1-H Hrn afSr