Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-07-23
CITY Eiectrlc-Llght Plant

The CITY gas-works have proved a good
investment for Richmond. and the ques-
tion is often asked why does not the Coun-
ell establish an electric-light plant.
The double answer is generally given
that we have not the money to spare just
mt this moment, and electric-hght ma
chinery has not yet reached that stage of
development when il would be safe for US
70 make large expenditure forit. because
in few years newer devices may render 1t
comparatively worthless. Ii seems con-
ceded, however, that we should look for
ward to the time when We will have our
own plant.
Now it is quite true that We have no
ready money in the treasury to appropri-
ate TO this object. and it is also fact that
we have approached near enough to the
limit Of our bonded Indebtedness to make
il unwise to issue any more bonds, unless
10 meet great exigency. but certainly we
do not expect always to remain in this stu
ation. The assessments now being made
will increase our taxables several millions,
and next year We ought to be able to go
forward with those works of improvement
which are demanded by our growing city.
The general air Of prosperity here, the &C
tivity in our manufactures, the great
number of new houses being built, and the
organization of companies to bring su-
burban property into market are proofs OF
activity which should encourage our mu-
nicipal government TO make great plans
for the future Of the city. In the
course of few years our corporate
limits will be extended, and then it will be
question whether the new streets can be
lighted better and cheaper by gas than by
electricity, with the probabilities in favor
of the latter.
The city has arrived at that point when
she must spend large sum Of money upon
betterments. Not TO do it is equiva-
lent to discountenancing private en-
terprise. What would you think OF
a merchant who refused to keep a
line of goods for which his customers
were constantly calling? What will the
world think Of municipal corporation that
will not open up and improve streets when
It's citizens stand ready TO linethose streets
with new buildings and forever afterwards
nav an annual tax upon them? Assuredly
We should make provision for our growth.
One Of the necessities of it will be an
electric-light plant.
Now as 10 the fear that money invested in
electric machinery probably will be wasted
because newer inventions NAV make our
purchases comparatively worthless. II Is
an argument that should excite us to eau
ton, but should have n further effect. No
doubt the same reasoning was used when
the city bought her first gas-retorts, and 1T
is @ fact that improvements in gas plants
have been made every year, but still the
old works were not rendered total loss.
Far from il. We cannot foreclose on the
future. We can only walk with the lights
now before Us.
When Richmond should begin to make
her own electric light depends largely
upon the contract with the Electric-Light
Company and the length of time that will
be required to establish the plant. run the
wires, and put the machinery in operation.
We need not proceed at break-neck
pace. but il will soon be time TO take the
inaugural steps, and date--not too near;
not too remote-can be fixed when the city
viii not only supply herself with electric
light. but all her citizens who wish to be
come her patrons.
The present City Council comes into
power at period when Richmond is
making her greatest strides towards great
ness. It's members viii DO called upon to
consider the annexation question; the
matter Of adopting an expansible and libe-
raj system Of street improvements. and the
propristy OF making an appropriation of
975,0o0for an eleciric-light plant. All these
viii require ability and forethought, but
they can DO effected within our revenues
and upon such an easy and gradual plan ~
will tend 70 sdvanee rsther than 70 Lessen
the city's credit