The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-02-06
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6. 1891.
rLrCrKIC rLAhT ACHE.

We alluded editoTially yesterday 10 the
general grounds OF ohieciionto the propo-
sition that the city shall Establish an cleo
tric plant Of its own. We made no Fcierepce
tocertain special aspects Of the question be-
causo constituting la themselves subjects
that deserved separate examination.
II there we're no other reason for leaving
the lighting Of the cily by electricity 10 out
side parties. the pressing need Of employ.
ment in certain public improvements OF Mi
the means az the command OF the city
would be- sufficient in itself b. render the
proposed undertaking Of doubtful eXpedi-
encv. There is a crying demand. for in
stance. for a general system Of street in
proyements, both in the line Of extension
ana renovation. New facilities ia the way
Of gas. water and drainage are wanted in
many Of the outlying districts Of the city,
the growth Of these districts being OBJ
sirucled by the absence OF these facilities.
In every section large amount OF money
can e expended TO the greatest advantage
in restoring the old payements or in laying
MNNl new
Upon the enlargement and perfection Of
our street system in these general drcc-
lions depends, in a most important degree
the substantial and Permanent prosperity
" Richmond. The delay in making the inn
proyemenis which have been so much need
cd has been explained on the ground that
until the basis Of taxation was extended by
the results Of the new assessment IL would
be practically impossible TO appropriate the
amount required.
Why should the city seriously cripple its
ability TO carry out the proposed street i'm
prove nents by deyoting a very large sum
10 the establishment Of All electric
plant Of its own, when the purposes for
which that plant would be established can
be just as well carried out by private
company, as actual experience has shown
Why overlook partially an object OF the
most pressing public moment, which can
not be- dealt with except in the most liberal
spirit without the grayest injury TO the
interests Of the city, to spend great
amount of the city's funds upon PROJECT
which has 10 countenance in the necessi-
ties, or even the convenience, OF the people
at large.
tits idle to expect that an electric plant
would not entail larger outlay upon the
citY than $4,000. As correspondent.
whose communication viii be found else
where, very justly says the city would be
fortunate if the plant in the end did not
co as than 100000. Are the people OF
icninond 10 run the risk Of mourning such
an expense as this on the score ol an cleo
tric plant OF its own. the establishment Of
which would be doubtful In principle ana
expedieucy because charging the sphere Of
our municipal government, interfering with
the competitive rights OF individuals and
private companies, and increasing The num-
Der Of unnecessary Cilice-h0ldersf
our streets are not the only public inter
est upon which the money Of the people If
ihis City can be mere wisely aud apprOpri.
ately spent than In establishing an electric
plant. ne SnOckoe creek improvement is
only one ~ number that might be speciil-
sally mentioned The thorough equipment
OF loe Mechanics Institute il another. Not
loo ..iaa a half dozen might De brought for
Waiu nnicn oyrfsuaGOw Ia Importance
under the special circumstances the scheme
b. which 4 10 proposed that the city OF Rich
mond sh all by its own manufacture directly
supply itself with what it j, already being
supulied with. without special reason for
d satisfaction % the public.