The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-07-18
TIE MONITOR FLEET.
The Mayor and Several Prominent Citizens
VIII Visit Them.

The recent newspaper agitation in regard to
the removal Of the Monitor fleet from Rich
mond waters has caused considerable discus
sion in this city, and the interview with Com
mander Graham. published in IHF TINES
yesterday, which put very different phase
on the subject has caused many people TO re-
verse their adverse opinions previously formed
from published statements made Of the genial
commander.
1t is evident that the Richmond people
generally sympathlZed with him. and that
they soc the necessity Of holding the feet if
possible. Several pubhc-spirited citizens
yesterday induced Paymaster j. q. Lowell 10
visit the Mayor and state TO him what facts
he might possess. Mr. Lowell met the Mayor
and Colonel John b. Purcell, president of
the Chamber Of Commerce, Major Meri-
weather Jones and General Charles j. Ander-
SON. and talked Informally with them for sew
eral hours. He fully substantated Com
mander Graham's statement and even
brought several new facts to light His re-
marks. however, were practically the same as
the interview published III THE TINES.
The Mayor expressed himself, as did the
others as feeling deep interest in the mat
ter, and rs fully realizing the importance Of
retaining the fleet near Richmond. The
Mayor wrote TO Commander Graham yester-
day requesting conference with him. and
Monday at p. NJ. has been set as the time.
Besides the Mayor, several prominent citizens
will 20 down to the monitors at that time.
In conversation with TIMES man yester-
day, Paymsster Lowell said that he was posi-
tive that his commander had no personal
feelings in the matter whatever. and that but
for the nusances which have existed 30 long,
he would be decidedly in favor Of the
fleets remaining near Richmond. The
people OF Richmond" he said, Il feel
certain. with the exception, perhaps, Of tho
lowest class of water front people, all fully
understand the advantages % the city by the
presence of the monitors aad the great harm
their removal would DO. All Of the pay to
the men with the exception OF few hundred
dollars which is sent home u their
families is expended in Richmond. This
amounts 70 about 10000 per year, not 70
speak of the purchases made in Richmond by
authority of the Naval Department upon open
purchase acquisitions. This cost. by the way,
has been brought about entirely through
Commander Graham's efforts. Does that
look as II he was opposed 10 Richmond"
Another fact that should make Richmond
put forth every effort to keep the fleet. Is that
If they should be moved it will advertise to
the world that the harbor Of Richmond can
not berth seven ships drawing only about
twelve feet OF water. The question would
also come up then necessarily before the next
Congress. The Committee on Rivers and
Harbors would want TO know what had be-
come Of the former appropriations.
Il feel positive" he continued, that Com
mander Graham has no personal feeling, but
he favors this city. lie is. it is true, very firm
and abrupt in his manner, but be possesses
one of the kindest of hearts. He IS very
effective disciplinarian and will never allow
his vessels 10 be turned into museums.
I'm the talk with the Mayor be sand he was
fully determined to use his influence to pro-
tact the officers and men from further in
suits"
These ships should be brought nearer to
Richmond" Mr. Lowell said. and if the peo-
pie will show the proper interest in the mat
ter il will be accomplished. They must be
kept in fresh water. and the place where they
are has been proven unfit. so they must either
come nearer or go away entirely"