The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-08-09
WERE ASKED TO RESIGN.
sCPr. EyCWLEs DTSMfsSES MESSRS'
WALsH AND MEREDITH.
They arc Sore Over the Matter, and Al
icye Unjust Trcatment-Nr. VIM D.
Mays to Succeed Mr.. walsh.

Yesterday Superintendent William +.
Knowles OF the Gas-vorks. requested
the designations OF Mr. Thomas J. Walsh,
who has held the position OF foreman
OF the Lower Gas-works. and Mr. }. r,
Meredith, book-keeper at the same place.
These designations are 10 take effect on
the 18th OF September oext.
The place OF Mr. Walsh will be nIIed
by Assistant Gas Inspector William J..
Mays. who is a thoroughly competent
and reliable man. and has an intimate
knowledge OF the business.
In discussing the matter Superinten-
dent Knowles said that the matter
amounted 20 a dismissal OF Fir Walsh
from the Gas Department. and he ala
not think IL right that he should be dis
missed without Mr.. Meredith also. He
stated that he was only actuated by q
consideration for the best interests OF
the city. and had no personal feelings
whatever in the matter. Mr. Knowles
declared that he determined when ne
took charge Of the works to run them
n the interests Of the taxpayers OF the
city. and that he was sure that those
interests demanded that a change should
be made In the personnel or those en-
ployes who held positions Of trust under
the late disastrous regime.
SORE ABOUT IT.
when Messrs. Walsh and Meredith were
seen about the matter they evidently
were considerably troubled over the ac-
ton OF the Superintendent. Mr. " alsR
said he thought that Mr.. Knowles mad
treated him unjustly. as the Committee
on Light had GENERATED him from any
responsibility for the state OF affairs at
the Gas-Works. For twenty-five years,
he said. he had been connected with the
Gas-Works. and during all that time ne
.Hf s.-1 =
charged his duties. superintendent
knowles had told him. he said, that
Outside pressure and the wish o. the
people" demanded his removal
Ma. KSowLEs' DELAY.
In conversation last night with a gen
.ieman intimately acquainted with Inc
views and purposes OF super ~
would have acted IN this matter mucn
sooner than he did had he been sure OF
The city Attorney. hal given him a
written expression 81 his opinion a. 10
the removal OF these two empl0yes, but
NIr. Knowles was IN Doubt ~ 70 Nh staef
he had individually the power 20 DIS.
miss them. He therefore requested
the city Attorney 10 FAVOR nlil MI a. ~, ~,
opinion as 70 his power. Mr.. Meredith 5
answer. said my informant was 10 the
effect that Mr.. Knowles had fun ana
ample authority 10 make such oranges
In his force as ne might tilllN lf7iA n
Immediately upon the receipt OF THIS reply
l,r. Knowles made his demand for the
designations.
A srroSG PRESSURE.
Speaking further on the subject, this
gentleman said that Mr. knO eles had
beer criticised pretty freely FOR his has-
ing retained Messrs Walsh and Meredith
i'm his employ for even this length "
time There was q strong pressure
brought TO bear he said, 70 compel VI.
Knowles 70 dismiss from his employ me
son of the late Superintendent. who had
heretofore held responsible position al
the Gas-Works.
,fR. KNOWLES POSITION.
In regard 70 this question. he said that
SuDer.ntenGent Knowles took the posi-
ton that an efficient and faithful en-
ulove should be retained. and such he had
always found the young man IN ques-
ton. The new Superintendent has de-
cidred his intention 70 give the ciy a
clean. honest. economical adm .nistratlon;
and ali those employees who do not fall
in lire with this idea will have 70 90.