Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-07-16
The GasHouSe Investigation 10 Be Con.
Quoted Behind Closed Doors.
AFFAIRS AT THE ALMsHousE.
The Committee ON Relief of the
Poor Spends Five Hours Looking
Into Their Condition-The SUBJ
Committee's Responsiveness River.

hours 10 the consideration Of the affairs
If the gss- works. and decided for pruden-
tiai reasons to pursue the investigation
hereafter behind closed doors; the Com
mittee on Relief OF the Poor spent five
hours at the almshouse talking over the
manner In which that institution has been
managed and what changes should be
made In the methods. and the Committee
On James-River Improvement met to hear
what Irregularities Mr.. Noble had TO COM
plain Of In that department. but the ses-
sion was short and did not amount to
much.
These are all subjects In which the pub
&c feel a deep concern, and the reports
that follow will be read with interest:
The Gas-House Matter.
The Light Committee got TO work
promptly at s O'Clock. There were pre-
sent Messrs. Grimes (chairman). Branch.
Davis. Hardwicke. Noble. Starke. and
wallerstein. Mr.. Caskie was reported to
be out OF town, and Mr.. Vaughan was
confined to his home by sickness. CITY
Attorney C. v. Meredith, Mr.. H. II. Bou-
dar the expert accountant. and Foreman
-
Meredith, were also on hand. Besides,
there was quite a number Of more or
less Interested spectators in attendance,
who followed the proceedings wite I'M
divided attention.
Mr.. Noble and Mr.. Davis made state
ments as 10 their absence at the last
meeting, which they thought would take
place at A different hour. Both gentle
men desired TO know from Mr.. Boudar
.l.g NOR - han
been properly balanced before he ex-
amined them, and they were informed
that this had been dong with the ledger,
but not with the cash-book.
Mr. Starke here moved that the Mayor
be officially notified of the supposed de-
falcation, and that he be furnished with
all the papers In the case. including the
report OF the subcommittee and that OF
the expert accountant
THE CITY ATTORNEYS VIEWS.
The City Attorney. who was then asked
as TO the powers of the committee, stated
that he was not prepared to give
definite answer at that time. He mad been
requested 10 be present at the meeting.
but had not been informed as to the
questions that he would be asked TO pass
upon. In July, 1891. he had been asked
by Mr. Davis for an opinion as to the
powers of the committee in appointing
those who work In the gss-works, and
he had then stated that this power was
rentered in the Superintendent. How
ever. he had never been asked any direct
uuestion in reference to the appointment
OF salarled officers Of the department,
and he was not prepared at this time
20 decide that point. He could say only
that the committee had a perfect right to
continue the investigation. II that body
rould appoint the officials in question,
Il certainly would have the right 10 dis
charge them, but II did not have the
power. Of bringing a suit. This could only
be done by the order of the Council.
Mr.. Branch said the committee had un-
doubtedly the right Of continuing the In
pestigation, and II should not shirk that
Responsibility.
Mr. Meredith remarked that while the
committee had this power, the question
would be whether the city at large
would be satisfied with such action, or
whether 1t would be more desirable to
have the Mayor or q special committee
do this work. There was no question as
60 the power Of the Mayor TO remove any
city officer.
Mr.. Starke thought II might be doubt
full whether the committee had the power
OF removal, and If this was not the case.
the entire work would be done for no
thing.
Mr.. Meredith said that there was no
mention made In the city ordinances OF
any power Of the committee of appoint
Ing other officials than the Gas Inspector,
his assistants, and the bill clerk.
Mr. Branch moved that the investigation
Dc adjourned until Mr.. Meredith could
present his opinion.
Mr.. Meredith stated that If the course
suggested by Mr. Starke was adopted. the
committee would by no means shirk its
nuty. and he suggested reference OF the
matter 70 the Mayor thinking that the
public would be better satisfied
The vote on Mr. Starke's motion was
saken and resulted as follows:
Ayes-Messrs. Davis, Hardwicke. Starke.
md Grimes-i
Noes-Messrs. Branch Noble, and Wal
,erstein-3
THE COMMITTEE GOES AHEAD.
Mr.. Wallerstein stated before the result
OF the vote was announced hhat he
had voted against the motion. because
he feared that its adoption would result
In the ending OF the investigation OF the
affairs Of the department, while other
wise some other improvement might be
achieved.
MIR. Branch said the committee had been
condemned In the past for It's alleged in
activity, and he therefore thought that
Il was time TO do something, and 10 20
on with this work
Mr.. Davis remarked that there seemed
10 be some impression that he wanted
TO shirk his duty. and he therefore de.
sired 10 change his vote. Mr. Starke's
motion was then declared lost
MIR. Branch moved that the City Attor-
uey be asked 10 give an opinion as tC
the power Of the committee In reference
to the appointment and removal OF these
officers. Agreed to-
Mr. Noble moved that an adjournment
be taken until tomorrow afternoon at
o'clock In order 10 obtain this opinion;
but Mr.. Davis moved 10 proceed with
the investigation. and the latter motion
was adopted.
Mr.. Meredith here stated that Il was
his duty TO say, as public officer. that
the public was interested In this investi.
cation, bur that the work would be
more effectively carried out II this was
done with closed doors.
Mr.. Davis said that he was positively
against any secret proceedings. and that
he would not vote for any such mo-
ton.
Mr., Meredith said TIE committee hat
asked him TO manage the case for the
city. but II this was done with open doors
he would have his hand exposed
while he would have no idea Of what the
other side was goirg TO DO. Such pro
ceedng was certainly not the proper
manner Of managing private business af
fairs. He stood ready 20 help the com
munity. but he did no. want 10 satisf,
public curiosity.
Mr.. Noble expressed similar views a
Mr.. Davis, and Mr.. Branch said that nj
new information could be given out du
ring the continuation OF the investlga
ton. because all the facts had alread,