The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1889-12-04
Register Of rand OHce and >uperiniend-
ent of Pubic Grounds and Buildings.

| TO the EditOr Offhe FINEST
am informed that Major W. Il. Gaines
the present incumbent VI the Office, whose
name appears at the head Of This commune
cation. il "A candidate fOr reelection. HAY
| ing had a long and intimate personal ac-
quaintance with Major Gaines. ana beng
also familiar with him in his official capa@-
| ity. desire to give briefly few reasons
why the administration Of this once should
be again committed "a MIN,
| Relieve that il j. universally conceded
BY persons who have had business 10 trans
act with this office. and who are generally
familiar with the manner Of It's manage
ment. that its duties have never before been
more efficiently and satisfactorily us
charged than they have been since 81 came
under the control Of the present incumbent.
An impression has prevailed with some
persons that there il but a small amount OF
labor to be performed IN the Registers Of
flee. Let me say that. whatever may have
been the case previous Y, since MAJOR
Gaines took charge Of il there has been a
great deal OF labOrlOus clerical work 10 De
performed. This is due chiefly To the rapid
development of the southwestern portion
of the state. New railroads nave been
built. and as consequence, hundreds Of
tracts of land have been sold and transferred
10 Northern people and corporations.
Naturally desiring To know every thing IN
connection with the original claimants ana
titles 10 these lands. application has been
made to the Register t0 search into them
and 10 remit copies of grants and surveys 10
parties desiring 10 purchase. ms
has required in many Instances pa
tient and very diligent and labor
iOus investigations. Indeed. no one
unfamiliar with the duties of the Office at
the present day conform the.-hghtest idea OF
the great amount OF labor performed here
This work, am informed by persons com
petent 10 testify. has been faithfully ana
satisfactory performed by Major Gaines.
This gentleman has also charge Of the
public buildings and the Capitol Park. The
superintendency OF these has added greatly
To his responsibility. rs well a. Ia his labor-.
The Capitol and Governors mansion nave
been reprinted under his administration.
In addition 10 this, the Capitol Park has
been improved and beautited As IL never
has been before. Many beautiful orna-
mental trees and flowers have been set out,
the walkways have been rcgraNelled and
kept in good condition, and the grass ana
the trees have been SedulOusly looked AFTER
and preserved; and as result ot all THIS,
i'm the spring and summer, when nature
puts on her gayest attire, there II not "a
more lovely and attractive park 10 oe seen
anywhere in this country. II Is source OF
pride To our citizens. and is one Of The chiei
objects Of admiration Of all strangers Visit
ing our metropolitan city.
Will conclude by stating briefly that Ma
jor Gaines is a man ot uulmpeachdble char
acter, and is "a courteous, warm-heafled'
genial. Old-fdshiOned Virginia gentleman.
I'm addition 10 this be was % brave tonied-
crate soldier, and lost leg i'm battle.
In view OF ali the foregoing considerations
| submit that it would Dee but simple act
If Justice upon thu part Of the Legislature
to re-elect Major Gaines 20 his present hum
Die position. liENklCo.