The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1882-03-16

Total IN favor Of the works. 769f7 9s
At no time since the works were
built has the
PROSPECT FOR TIE FUTURE
been brighter than at the present. The
causes affecting injuriously the value OF
gas property during the past FIVE or six
years have been removed or are better un-
derstood. This il now admitted in this
country and in Europe, and IL evidenced
by the increased value OF gas stocks and
the large amount Of capital that is at this
time being invested in the building OF new
gas-works and in the extension and I'M
provement i'm existing ones all over the
world. The largest holder ever built is
now being put up in London, and new
works on an immense scale are being bulli
for the corporation OF the city of Manches-
ter. Eng; and it is the concurrent testi-
mony OF the men in the business liz this
country that the present year VIII be one
OF uneXamp,ed activity in the way OF en-
largement OF works aud extension Of pipes.
The reasons given for this improvement in
the condition Of affairs are that the gradual
reduction OF the
PRICE OP GAS
is popuarizing its use, the increase OF
| population in cities, and the general I'M
proyement in business. Its generally adj
| mitted. too. that oil cannot be sold any
| cheaper, while gas can be, and as the time
improve the people will and are using II
more freely.
II is the opinion OF the best informed
| that the electric light will have it, uses, but
at the same time will be benefit rather
| than a disadvantage to the gas business hy
clltiyatng taste and desire among the
people for more light, and IL has already
! had that effect, a. can be seen by the fact
q" the reports published y that the increase
| in the consumption OF gas has been greater
the past year. and that the most extensive
improvements are contemplated where th'
ELECTRIC LIGHT
has been longest and most used. II is Iail
TO infer. lhcn, that when businessmen ant
capitalists arc so willing 10 put more none,
into gas property they can have but iitti'
fear Of the electric light doing them harm
That it was wise and prudent in oul
city TO own her gas-works becomes NOR,
apparent a. time rolls on. Her ownership
prevents opposition works or imposition
and il is now very generally admitted that
one gas-works can supply gas cheaper than
two in the same city; and the profits made
by the works 90 into the treasury, and are
equivalent TO relieving the people OF tna'
amount Of tax; besides, the works are be-
coming more valuable every year.
The entire apparatus and machinery IN
Use at the upper and lower works are III
good order; and we are now preparing
plans in detail to submit TO the Committee
on Light for rcmOdclling q portion OF th'
retort-house so as to afford more generating
capacity TO meet the imperative demands o
next fall aud winter. ~ the increased make
and consumption OF gas the past year \
truly amazing, and admoniShes me tba
the improvement should be made at al
early day.
In conclusion, | cannot refrain acknow
Lodging the courtesy and marked etlicienc.
OF the officers in charge OF the various dc
partments Of the works.
All Of which is respectfully submitted.
J0HN II. KNOWLES, Superintendent.
SUPREME COURT or APPEALs.-Reid rs
Jones's executors. Argued by Colonel j
c. Gibson for appellant and J. y. Menefe
and II. G. Mofet, Jr., for appcllecS, an
submitted.
Police CouRT.-The following cases wer
disposed Of yesterday: >,
Georgiana Mason (colored), charged VIII
stealing q shawl and apron and fifty cent
in money from Thomas c. Tinsley, wa
discharged.
George Fields. charged with obtaining
90 under false pIetences from John y
James, was discharged.
George Gallagher and Chris. Hechler
charged with fighting in the street, wcr
fined - each.
Dabney Price (colored and VI. +. know
linz white. charged with lighting m III
/, street. were fin ed $3.50 each.
Ben. Jones (colorcd). suspicious char
acter, was sent TO jail for thirty days IN dc
, fault OF surety.
Benjamin Meriwcathcr (colored) wa
fined 80 for reckless driving and dtSoT
derly conduct on the street.