Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-08


defray It's cost Mr.. Branch moved the
adoption Of the report
Mr.. Powers replied, still opposing the
report, but saying he would be willing TO
vote for its adoption II provision were
ADDED pledging the Chamber TO con-
'ihue TO maintain the traffic bureau.
WOULD BID VERY HELPFUL.
Mr.. Virginius Newton said he had been
discouraged by the remarks OF Mr..
fcwers and Mr.. Wood, but greatly en-
couraged by the second address Of the
former. agreeing TO support the report
IL provision were added. binding tho
Chamber to support the traffic bureau.
Mr.. Newton said the city would be i'm
mensely benefited by the establishment
OF the bureau. He thought the reason
inc home people had not more generously
supported the traffic bureau was that
they did not know more about II. Es-
tabiish bureau such as the one sug-
gested In the committees report, and
not only the people of Richmond, but
the whole world. as we'll would know
OF the city's facilities for manufacturing,
and people at home and abroad would be
eager 10 avail themselves of the same.
Judge George L. Christian said the mat
ter under discussion was Of such i'm
mense Importance that he felt constrained
part In the discussion. He thought the
committee had done its work honestly,
but he could not support the plan sug-
gested. His chief reason for withhold
ing his support was that the world would
not receive cordially a man whom IT
would call a promoter"
THE SPIRIT OF COOPERATION.
There were several brief speeches made
advocating the adoption of the report,
and then Mr.. =. Il. Greenwood one or
the superintendents OF the Tredegar Iron
Works, made a longer speech, advocating
the recommendations of the committee.
He also said the plan was not a hobby
Of his, but he saw in it the manifestation
OF spirit of cooperation essential to the
prosperity of every community, and ne
hoped il would be adopted Mr. Green
wood cited many instances in which
movements of q kindred character had
resulted in great good. He was loudly ap-
plauded.
Mr.. S. Dabney Crenshaw followed in an
excellent speech, advocating the establish
ment of the bureau proposed. He said the
only reason advanced for opposition TO
the measure was that It would faii-a
reason unworthy of men who had accom-
plished so much. He was confident the
plan was a good one, and gave it his
heartiest support.
THE CITY NEEDS IT.
Colonel a. s. Buford followed In one
of the strongest speeches of the evening.
He urged that the report be adopted.
Every man in Richmond could see the
need Of some such step. A little thought
would show what great things co-opera-
tion would accomplish. Richmond should
have a great cotton-mill. Hearty and
united effort could secure one. The rail-
roads could put cotton in Richmond as
cheaply as i'm Augusta. "Have we become
an effete people?" he asked. Il don't be-
lieve it. We can achieve great things tor
Richmond If we but put forth an ener-
getic. united effort" He believed the COM
mittees plan practicable, and urged that
it be adopted.
The applause which followed Colonel
Bufords speech was hearty and prolong-
ed.
DID NOT THINK IT WISE.
Judge Christian made another speech
in opposition to the establishment of the
bureau He said he was as greatly in
favor of progress as any man, but did
not think the plan under consideration
a wise one He thought an assistant sec
retary Of the Chamber could accomplish
more than bureau However. he stood
ready to abide by the decision Of the
meeting.
Mr.. b. Stewart Hume, president Of the
Young Mems Business Association, cited
distances OF IL need of such a bureau,
and said he gave the meeting warning
that If il did not adopt the committees
suggestions they would be taken up by
his association.
Mr.. e. A. Catlln strongly advocated
the committees suggestions, and rather
severely criticised those who opposed
them. He also cited several incidents OF
recent occurrence that illustrated the
need of the bureau.
WOULD INDUCE OUTSIDE CAPITAL.
Mr.. Branch again spoke for the report.
He was perfectly willing to agree to
Judge Christians motion TO recommit the
report to the committee if he had some
thing better to offer, but as that gentle
man had not. he urged its adoption. The
bureau could induce outside. capital TO
come TO Richmond, could give great aid
in securing lower taxation. could intiu-
ence the Legislature TO allow working
men TO work greater number of hours,
the present law, he said greatly embar-
RAISING proprietors of manufacturing es-
adjustments. He pooh-poohed the idea
that the Chamber would let the Traffic
Bureau die if the new bureau were es-
tablished, and said both could be easily
maintained.
Mir. Branch's speech had most telling
effect and it was seen that the adoption
of the report was a certainty.
Mr.. Cabell explained that the amount
which the committee recommended to be
appropriated for the support Of the
bureau was not intended to be expended
for salaries alone but for travelling eX-
Denses Of the manager as well
Mr. Catlin again spoke in its support,
and once more Mr. Powers explained his
questionable fear that ii would cause
the death of the traffic bureau.
BUT ONE DISSENTING VOICE.
There were one or two short speeches
in favor OF the report, and then the vote
WAS taken on it's adoption.
There was only one dissenting voice
heard out of the large number voting.
The result was received with applause.
Subscriptions were called for and a
large sum was secured in addition to that
subscribed at the former meeting
II lacked but a few minutes of mid
night when the meeting adjourned.
CHAIRMAN MICAJAH WOODS HERE.