Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-05-05
WEDNESDAY,. MAY 8, 1897
HOLD ON, NOT so FAST.

A week ago 1t seemed that the move
ment in favor of leasing or selling our
city Gas-Woyks was dead. But it has
sprung TO life suddenly, and is more
vigorous now than ever before. More
over, some persons who ostentatiously ac-
ouiesced in the decision reached by the
Council Committee little while back are
now enthusiastic on the other side of the
question. Yet the public has received no
fresh information on the snpJer, All
that we know is that the City Auditors
books for the past thirty years have been
critically examined by Mr.. Boudar, an
expert of acknowledged ability, and he
has shown that the works have been
enormously profitable TO us. Long, long
ago. Richmond has had refunded to her
every dollar of the cost Of the works and
pipe lines. In addition TO this large sum-
she has received over million of dol
lars OF interest and clear surplus OF
about half a million. If this is not
"rayingr property we should like to
know what our community would regard
as a good investment. If there is any
purpose on the part of the City Council
10 dispose of the gas-works, that purpose
cannot he justified. in our OPINION upon
the ground that we have failed to receive
big profit from our investment.
But not only IS 1t now proposed TO en-
tertain bids for the sale of this pro-
perty, with the view of submitting the
hest TO the voters for their approval, bat
we are panied 10 find that there is a
disposition TO hurry on this election.
We must bear in mind that the serious
phase OF this question has been sprung
upon the public with astonishing sudden
ness. and, therefore. to force vote on
MAY 9th would not allow suitable time
for a discussion of the question.
In our Judgment 1t is not the duty OF
the City Council to refer TO the people
any proposition that it would not feei
free 70 adopt were 1t clothed with power
IN give a final decision in the matter.
But II the matter must be referred TO the
neople--to blacks and whites alike--we
insist that time enough be given for US
to have campaign OF education. There
will be no such time If a vote be taken
at the May election.
And. by the way, the law requires that
when such question is submitted 1t
shall be Submitted at some REGULAR
CITY ELECTION! Is the May election
a regular city election? 1t would seem
not. our next regular city election
takes place in May, 1898. But IL the com
ing election could be called a regular
c,.v election" every one knows this SUBJ
iec. cannot be discussed in all OF its
phases by that time. No, indeed. de-
c,sion reached in that limited time would
be so much In the nature OF snap Judg-
ment, that It would never be received as
nnaiity.
We trust that each member of the City
Council will feel deep sense Of personal
responsibility in this matter and that ne
Will not agree to submit--to the whites
and blacks alike-any proposition the ac-
ceptance OF which he cannot heartily ana
thoroughly recommend. Further. We beg
that each member who is convinced that
the question ought TO be submitted will
have the fairness to insist that plenty OF
time be given for full and free discus
sion. ~
II IL fhconceivable to US how me COM
ing election can be called regular city
election" but In any event the people OF
Richmond are entitled TO have time for
deiiberation. discussion. and decision.
Eyerywteucsh at gss trusts bass tas-
tened their fauss, loud lamentations are
70 Sc heard The people groan under their
tyrsnny. ana would IKE to change from