The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1884-03-22

as, one burner OF twenty-candle power at
the works, and say seventeen-candc power
at his burner. under proper pressure, will
give him good light and his gas bill will
be small at 81 thousand feet. We do not
80 much need dalower-pricedar article as we do
an abundant supply OF gas OF good illumi.
mating quality equally well distributed in
every section Of the city.
In the same statement, marked a." the
Auditor makes an estimate OF the net rev.
enue derived from the works for the eleven
months ending December 81, 1880. In this
he credits the works with the 2j.752, $40
cubic feet of gas used In street-lamps and
public buildings at the cost OF its manu-
facture, which be states at LOG. and makes
the net amount derived from the works for
the eleven months S9,064.56.
II, however, we credit the works with
gas used in street-lamps and public build
ings at SLAB, the net revenue would be
80, 1861.
Or II we credit the works with the gas
used in the street-lamps and public build
ings at S1.55, then the net revenue would
be s23. 29S.98.
But il We credit the works with the gas
used in public buildings and street-lamps
at S1.63, then the net revenue for the
eleven months would be s24,25S2S.
AGAINST GAS COMMISSIONERS.
We hayt carefully considel 1 the ques.
ton OF placing the management OF the gas
works under a commission. We do not
think it advisable. Without paying a
commission we do not see that such n
body would be likely TO give more atten-
ton TO the duties nj overlooking the man.
agement Of the gas-wOrks than does the
committee OF your honorable bodies. III il
| is proposed to pay a commission, then we
think the amount can be better applied by
adding it TO the salary OF a thorough
| ly competent gas-engineer." Besides,
where such a large amount OF the clty's
money is handled, we think there is
less danger OF its misappropriatiOn
when it is disbursed by committee direct
ly responsible to you, where the committee
can be call to account at any meeting, can
be investigated by resolution, and where
members can explain and defend them
selves when questions are raised affecting
them or their management.
HIGH GAS BILLS.
There having been much complaint about
high gas bills, we published notice re-
questing all citizens who thought they had
been Oyercharged to file their complaints
with us. These we now transmit to YOU for
such action as you may deem best.
THE EXPERT.
| We secured the services OF Captain +.
s. Benson, OF the Nassau Gas-Light Com
pany, Brooklyn, to aid us IN our inyeStiga-
tion. He spent several days in Richmond
In the examination OF our works, and his
report is herewith submitted. Captain
Benson is highly endorsed as a competent
gas engineer, and as having practical and
scientific acquaintance with all the details
| OF gas manufacture. We therefore COM
mend his recommendations to your most
careful consideration.
SUMMARY.
In conclusion. we beg leave to earnestly
ask your adoption OF the following recon-
mendations, with accompanying resolu-
tious:
/. That the gas-works be placed under
charge OF a competent gas engineer
.. That the manufacturing facilities at
the lower works be improved by the addi-
tion OF q new scrubber and new con-
densers, and by such changes in the retOrt-
house as are suggested by Captain Benson's
report.
3. The purchase Of a Bunsen bar photo.
meter for measuring the candle-powef OF
the gas.
4. That the facilities for the distribution
of gas be improved by LAYING new mains
in the manner indicated in the accompany
Ing report OF Captain Frederick :. Ben
son.
). That after these improvements are
made. the Use OF four-foot burner on our
street-lamps.
6. That each department Of the city gov
ernment shall have placed to its credit q
sum to be used in paying for gas, and that
bills shall be presented and collected
monthly, rs il done with private con-
Sumers.
| 1t is the custom in rlany cities to change
and test the meters once in three years.
We would suggest that some similar regl-
latiOns be adopted by our department.
RICHMOND COLLEGE.
We have received communication from
Hon. J. l.. VI. Curry, the president: OF the
Board OF Trustees OF Richmond College
(which we transmit herewith, proposing
! the establishment OF gaS-inspecting stat
! ton at that institution, for the purpose OF
testing ut stated periods the purity and
Illuminating power OF the gas. Similar
offices exist in many cities, and in Phila-
| delphia these duties are performed by the
two colleges in that city. We present this
matter for your consideration.
II is estimated by Colonel w. T.. Cut
shaw. City Engineer. that $4,000 will be
needed to carry out the above recommends
tions.
Il is important il these improvements are
| TO he made that the work should be prompt
" begun. 20 rs to have everything corr
pleted before the beginning Of another
winter.
Richmond is especially wel-Iocated for
making good and cheap c0al-gas. Under
proper competition we should get the best
gas-coaI freshly mined, at lower prices
than any city on the Atlantic seaboard, and
camel coal to enrich II aS cheaply as any
city in the country. But we have not kept
pace with the best improvements for ma
king Gas economically, and little or no at
tention has been given TO proper ar
rangements for It's distribution. IL it
shall be the pleasure OF your honor
able bodies to adopt the recon-
mendations embodied in this report,
then we believe that at no distant
day our citizens will have an abundant
supply Of gas of superior quality, OF pro-
per illuminating power, and at such re-
duced price as will be satisfactory to all
consumers. These recommendations faith
fully carried out will put an end TO all
complaints about the quantity. quality, and
price of gas.
Respectfully submitted.
J. r. ELLYSOH,
WILLIAM ii. PALMER,
JOHN B. PURCELL,
Il. o. NOLTING,
L. l.. BASS,
WILLIAM II. PLEAsANTs,
]. ). WELLFORD,
maxwell 4. CLARKE,
A. Il. COURTNEY,
JOSEPH X. ANDERSON.