The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1895-03-02
THE CHARTER.
City OF Berkeley VS.. Greater Nor
folk

BrRKKEY, Va. March l. 1855.
Editor Of The Nirgnian:
The town of Berkley's future
must be either one of the four con-
ditions herein named: (lst). A city
charter. (2d). a return to Norfolk
county. ODD. Enlarged powers uu.
der present town charter. (4th).
Annexation.
10 the citizens of Berkeley as we'll
as those having Interests therein,
these questions are significant, aud
especially appropriate Just now. In
view OF resolution of the Town
Council mt its last meeting, which
recited that under the present town
charter with such limited powers the
present government was unsuited to
the needs OF the people IN the matter
oil improvements essential to the
welfare OF the community, and that
such ls the case there can be 10
doubt, as the experience the last five
years has proved.
A CITY CHARTER. Can VIC with
onstlee to sound reason, looking to
tue inture III tho advancement of
the in'erests of Berkeley, push into
existence new City by the Sea?
nat OF the consequences, should it
he done? 1t may be hurrah, bows.
ahd ali that 1t implies but docs
such movement seem consistent
with reason when there is SO much
cost, so much sound, conservative
discretion and Judgment to be used
merely to pnnuer to local pride?
berkley, outside of the question
from legal standpoint, is virtually
u part OF Norfolk. Its inhabitants
largely live from the prosperity aud
growth of It's large neighbor, with
out which Berkeley would be named
DENNIS. at least, for many wears to
come. Why build or attempt to
puiiu up a great manufacturing city
our OF the town when in catching on
10 Norlolk we can grasp opportunl.
Ties That VIII III the near future, IN.
der Greater Norfolk, give US
quicker and greater advantages both
III commercial and manufacturing
Importance?
Inc rotation that Portsmouth and
Noriolk bear to eacn other ought 10
De lesson. The writer has been
informed by wide awake. live bns.
mess man Of Portsmouth that o
wooden Indian IN Norfolk could sell
goo1s TO Portsmouth people. 1t
might be that the city of BerkIev
conla prohibit its citizens from bny.
ing ontelde Its limits. The idea of
CITY Charter for the town OF Bark.
ley not only was nipped in the hnd
put actually knocked ont by the
Legislature atGts last session and il
may be added overwhelmingly was
the defeat received by Berkiey oitv
chartefltes and it Is 10 be hoped that
me lesson there Taught may be fruit
tni OF results in preventing another
nght before the next Legislature on
the same issues.
,hhiURNING TO THE CoUNTY-While
OF THIS class there may be inclu1nd
large number of our colored citi.
Hehs VINO have never given mn the
iaea OF their power as political
factor, but since Norfolk comfy L.
not entirely III the hands of a
straight political party, owing TO the
poss rnle OF a few Republican white
once holders ana few office hoI6
1pe democrats, this element of our
community would stop and think
twice, concluding, perhaps, it wos
merely question Of choosing be.
tween the devil ana the deep sea.
AMENDMF.Nr TO THE Tow CHAR.
TEk.-IheEe are those who favor
shis movement, but rs it Womb
merely be an improvement upon onr
present status and won q leave open
as mere question OF time, the radi
va. ,Iiotns 10 permanent growth. it
following. Annexation. with fsv orI
able terns aud free bridge has
many supporters in our town anI
81 TINS time (now is the orportunitvl
should receive the attention of Tia
City Fathers of Norfolk.
Norfolk cannot afford to remain
Passively idle and see another civ
lying by her side. A proper reaii.
AA'icn Of she true intent OF tha reso.