Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-05-02

audible side remark. that the clause
looked uncommonly like a bold bid for
popular favor.
MR.. LYONS HAS A BID.
Hon. James Lyons then addressed the
committee. He said he was authorized py
clients. who controlled gas-works in four
cities. all larger than Richmond, where
gas was supplied at a cost 10 the pubic
considerably less than that now charged
by the City Gas-Works. to state, that
they would give more money for the gas
works than offered by the Payne syndi-
cate. His clients, he said, were prepared
to pay the highest BID in the business.
They were men of ample means, whose
success in maintaining such enterprises
was well established. n sale could ne
made at a price that no gentleman pres
ent would hesitate 70 accept If the gas
works were his own property. AS trustees
of the people, as the committeeman uh-
doubtedly were, he did not see how the
offer his clients were prepared to make
could be passed by. He asked Tor ms
clients a fair opportunity at public sale,
adding that they were prepared TO deposit
any sum of money with the city that
might be desired as guarantee oil gooo
faith
COLONEL MARSHALLS COMPANY.
Colonel Marshall, of Portsmouth, on
behalf Of another syndicate. represented
by himself and Judge Flournoy, said his
clients were not only desirous, but reaoy
to make a proposition to the COUNCIL
either to lease or purchase the gas-worKs.
Owe thought it would be shooting INTO
the air" he said, ito make a proposition
until called upon. We do not pose as
philanthropists, and we wish to buy the
works TO make money out of them. we
think the works are being conducted as
well as a municipal operation can eX-
pect to conduct such an enterprise, but
we think we can give better service ana
make more money for ourselves, II our
proposition is accepted" Judge Marshall.
in conclusion. said his clients were un-
willing TO disclose the amount they were
willing to pay until such time as III
Council called for bids.
WILL RECEIVE BIDS.
AS soon as Colonel Marshall had re-
sumed his seat, Mr. Rountree moved
that this committee recommend to the
Council that the question OF the sale OF
the gas-works shall be submitted 10 the
people, and shall be made at a minimum
of s., 900 900, and that the city and public
Institutions shall be supplied free, and
that the consumer shall be furnished
with gas at 81 per Loco feet"
Mr.. Zimmerman argued that IL the
city was at all disposed TO entertain the
idea Of selling the gas-works at ALL bids
should be advertised for. and II an ad-
vantageous offer was made II could be
accepted or not, as the public should de-
termine.
Mr. Tanner said that Mr.. Rountree' S
motion was practically prohibtive.
Mr. zimmerman then moved as a sub
e.. NJ vnn
the committee recommend to the Council
that they ask for bids for the sale or
lease of the gas-works. and that the
highest or most favorable bid shan De
submitted to the people This substitute
was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes--Messrs. Stokes, Wallerstein, Tan
ner. Starke. Allen. Cottrell. Starke. Wal
lerstein, and Zimmernann-9.
Noes-Hardwicke, White. Rountree' ana
Hardwicke-4.
Messrs Wallerstein. Starke. and Hard
wicke. being members of both commit
tees. voted twice.
Gas Committee in Session.
The Committee on Light held its regular
meeting at the City Hall last night.
The petition OF w. "A Chesterman Tor
main to be laid on PARK avenue
between Walnut and Park streets, wnicn
had been referred to the Superintendent
of the Gas-Works for report. was re-
turned with the information that the
cost of laying the pipes would be $lS5,
and the revenue to be expected would
amount to about SO year. uhe appiica-
ton was declined. the expense being con-
sidered unwarrantable In the light OF the
expected returns.
BIDS for the replacing OF the old retorts
at the gas-works with new ones Were
received and opened. The bid OF Messrs'
Bcvner. OF philadelphia, amounted 10
1880; the bid Of the Baltimore ketort
end Tre-Brick COMPANY amounted "