Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-03-16
STATE EXPOSITION.
FIRST MEETING OF TEE EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEES OF TgE SOCIETY.
Major jos Walker Desires to Have the
Exhibition on the Manchester
side Of the Biver.

The first meeting Of the Executive
Committee of the Virginia State Agri'
cultural and Mechanical Society since
the organization of the corporation was
held last night in the secretnry's Office al
8 o'clock. Present Ashton Starke,
Esq. (presidentD, General Joseph Il. An.
derson, Major A. n. Drewry, MIR. John
j. Branch, Mr.. w. p. Dupuy OF Prince
Edward county, and Major A. r. Vena-
ble secretary
The president stated that he received
q letter several days ago from Major Jo-
! seph Walker. OF Manchester, in relation
to holding the Exposition in Manchester
and that Major Walker was present, and
If the committee cared to hear him the
Major would like to explain his plan in
greater detail than his letter did.
MANCHESTER AND THE EXPOSITION.
A vote was taken. and the committee
decided to bear Major Walker, who came
forward and prefaced his remarks by
reading the letter which he had written,
Of which the following is a copy:
HoLLY SPRISGs. March 8, 1873.
ashton Stark. Es5., President Virginia AGrtcul-
tpral and Mechanical SOcieiy'
Dear sir.-Since last night. when the reorgani-
zatlon OF the old society into the new occurred, |
hayo had On a thinking cap. As result, have
something to say which may cryetallize into a
great benen;, both fronHa public and society
point Of view. az follows:
have park which IA about exactly equally
distant from the Capitol with the Far-Grounds.
AlsO, II IL at the PIE sent time about equally ac-
cessble by street-cafs. IL has also upon It n
halt-miie track, which, | tank, Is better than
the milo TRACK at the Falr-GrOunds; but in all
other respects, as 10 scenery. topography,
shades, running waters, &C., II is infinitely supe-
rior.
Now these grounds will dedicate to your uses
Oh tho following terms:
First. will give you the use Of the grounds for
exposition uses without compensation; or,
second. will grant you the real estate OF tho
park in fec simple, reseryiug water rights Tor my
contiguous land, for f30,0D, taking my pay In tho
stock Of the association. shall also require ad-
mission privileges 10 the Exposition for myself
and property residents.
These offers are well worth investigation.
cannot speak by the card, but | think Man
chester would contribute In bonds. in gift, or in
stock.
Sir Bryan's street-railway needs but slight
extension TO reach these grounds, and the Eiec-
trir railway has already Manchester line In
cOnte mplatton across Mayo's bridge.
The springs In the park having an unalterable
fow OF about 10000 gallons por cay viii main
tam ponds and fountains by simple and almost
automatic connections this because there Is
tventy-nye feet fall within the park from the
spriug9 along tho streams.
The waters are sulphur and otherwise mcdic-
nal MRny helplessiy diseased persons have
been restored by them.
The park has a wonderful natural fora, and
electrical illumination upon this and upon pond,
waterfall, stream, and fountain would be eXldi-
ste IN rs effects.
There "a q large aud scientincaly-cOnstrIcted
Confederate fort enclosed within the park in a
state OF perfect pres -rvaton.
Ihe park affords 2 site for a hotel which In my
opinion is not ecuGlled elsewhere In the United
Staies As | usually have substantial reasons
behind my statements. il would be premature 10
deny this without careful investigation.
The Richmond aud Petersburg new railroad
depot g. within ten mlnutes and it, track rlns
within i've minutes walk OF this park. A side
track would reach II.
The park as al exposition grounds would com
ply with the charter meet the purposes Of the
reorganization, and the buildings and property
would be owned By tho present life member
stockholders without bonded debt; for ite pros
ent property would sell or could be bonded for
enough 70 meet its expenditures.
A. the same time it would acquire a property
vastly more valuable ter hotel, restaurant, con-
cert. and general park purposes than the oil
property: this because this park IL equal 10 the
old grounds In distance and accessibility, but in
these other euPibliues. both within itself and "a
10 ltS surroundings. comparison Is Net! unlh-
vornble to the old Fair-GroundA
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH WLLKER.
p S-SOme minor details can be hereafter dis
cuseed and arranged % the satisfaction Of all
parties, fully believe. J. W.
MARCH Q. 1888
Before mailing this letter have slept a night
on H. I think can guarantee you t2D.0l0 or
$4,000 in tho bonds Ot the city. Certainly can
guarantee you so 90 from the citIzens Of this
city in siOck-this after have seen representa-
tive men In the Council and in Trade.
No,-, b.. ToSrpu WaFNpp