The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-05-06

at that time had no gas, no eNc'rlc 'IGh'S'
no well-lit shops. nothing but darkness
and lanterns fitting here and there Ike
FIRE flies in the murkiness Ii may he
supposed by some that the military re
ouiremen,s mentioned were mere forms,
the remains of useless and obsolete sys-
tenn TO which, perhaps, too mncn I'm
portance was given. 80 TAR from this,
much depended upon the vigilance OF
the guard. He was responsible for the
safety Of the States most valuable prop
erty. This was represented in the reas-
urer's and Auditors offices, differently
from the present system 30 strict were
the orders TO the sentry, that after night.
fall any one approaching them was hailed
and required to halt or take the conse-
quences.
Az UNPLEASANT "REMINISCENCES.
4 sad event was the consequence
of this many wears ago. An old gen
tlcman who, unfortunately, was deal
passed sufficiently near the post Of SEN
linc 20 be hailed. After several neifect-
ual efforts on the part OF the soldier on
duty TO bring him 10 a halt he felt con-
sira ned TO do his duty, and fred upon
the stranger with fatal effect or course
no blame could attach to the soldier.
VENERABLE ASSOCIATIONS.
We have thus given hurried account
Of the venerable building that has been
these many years familiar to the older
citizens Of Richmond, and to the people OF
the state. 1t constitutes the only visible
| remnant suggestive of an important era
Of our history long since passed away.
Around it cluster associations venerable
with age, and dgnifed by the momentous
events which called i. into existence. II
stands neglected and dilapida,ed in the
midst of plenty, taste, and culture. lis
silen, appeal for recognition, instead Of
being standing rebuke to the want OF
yeneration in these modern days, should
awaken the liveliest wishes for its pre-
servaiion. Instead Of this there are
those, who for the sake Of recovering a
few square yards Of space, would de-
molish it, Strangers visiting the city
evince the greatest interest in its history
and express their surprise at its decayed
cOnditiOn-we are the creatures o. cduca-
ton, OF habit. and example. Had this
old tower so beautiful in lis simplicity
been planned by Sir Christopher Wren,
or by lingo Jones, what a value would
long ago have been attached TO it The
truth is. many Of their productions have
no greater claim for architectural merit
than this structure, excepting She
difference in size Were it a par,
Of the old palace at Kew, or if it stood
associated with the history Of the
II II r HI N
! London. who would dare suggest the lay
ing OF violent hands on il Let US rather
initiate the devotion of our English
cousins to venerable relics. 1t was not
until absolute necessity demanded the re-
moyal Of Temple Bar that the British
public would listen to a suggestion OF
such a thing. Wien at last the ancient
gate to the old city, had to succumb, be
cause the surging masses of humanity
that crushed through its narrow portals
could stand 1t no longer, a British noble
man secured the structure and had 1t re-
moved piece by piece and stone by stone
TO his country seat and regretted as an
ornament to his grounds.
PRACTICAL SUGGESTION.
Besides being made ornamental, this
tower might become very useful to
the city. The walls are thick and
well built Around its base should
be constructed square terrace with
steps entering from Ninth street 70
the park, the belfry should be removed
and the walls run up sufficiently high to
constitute a clock tower with four faces
from which the people should get the
daily meridian time. In making these
alterations due regard should be had to
the preservation Of its architectural fea-
lures, and the proper ornamentation OF
the terrace. Whether this be done or
not, let the Richmond community hold il
ever in such reverence that they and our
country neighbors will solemnly protes,
against its mutilation or removal