The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-02-13

cOai-Ras tnaI III IL more susceptible OF coh-
troll, publication, aud economy in manufac-
ture. Mr.. Anderson, II win be remembered,
submitted plans TO the Council for the inn
provement OF the Richmond works, IN
which the manufacture OF coal-gas was to
be continued, and IL was gratifying to him
TO have his plan thoroughly endorsed by
disinterested parties. Under the courteous
direction OF the head clerk, Mr.. Keenan,.
the works were thoroughly inspected and
found to be admirable in every particular.
We were Informed that the company, TO
meet the increasing demand for light, Is
building additional gas-works (also for coal
gas) in the upper part OF the city, ut cost
of nearly a million OF dollars. This is the
more remarkable when Il is considered
how general has been the introduction OF
the electric light in Cincinnati, and by its
side the brightest gas-iet looks like tallow
dip.
The Richmond visitors continued theif
SIGHTSEEING,
under the polite and capable guidance OF
Mr.. Anderson throughout the entire day,
visiting the Geological Gardens, the beauti-
full suburban city OF Clifton, which would
alone require q separate chapter TO do il
interest. Not the least amongst the places
Of especial interest were the tire-brck and
tile factories OF Messrs. Taylor & Anderson.
The inspection Of this large establishment
proved highly entertaining and instructive,
showing this important article OF manufac-
ture in all its varied grades and shapes.
Passing through the several extensive dry
ing and mouldlng-rOoms and kilns, the
troriafv ~ fI.n,r t,,opnfaptnpa oh
served There were furnace-blOckS, gas
retort settings, stove-linings, and grate-set-
tings. The retort-house was especially in
teresting to the Richmond councilmen.
Here were found retorts in great number,
finished and in different stages Of manuiac-
ture, all appearing straight, well formed,
and substantial.
1t would be impossible in one letter TO
describe all the interesting and pleasing
sights seen during our visit 10 this live
"Oueen City" of the West. We were so
impressed with visit to
THE GREAT PUBLIsHING-H0UsE
OF Van Antwerp, Bragg q Co. that we can
not forego n brief mention OF it, especially,
too, since it is here that the famous McGuf-
fey series OF school-books, the works OF
the LATE DR.. McGufiey, Of our University
and State, are published. The establish
ment occupies two entire buildings on Op-
posite sides OF street-one six stories and
the other five stories in height. These
buildings are connected by means OF tun-
mel under the street. There are over 800
hands employed. their entire time and al
tention being given TO the publication OF
school-books alone; and when the average
American youth reflects that this one house
turns out as many as $4,000 volumes day,
he should either tremble at such torrent
OF intellectual torture or be inflated at the
great attention he as a constituent part OF
the body-infantile is receiving at the hands
OF the country.
The house OF Messrs. Van Antwerp,
Bragg & Co. is certainly a great insttu-
ton, and one might spend days, and even
weeks, most proftably in following book
in its various ramiiications from the time it
enters the house as blank paper from the
warehouse until il is finally ready for the
school-room. We were indebted TO Mr..
Womack, of Richmond, for an introduction
TO the house, and to the gentlemen OF the
firm, especially Mr.. Bragg, for kind and
courteous attention.
But more Of Cincinnati anon. COB.