Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-03-13

Our Citu.s E,utnre Growth.

No one who has o proper conception
of the FIXTURE Of this CITY can doubt
that before many years have elapsed her
growth will demand the annexation OF
that portion Of Henrico county known as
Lee district
No doubt our lines will have TO be ex-
tended on all sides, but IL IL well known
that the most valuable property which can
be Incorporated now is that lying between
the CITY and the Broad-Street road on the
north. the Boulevard on the west. and the
river on the south.
II would be very discouraging thing
for ms TO be told by the General Assembly
that we need never hope to see Rich
monds lines extended in that direction.
The country people and the city people
both expect TO see the district made
part of Richmond city; but the public
does not yet seem ready for the move
ment. So it seems TO us, who are old
and earnest friends Of annexation; yet 3
full and decided expression may soon be
obtained. as the citizens Of Lee district
have appointed committee to wait upon
our City Council with the view OF con-
siderine the subject. The only impede
ment TO favorable and early action is in
the improvements which the suburban
property-holders will expect of Richmond.
II seems TO us that the conditions which
they have outlined are more exactlng
than Richmond can or should agree to. 1t
may be that discussion and mutual con-
cessions may bring US together, but at
present the distance separating us seems
considerable.
Ii II be shown that the people are not
ready for annexation now. Il may be found
practicable and desirable to adopt plan
TO become operative some years hence.
The streets and street-grades could be
projected through Lee district and all the
other districts proposed to be in
corporated. and then those persons
who lay of lots and build houses in
the suburbs will know exactly what to ex-
pect when they come TO be admitted to
the city by legislative enactment.
1t has been suggested that if Richmond
does not wish Lee district the district can
get town charter of its own. We do not
believe that it can. The county's repre-
sentatiyes no doubt would oppose the
measure. This city's representatives would
oppose it and the other Legislators would
almost surely be guided by this double
expression of local sentiment. This would
be so infallibly If the members of the
Legislature were informed that it is a
subject upon which the district citizens
themselves are divided.
But. supposing that the district could
procure town charter, what would be the
rate of taxation its property-owners would
have to bear TO grade and pave streets,
build sewers. and establish fire depart
ment and water and gas-works?
No, that would not do. We are inclined
TO look hopefully upon the coming con-
ference between the representatives OF the
city and OF the district, and while we ere
about il we may as we'll consider annexa-
ton with reference to all of the suburbs.
1t is possible that an acceptable plan for
immediate annexation may be devised. II
not We certainly can take action looking
70 the future. While every step should be
cautiously taken we must look forward to
and provide for the time when Richmond
must have more space wherein to grow
and thrive.