The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-01-15
IN ARCTIC RICHMOND.
THE CITY HAS SETTLED DOWN TO
WINTER SCENES AND PLEASURES.
There r. Little Change in tho Cold situa-
uon--The Sleigh Bells are still Jingiing
Merrily-The Frozen River.

Richmond was settled down to beinI
winter city. and the scenes that ar
presented each day might be taken 10
those of some corner IN a Canadian o
Northwestern city. Ulster coats will
high collars. fur caps OF the Cossack cut
ieggins and clumsy gloves are the proper
rig for Richmond now
The appreciation OF our people for tn,
fitness OF things is strongly exemplinec
In the promptness with which Arctic caps
Dakota boots and storm coats have made
their appearance on our streets. Not a
few OF the men whose trim figures are
the pride OF themselves and their tailors
show unmistakable evidences of du-
pjication OF undergarments--a sacrifice
OF symmetry TO the call for comfort-while
others bundle themselves up in great
coats and comforters like road teamsters.
There has been little change in the
situation. old Sol polished up his head
nSht ana turned his rays on the snow
banks yesterday, and made a show Of
getting up thaw, but he soon found out
he had bit off mOren he could chew"
and the ice king resumed his grip upon
the earth around.
James river is solid sheet Of ice from
Richmond to the mouth, and navigation
Is hopelessly blocked until a pronounced
thaw sets ia.
Not a boat has cleared its waters since
the Old Dominion struggled through the
Ice packs one week ago, and even then
1t was matter OF great difficulty. With
the new ice only two and a half inches
through, II was packed so thick in places
that she was stopped with a full head
OF steam on, and was forced TO back and
butt her way through. on Hog Island
a hoo ufs,a -,
the hands had 10 get off. and with axes
and battering rams. free her paddle wheels
so that they could revolve in backing out
The freezing weather since that time has
thickened the crystal blockade TO six
inches in the thinnest places and as hard
as steel.
A rapid thaw would greatly endanger
property along the river by reason Of
fee gorges. a few years ago the river
rose six feet here IN an hour from this
cause. The conditions are now such that
general breaking up would bring
gorge and the river men are preparing
already for such an emergency by NOV
Ing out Of the way such goods as would
be injured by overflow
People are crossing the river on the
Ice at all points between Richmond and
It's mouth, and no such freeze has taken |
place in a decade
The WyanOke left West Point yester- |
day for New York. and encountered much |
ice. even in the York river. but because |
OF the water being salt, the ice does
not crystalize so firmly, and is more
easily crushed.
The Old Dominion Steamship Company
have shown commendable promptness in
getting the freight through to this city.
The cargo Of the Wyano6e arrived here
yesterday via West Point only twenty
four hours later than If she had unloaded
here, and very little Inconvenience has
been caused our merchants.
The supply of city water is still a seri-
ous question and though the inspection
Of premises by the police yesterday i'm
proved the condition of the reservoirs.
there is yet cause for grave apprehension
The pumps are working well notwith-
standing the interference from the ice,
and only the useless waste from many
nydrants kept constantly running causes
he trouble. The police inspection will
continue until the necessity is over A
number of persons were reported yester-
lay for this cause.
Although there has been no unusual
all for assistance on the public charities,
here must be great suffering at such a
ime.
Mr. Richard W. Carter. superintendent
Il the public charities, reports that there
S not much suffering among the poor
'eople as one would suppose would exist
nder the circumstances. He is giving
ut meal and fuel TO every one applying
or aid
The Council Committee called meet
ng yesterday afternoon to arrange to
upply any necessity for aid that might
rise.
The sleighing continued all day yester-
ay with undated interest, and the num-
er of turnouts increase with each day.
hey might have been counted by the
hundred yesterday afternoon as they
rent flashing by the now well trcdden
treets.
nd c. NJ. Martin were enjoying a breezy
leigh ride about o'clock, some part OF
he sleigh broke. when at the corner OF
'elvidere and Franklin streets. and the
orse, becoming frightened, dashed off
Trough Monroe Park. After running
round in the park for several minutes.
ne steed started down Main street at a
risk rate. The sleigh ran into a wagon
ear Fifth street. and was badly wrecked.
Near Seventeenth street the horse was
opped. after the broken sleigh had col
ded with several vehicles. !
The occupants were thrown out soon
tier the runaway commenced. Fortu- a
ately no one was hurt.
The coasting is grand. and on the long 7
clines OF Twenty-fifth street and Broad /
rect on Church Hill yesterday afternoon ;
nd night large crowds of merry coasters 9
ere enjoying rare sport while the usual {
purses in every part of the city were
ell patroniZed.
The blockade on the Manchester cleo ;
ic lines was raised last night, and the o
Ike at Forest Hill cleared of snow for {
Eating, but the fall OF last night will !
'obably prevent a continuance Of that j
lifhtful sport for some days to come.
The snow was cleared yesterday from A
large portion Of the dock at the foot OF Il
street. and good skating was Z
joyed by "a large number of men and Il
aidcns. W
The trains are still running irreguarly. q
ID the mails are more or less delayed n,
all the lines. a.
Snow commenced TO fan at o'clock n
st evening, but ceased after light n,
rpet was spread upon the sidewalks "a
eviously cleared OF the heavier preced-
: fall.
rhe thermometer was below the freeZ- u
) point all last night. but the weather '
. not so severe as on previous nights. e'
ci
Feed he Birds. ~
dr. Polk Miller. president of the Virginia
I'D Sports Association, has issued the fol- Gil
wing with the request that it be copied {.
all the papers in the State: TO
To Members OF the Virginia Field Sport in
ISOLATION. The severe weather which c.;
" prevails throughout the State is calcu- az