The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-01-14
INDEFINITELY POSTPONED.
The Eoad Of Supervisors Takes This
Action on The Proposed Court House.
A PETITION IN OPPOSITION TO 1T
Presented by Major Dooley, Who Makes a
Lengthy chairman Hechler
Makes an Explanation Of the
Boards Action.

definitely postponed by the Board OF
Supervisors Of the county. Such was the
action taken by that body yesterday
when Mr. Rose. member OF the Board
OF Supervisors from Brookland district
made a motion 70 reconsider The Teso-
luton appropriating so 00O for the cree
tion of a new courthouse. When the
motion as offered by Mr.. Rose was voted
upon. Messrs. Rose Frazier, and Brown
ing voted TO reconsider the resolution,
while Chairman Hechler maintained lhe
position he has always held upon the
question. and firmly cast his vote in the
negative.
There was little else the board could
have done when the pressure that was
brought TO bear upon them is considered.
When they assembled In the super
visors ROOM at Il o'clock yesterday
morning there was present a large COM
mittee Of the citizens OF the county head-
I'd by Mr.. James II. Dooley.
A PETITION PRESENTED.
AS soon as the meeting was called
to order. Chairman Hechler announced
that the board was ready to hear from
the committee Mr.. Dooley then read
the following petition to the board, which
was signed by a large m mber OF Inc
taxpayers OF the county:
To the Board OF supervisors OF the COM
" of HenricO, Va.
The undersigned free-hOlders and tax
payers, resident I'm the county OF Henri
co. respectfully represent 10 your honor
able body that they are opposed TO the
destruction Of their old courthouse, ana
the erection Of a new building upon us
site. That they consider II in the nist
place, totally unnecessary expense.
In the second place. they fear that IL
will place a burden upon the county
which must necessarily cripple us lu-
ture growth and development.
They earnestly request that II the pres
ent building is out of repair, il may be
put IN proper condition with the least
possible expenditure 20 the taxpayers.
In presenting the petition, Major Dooley
said.
Mr.. Chairman-U the occasion of
presenting this petition, deem IL my duty
10 make known some of the reasons why
tho taxpayers Of Henrico county are
becoming aroused in opposition 10 the
destruction of their courthouse and the
abandonment of their fre-proof clerks
Office.
II IT were true that the walls Of the
old courthouse were unsafe or could
not be repaired. we might have 20 sub
NIT, however reluctantly, 70 the Dur
dens imposed by the construction or
new courthouse. Efforts have certainly
feen made 10 produce the impression
that our building "a unsafe; but you. gen
tlemen. are aware and desire the pup
lie 20 know. that Colonel William y.
Cutshaw, the distinguished engineer OF
the city of Richmond. has finally dis-
posed of that question. He has, at your
own request investigated the subject, ana
has pronounced the walls TO be in such
condition that they can be made entirely
safe and adequate for your purpose
He has also most satisfactorily dispos-
ed Of the allegation that our officials
cannot obtain adequate accommodations
without "a new courthouse. lie has, ]
presume. at your request, proposed plans
for so altering this structure as TO
afford an the accommodation which you
can reasonably require. hold IN my
hands his plans, which ! received from
him. and which he assured me could De
executed at a cost not exceeding So'ov0.
Mr. West also, the architect whom
YOU FIRST employed although strongly ad-
vocatinc a new building. made plans Tor
the alteration OF this house, at com
paratively small expense. The taN-pay-
ers' committee also. q. your November
meeting. pointed out the manner In when
the old building could be altered, reno
waited, and enlarged.
At that time. after a fun discussion OF
the subject. you resolved that your
proper course was TO remodel the old
courthouse. IL appears in pursuance OF
the conclusions of that meeting mat
Colonel Cutshaw was called upon for his
opinion. and assured you of the entire
safety Of the walls and the pracucabillIy
of So remodelling the house az to OBJ
tain the required accommodations NOW,
we learn. TO our great surprise, that YOU
have reversed the solemn conclusion
which YOU then reached after the full
est and most cordial conference with
the taxpayers and their committee.
We have been told by some people that
YOU are determined 10 build new court
house anyhow and that all the efforts
Of the taxpayers will be without avail
] do not believe H. do not believe IL. be-
cause such conduct would imply that
you are Influenced by other interests
than those of the taxpayers, whom you
are bound 20 represent.
You, gentlemen, are the agents OF the
people. to receive and disburse their
taxes in the manner most conducive 10
their interests. TIE primary purpose OF
the imposition and collection OF taxes IS
not 20 pay salaried officers. or 10 sur
round them with comforts, or 20 erect
public buildings for their convenience.
IL is 10 maintain good schools for the
education OF the children Of the citi-
zens. 20 make and maintain good roads
for travel. and the transportation OF
their products: to procure adequate pro
lection for the rights Of persons ana OF
property.
The payment Of salaries 20 officers ana
the provision for their comfort by erect
ing fine public buildings. Is quite sec
ondary consideration. and mere incl
dent Of government.
This building was good enough for our
public officers. when HenricO county was
Weather. and her people far more COM
Portable than they are In these days OF
panics and siXty-cent wheat. But sup
pose that this building does not afrord
them an the comforts they require: sup
pose that even with Colonel Cutshaw's
alterations and Improvements, they are
not satisfied suppose that We. the tax
payers do not feel able 70 provide them
with an the elegances and comforts
which they demand. are their comforts
and convenlences 20 be considered and
provided for out Of our money. in prefer
ence 10 our necessities? We are told
that the treasurer wants better rooms.
I nope it Is not inconsistent with the
respect which we owe 10 his Office, %
say that II Is better that he should adapt
lis business 20 the accommodations
which have suficed for his predeces-
sOrs. than that the cows and horses Of
tbs farmers should be dstrained 10 ray
an Increase OF taxes.
We are informed that our worthy clerk