Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1884-09-24
CITY AND SUBURBAN.
TIE COMMON COUNCIL.
The J. C. smith Compsny's Ics-Hcuse - The
Mayors Views Abost the Armory.

Mayors Views About the Armory'
A called meeting of the Common Coun-
ell was held Yesterday afternoon. Present,
the following members Mr.. j. Taylor Ei-
Tyson, president, and Messrs. Ammons,
Archer, Bowie, BRYAN, Campbell, Curtis,
Cutchins, Griffith. Gum. Hargrove, Jones,
Lewis, Mcdowell. Parater. Phillips, Pig
ziri. Redlord, Riddsll, Straus, Turpin,
and Elyson.
Mcssfs. Hughes, Cabell, Rankin. and
Guy were absent from the city, and Mr..
Fiischkorn sick.
The president explained the object OF the
meeting TO be the consideration OF the ioi'
lowing petition:
TO he Honorable the City Council Of
Richmond:
IKE undersigned respectfully ask per-
mission TO erect frame ice-house on land
lying between Twcnty-first and Twenty
SECOND streets and Cary and Dock streets.
JAMES e. SMITH ICE COMPANY,
by 4. +. swain. Manager.
Mr.. Campbell offered the following reso-
iution:'
THAT permission be granted the James
c. Smith Ice Company to erect frame ice
house on land lying between Twenty-iirst
and TweDty-second streets and between
Dock and Cary streets"
Mr.. Turpin offered the following amend
meni, which was accepted by Dir. Campbell:
"That the stable and forage portion OF flc-
tory be built OF brick"
A motion TO refer the resolution b the
Fire Committee was lost, and the resolu-
tion was adopted.
MAYORS VETO.
The rules were suspended for the trans
action OF other business. and the following
communication from the Mayor was read
II return without my approval your re-
solution Placing the armOry OF the First
Virginia regiment under control of the
Committee on Grounds and Buildings.
The building was erected for the especial
purpose Of an armory for the regiment, and
hence should properly be under their con-
troll, while your resolution take. il utterly
out Of their hands and places it absolutely
in the hands Of the committee named, who
would actually have the power to dictate
10 the regiment the extent to which they
might use IL for military purposes. The
officer. Of the regiment would he the best
Judges Of the proper times and uses for Oc-
eupancy Of the building by their compa-
nles, and no authority less competent 10
luugo snOuiu bH'c poNei W cohliOi
them.
at may be said there is no danger Of the
committee exercising such power; and il is
full reply to that position that no power
should be given which can by any possi-
bility be exercised to such injury OF the
regiment.
at appears to me that in every view OF
the case, whether Of principle Of policy or
OF interests the officers OF the regiment
should have control OF the building. Ths
regiment is great safeguard to the people
and the property Of the city. Its members
have spent time and money to equip and
qusliiy themselves, and they deserve sup
pol and encouragement. In proportion TO
their numbers and the population OF the
city they have OF their own efforts
and means contributed mora TO ft
up thls armOry than has been gwen by the
city, for from their ranks OF about fVe
hundred they have expended some 5000
or $1,000, while from the funds Of the city,
iIOm its population OF some 1900. only
S37, 900 has been expended. They have
more interest and pride in the protection OF
the property, because it is their military
home, their devotion 10 which has been
shown by their many and large sacrifices.
They more largely represent tho peo-
pie than the whole City Council, for
they are i've hundred OF the people,
while the Council are but forty-eIgh'. They
represent more OF the taxe-payers which
contributed to the armory. for they are
five hundred contributors, while the whole
Council are but forty.eight and the Com
! mi,tee on Grounds aud Buildings but q
small part OF these. They are /. well
! qualified, morally, mentally, and in 8
business point OF view, rs any COMMITTEES
can bc, and the interest OF the city Is per
iestly safe in their hands. Believing the
| Interest Of the regiment will suffer; that
the restrictive use Of the hall will destroy
Its efficiency; that the mistrust OF their
ability and integrity in managing it, as in-
dicated in placing them under the con-
troll Of civilians, will dampen their zeal
aud pride, l hope you will consider
! the rights and interests OF this body
! Of seli-,acrifcing e'tiZen-soldiers and give
! them their military home, free from control
| OF other supervising powers. i know you
desired TO and intended to do that which
you deemed most conducive TO the mutual
interest involved, but present these views
OF apprehended results with the highest
respect for yoIr good intentions and 10
direct your attention 10 what believe Is the
desire Of the regiment as well as the interest
Of the city"
Mr.. Parater moved TO lay the message on
the table until the next regular meeting OF
the Council.
Captain Jones asked hr. Pafater to with
draw his motion in order to refer the mat
ter TO the Committee on Grounds and
Buildings.
Mr. Parater refused, snd the question
was laid on the table, as SIR. Parater de-
sired.
THE ALAsH0Usa BOILER.
Mr.. Gum, from the Committee on Relief
Of the Poor. submitted resolution appro-
rriating the sum Of 500 for repairing the
steam-boiIer at the almshouse, and doing
the necessary steam-6ting and brick
work for the same. The resolution wal
referred to the Committee on Finance.
Adjourned.