Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-05-10
General wise's Committee
, the Editor Of The Dispatch:

TO the Editor of The Dispatch.
My work has certainly not been one OF
supervision Of the various departments
OF the reunion. but of personal engage
ment in the labors of all the departments
thereof. For many months past l have
had more or less TO do every day, and
some time since / reached a point where
the work of each day has been large and
engrossing. j have found a great many
difficulties not anticipated. and which
could not be anticipated, because they
were not naturally incident to the occa-
sion. 1 have found. too, a world OF en-
podiments In the way OF things apparently
easy OF accomplishment on the surface.
The finances were the first thing which
naturally attracted my attention A vast
sum of money had TO be raised in one
form or another. The public knows some
thing OF the difficulties which / had to
butt up against in this connection, but
nobody knows but me" OF the trouble
had TO see before 1 could write my title
clear TO enough money TO make start
with. | think l see through TO the end
I'm this matter, although more money
needs 10 be raised.
The auditorium was a big job, and !
frankly confess that, until recently, felt
very apprehensve about its being com
pleted in time. so slow was the progress
OF the contractor. But he is doing very
much better now and j believe he is
going to carry out his engagement and
keep UP his reputation Of being very re-
liable.
rs TO RATES.
The rate question, which was almost
the most important question Of all, as
Il has very largely TO do with the coming
OF large numbers to the reunion. j early
appointed very able Committee on
Transportation, and they had the advan-
tage of being assisted by those indie
fatigable workers and highly intelligent
gentlemen, Secretary Dunlop and Mr..
Goodman, of the Traffic Bureau OF the
Chamber of Commerce. Nothing has been
omitted which could be done in the d.
rection of low fares. We haven't reached
the desired point OF rates of travel for
veterans from the States bordering on
the Mississippi Our travel thence will be
shortened unless present rates are short
ened. too. But ] begin 20 see CLEANS OF
light In a hitherto darkened sky, and
things will probably be better soon.
sTREET-CAR FACILITIES.
The street-car question is giving me
great deal OF trouble. IL is not In the
condition In which i would like TO have
AZ. Present conditions must be greatly
amended before our street-car service
will appear to those who will visit here
in June as being at all comprehensive
10 say the least of Il. Negotiations are
going on for tho betterment OF those
conditions, which. l trust, will be sue
cessful. l earnestly hope the Council vii
rise TO the occasion, and regulate Tho
matter itself. L am thoroughly satisfied
that every method of transportation t'
the Fair Grounds which we possess OF
can devise will be taxed 10 the utter
most. And, as the Fair-Grounds are
likely TO prove more and more the poin
of celebration for the people of thi'
city In the future, / think the Council
phould grant TO all the street-car lines
OF the city the right OF way to them INT
people will be benefited b. II, and nom
OF the lines would be injured by it.
I have nothing further TO say to-day
EXCEPT. that ! feel. Notwithstanding GU
dIflcultles and disbursements we ar
going TO make a big success of our re
union.
tSigned) PENTON WISE.
The transportation Arrangements
To the Editor OF the Dispatch:
The Committee on Transportation CAV
early attention 10 the secGrement OF pas
senger rates for the reunion.
With the cooperation OF Mr. r. A