Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1884-12-30
AT THE GAS WORKS.
Annual Inspection Yesterday improvement
Visible on All Sides-Cheaper Gas.

Visible on All Sidcs-Cheaper Gas.
For some time our people have been
much concerned over the subject OF better
and cheaper gas. More than a year ago
murmurings were heard, and during the
carly part Of this declining year thee NUT
terings broke out into loud protests against
the gas. The press aided the people,
and the matter went to the Board OF Pub
lie Interests. An expert was employed at a
cost OF 81, 900, and made report recon-
mendng certain changes in the mt
chinery and the laying OF new
aud larger mains. The EXPERT came
from distance. but 1t was found
that Colonel John H. Knowles. the Super
iniendent Of the Gas-W orks, and his as
sistant, Mr.. W. &. Adams, knew more
about the needs OF the department thln the
expert. However. the expert did good.
inasmuch as his recommendations, so far as
they referred TO the need OF new mains and
machinery, Were potent enough to cause
thciI adoption, with such practical amend
ments as Colonel Knowles and Mr.. Adams,
in their good judgment, saw fit to suggest.
These innovations are now in regular use,
and yesterday the Committee on Light
invited q number OF cOuncilmen and
friends to inspect the works and look
at what had been done in the at
tempt TO better the gas and chelpen lis
production. The works were f0uad TO be
in better condition than ever before, and
the Improvements in every respect fully up
TO all that was ever claimed for them.
Colonel Knowles was present, and very
active in extending to the large number oT
guests present the kindest hospitality, dis
playing great patience In explaining the
operation OF the new machinery, and never
firing in pOiteness to all.
Everyone voted the works a success. and
all seemed to think that the time for
cheaper gas had arrived, and expressed
the hone that the Council would not fail To
act promptly on this matter. IL was stated
that nine more Of the Siemen gas-lamps
dixie the one in front OF the pOst.oti:e)
would soon be put at certain points in the
city. These lamps have given the greatest
satisfaction.
ON September 10Th the Common Council
passed resolution directing the Committee
on Light to arrange ga proper schedule
for the pay or wages OF all officers and en-
ployes OF the Gas Department and report
their recommendations TO the next meeting
Of that body"
By resolution Of the Council, approved
by the Mayor, the Committee on Ordinances
have been empowered TO recodify the city
ordinances. and this committee have,
through its chairman, Mr.. Jackson Guy,
asked the Committee on Light for such
changes in the pay and salaries as they may
think eXpedient.
The retort-men get 1928 per day, and
labor in front Of fiery furnaces twelve
hours daily, and sometimes twenty-four.
The work is severely laborious and dts
agreeable beyond stating; yet these men
stand TO their posts until they have become
experts, and. BY the skiliul performance OF
duty, save the city hundreds OF dollars.
The committee will recommend that their
pay be put at 90.
a collation. was enjoyed By the company
present; after which the party dispersed.