The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-04-02
DR.TAYLOR OVERCAME THEM
Transformed the Dry Routine Of the
Committee into Comedy.
He DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO REIRENCH.
when 1t Came to His own saiary-any
Amount of Testimony Before the Meet
ing, Including formation About
Patrick Henry's Big Speech

The session OF the Committee on Re-
trenchment and Reform last night was
marked by two featpres-humor Oh
rather unexpected character, and long
series Of Interrogation points.
city Coroner William IL. Taylor broke
the monoiony OF the tedious work OF the
committee by number OF replies to dues-
tions which caused any an cunt Of mirth'
and Mr.. Granlqua, keeper of St. lohn
Yurvlng Ground. IL tIoduced into the pro-
ceedlngs Of the committee some testimony
in connection with his Official duties
that would have put a smile on the iaee
OF 4 mummy. -.
There IS any amount of dry wit in ms
make up. and he has a keen apprecia-
ton of the ridiculous. His interroga-
tors got none the best of the coroner
who proved beyond a doubt that he was
altogether capable Of taking care OF nlm-
self. -
Mr.. Grafiqua is something Of a humor-
lst TOO. but he doesn't know IL. His is an
innocent. accidental kind Of humor, and
he seems to think it unusual that any
much for these two witnesses.
There were other city employees present
by request, and when questioned as 10
their duties and compensation they told
the committee all about IL.
THE PUBLIC PARKS AGAIN.
At the meeting the following members
were present: Messrs Allen chairman,
Ebel. Jones. King, Harrolson, Koultree'
and Zimmerman.
Mr.. Gunst. chairman Of the Council
Committee on Grounds 3nd Buildings,
appeared before the committee by re-
quest 10 give information I'm regard 10 the
work being carried on in keeping the
public parks in order. Mr.. Gunst stated
that the Grounds and Buildings Com
mittee had held a meeting during the
evening with a view 10 making certain
recommendations I'm regard TO the parks
and some other matters under their SUI
pervson. The committee had not reach
ed their decision in the us tters referred
to-. but would hold another meeting I'm q
few DAYS, and no thought the commit
tee would soon he prepared TO furnish the
Committee on Ratrenchment the infcrma-
tion they Wished He. as chairman Of
the Grounds and Buildings Committee.
would like % add that the conrittQe
The regular meetings OF the Grounds
and Buildings Comnittee were held
twice a month and sometimes oftener.
The clerk. Mr.. Bates. received only $50
per year. he said. and his work as clerk
was done after his regular duties were
ever.
Mr.. Mobiles moved that the question
Of public parks he passed by temporarily.
and that the chairman Of the Grounds
and buildings Committee he requested TO
| furnish "A report as 10 their proceedings
in considering tho public park matter.
This prevailed and then q letter was
read from Coroner Taylor explaining that
h. would he delayed IN appearing before
the committee by reason OF the fact that
be- WAS engaged IN the work of examina-
tions at the Medical College OF Virginia.
TO COMBINE THREE POSITIONS.
The question Of the compensation OF
tho City Coroner brought out consider
able discussion. Mr.. Noble explained that
this matter probably grew ont OF his
plan 10 combine the offices OF City Coro-
nor. President OF the Board OF Health and
Physician to the Almshouse and that one
man be chosen 10 hll the three positions
at a specified salary. Mr. Noble was
Of the opinion that n competent man
could be secured to I'll all three posi-
tions satisfactorily at a salary OF 5000
or $500. whereas the three positions now
cost the city $500
City Attorney Meredith appeared be-
fore the committee by request. and ex-
planned that IN order TO make change
as 10 the position and compensation OF
the city Coroner. he would suggest that
the committee pass n resolution instruct
ing the city Attorney 10 prepare n bill
10 the legislature providing that the
election OF the City Coroner. his term Of
office and his compensation be dependent
upon act OF the city Council instead OF
the Judge Of the Hastings Court.
The further discussion of the Physician
to the Almshouse. the President OF the
Board OF Health and the City Coroner.
their duties and compensation. was pass
ed by until the Coroner and others could
appear before the committee and give in
| formation
Meantime City Nurseryman Hand who
was present was closely questioned by
| Chairman Allen as TO his duties what
kind of trees he planted for the city.
when and how they were planted and