Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-11-27
Mr.. BLAKE USES HARSH LANGUAGE
Tho Question of Residence of Asst Super
intendent OF the AYmshouse the Case.

There was a stormy session of the
Council Committee on Relief of the Poor
last night. Some of the language used
during the meeting was rather out of the
usual line, ami the character of the dis
cussion was decidedly animated. The body
convened with Chairman Mcdowell at the
head of the table and Messrs. Blake,
Brock, Doneavy, Reeve, Ferriter, and
Noble In their seats.
The chairman explained that at the last
meeting the committee had changed its
rules so as to allow the assistant superin-
tendent Of tho almshouse to reside outside
OF that institution. AS the rules stood
this officer was compelled TO sleep at the
almshouse. and the committee had TO
provide him with apartments. After taxi
ing action at the previous session num-
Der of members Of the committee, IT APP
peared to the Chair. had become dissatis-
fed. and he had called the committee to-
gether that the question might be reopen
cd If it was sdodesired.
Mr. Seay explained the situation at the
amshouse. and offered motion for
reconsideration OF the matter. which was
carried. Then there was a great deal of
talk about the pecullarities Of the position
of assistant superintendent of the aims
house Messrs Noble and Blake said they
thought 1t should be filled by a married
man. Mr. Seay did not see why a single
man could not hold the place just as
well as a married one and not cause any
more apprehension as TO the morals OF the
institution.
Mr.. Blake offered a motion amending
the rule in this particular, so as TO re-
quire the assistant superintendent to re-
side in the institution or within the radius
from First 10 Fifth streets, and north
OF Leigh. He spoke further, advocating
| the putting Of married men rather than
single men in such places.
Mr.. Snead appeared TO think the change
had been instituted for personal reasons,
| and that the movement was set on foot
| by either Assistant-Superinten
| Grooms or some of his friends. He re-
garded the old rules as entirely satlsfac-
tory.
| Mr.. Blake. apparently became vexed
at this view OF the matter, and said that
| any man who said he had taken part
| in bringing about this change for personal
| reasons told an untruth. Mr.. Brock said
| nothing personal was actuating him.
| Mr.. Donlcavy declared that he could not
| see his way clear in the premises to vote
| for the proposed change. and expressed
1t as his opinion that personal reasons
were at the bottom of the movement. He
was asked by Mr.. Noble 10 explain what
he meant by his remark. and replied that
| the present incumbent was the person
| most deeply interested in the matter arc
| that were some one else the assistant
| superintendent this question might not
have been raised.
Mr.. Reeve had few words to say con-
corning the lack Of available apartments
In the institution. Mr.. Ferriter moved
the adoption of the old rules, and this
was lost. MIR. Blake's motion then pre-
| vailed by vote offs TO 4. and the commit
| tee adjourned.
! There were meetings yesterday OF the
| committees on Finance. Claims and Sala-
| ries. Accounts and Printing. and Schools.
but only routine business was transacted
| by them.