Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-06-15
TRAMPLAW CHECKED
noARD or ALDERMEN AMENDS III
IN ONE PARTICULAR.
COUNCIL MUST MEET TO CONCUR.
s,.t session OF fhe Board of isoG-'9s.
Great Volume of business Trans
acted with Little Debate-Comph-
: nentary Resolutions.
nientary Resolutions.

Z nentary REGULATIONS.
,rhe Board of Aldermen met last night
sn very business-lke frame Of mind,
and the work that occupied the lower
branch through two lengthy sessions was
disposed OF in litue more than three
hours There were few debates the only
one Of any moment being precipitated by
the introduction of the tramp ordinance.
Some of the members were amazed at
the harshness Of its provisions, and so
an amendment was adopted by quite a
large majority granting immunity to
chose beggars, professional and promis-
.ruous, who may have a place of residence
IN Richmond The amendment was not
altogether pleasing 20 the representatives
of the Citizens Relief Association, who
Mere present, and Mr.. Henry Lee Valen-
xine made an earnest plea for the passage
of the ordinance as it came from the
Council. The amendment will necessitate
another meeting Of the Common Council
Nor concurrence in the action Of the
Board, and a call viii probably be issued
sor Monday night next.
: The rest OF the business was merely
Reorganization OF the work OF the Coun-
ill but at the close of the session reso-
buttons were introduced thanking the
president for his fairness and courtesy,
and the Clerk Sergeant-at-Arms, and
Cantor for their efficient services.
THE BOARDS LAST SESSION.
II was the last session of the old
Board, which gives place TO the new at
the end of this month.
The aldermen present at the meeting
were Messrs. Allen, Bahen, Brock, Bur
ton. Carter. Cutchins, Hardwicke, King,
Noble, Snead, Vaughan, zimmerman,
Moore, and Turpin.
The Board concurred in a resolution
adopted by the Council, that the Commit
ices on Gas and Water should provide
labor TO encase gas and water mains
wherever property are willing TO
put down granolithic paving The Board
also concurred in a number of resolutions
adopted by the Council, providing for
various street improvements, which nave
already been specified.
THE TRAMP ORDINANCE.
The tramp ordinance. which has known
so many yiclssitudes, and been fruitful
theme for so many lively debates, was
introduced. stamped with the approval Of
1be lower body.
MIR. Carter took exception TO the fact
Chat the ordinance did not discriminate
t1ghere women tramps were concerned
Dir. Cutchins said the discretionary power
was vested in the Police Justice. He
Thought, however, that the ordinance was
severe.
Mr. Turpin said he was in favor OF a
framp ordinance. but he thought The one
submitted was altogether too stringent.
Mr. Zimmerman thought the effect OF
The ordinance would be 20 rid the city
OF tramps.
Mr. Turpin again took the door, and
spoke strongly against the ordinance. he
would not favor "a law, be said, that
placed the discretionary power in the
1bands OF hundred policemen.
MIR. Burton took the last speaker severe
,ay 60 task, and said the tramp nuisance
Ras growing and a very great and pres
'fnt evil.
Mr.. Turpin said he would not have II
go forth 10 the world that Richmond had
a law prohibiting the exercise of Gods
humanity. 1t was a monstrous PROPOSE
zion TO make II an offence TO ask for
bread.
OBJECT OF THE LAW.
Mr. Burton said the law was aimed al
professionals only. The law ought 10
pass. for at the present time man
Scarcely liked 10 leave his home.
trespassers was not abused. and he saw
mo reason why the president should en-
ae.iain any doubt as TO the exercise OF
tliscretion IN the enforcement of the tram
Srdinance.
Mr.. Carter said if the ordinance was
what 1t essayed TO be-a tramp ordinance
Nyhy was not the word tramp" used II
Abe opening clause, instead OF amy per
son" IF you want tramp law, say
y IL
~ include everybody You'll force he
spectacle people 10 expose their poverty
or go to the rock pile"
Mr.. Allen said there are professions
beggars as wen as professional :ramps
hIe knew persons who had been living N
Richmond for twenty years, an'
made their living by begging. Thu
ordinance was merely meant 10 make
shese door-to-door beggars go TO the cit
sor aims or the charitable institutions
9ir. Carter said he would vote for the
ordinance II the words professional
cramps and beggars were inserted.
Mr.. Cutchins moved TO amend the ordi
nance by altering the first clause by thu
addition OF me words. "Who has M
known place OF residence in the city o.
Richmond."
MR.. VALENTINE is HEARD.
Mr.. Valentine was given the privilege
had stated positively that he would hav,
nothing 20 do with the ordinance if 1
had reference 10 women. He had beer
assured that that was not the object o
the ordinance. and be had approved thi
ordinance. In eighteen months tn
Young Mems Business Association Ia,
distributed N,0sS. hut had been Obliged q
suspend its work on June LIST, becaus'
people had declared they could not con
tribute because the tramps were over
running the city and exhausting their re
s0urceg The same was true OF the CIT!
Mission. but many citizens had declared
that they would contribute 10 these tw,
organizations II the tramp ordinance wa
adopted IL this were done, said Mr.. Val
entine. the two associations would un
dertake 10 care for the conservative poo
of the city. The ordinance before tn
body. he said. was framed on lines simi
lar 10 those OF twenty-eight cities wher
Tramp ordinances were now In force.
The question was put. and the amend
fnent was carried by vote OF 10 TO l.
Mr.. Vaughan suggested that the ordi
nance should pass as II came from IN
Eonneii. 80 that the city could have a
prolnance. and the new Council eoul
amend H.
TIE Chair ruled such course out Q