Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-17
MATTERS.
The wnter-Neter system-Could not
Ag~rce-NOtcs.

PETERSBURG. VA, March 16.-(spe-
cial)-The Common Council was in ses-
sion until IL o'clock last night, the SUD-
ject under consideration being the Tx
ing of water-rates under the meter sys-
tenn. TO commence on the LIST or April
The Water Committee, after careful IN
vestlgation and numerous meetings, mad
been unable to recommend rates ana
decided to refer the matter to the Couh-
ell for settlement, and that body deVoted
Is session last night to It's dlscusslon'
opinions were found to be so diverse,
however, that when midnight arrived the
Council. without taking any action, ad-
iourned over until Friday night. to give
time for the better understanding OF the
matter. Several propositions were
made-one by Councilman Kidd to charge
a monthly rental of 10 cents for the
meters, - cents per 1909 gallons lot
water used UP 10 10000 gallons, and 10
cents per thousand for all over that
quantity. This. he claimed, would real
ize Sli,6OO per annum to the city on the
minimum of 2OO,C0 gallons used per day
Another. by Councilman Bass, PROVIDES
charges for fixtures, with allowances "a
water varying according to circumstances
the quantity consumed beyond certain
limits to be paid for on "A schedule basis OF
IL to 7 cents per thousand gallons. ms
il was claimed. would realize as much
revenue as the present ystem-aDouI
$1,000 per year. Then followed other
propositions of % and IS cents per thou
san1 gallons on every thousand gallons
used. no matter how little Oh how
much.
The members of the Council were
greatly divided on these propositions.
Some opposed charges for fixtures, others
favored them. Some wanted the water
rates made as low and as cheap to
tho people as possible. Others thought
tho income 10 be derived should not be
materially reduced from that ut present
received. Others thought the depart
ment should be kept only self-supportlng;
with a sufficient surplus TO pay interest
on the water bonds.
The chairman Of the Ffnance Commlt
tee stated that the running expenses OF
the department are $500 per annum.
The resources Of the city for the present
fiscal year are about Sl9S.0CO. and the
appropriations about $4,000. During the
year extra appropriations were made 10
the amount of about $4,000, which, with
a deficit Of $3.50 last year, will leave a
floating debt of about $4,000 at the end
OF this fiscal year. Uwier these clrcum-
stances he said, If the revenue from
water is reduced, it would be necessary
TO increase the rate of taxation to meet
expenses. The city rate is now Sl.6O.
and the people would regret to have 1t
increased. The probability is that the
Council will come to a fair and equable
agreement on Friday night.
There was a meeting of the Epworth
Leagues of the several Methodist
churches at the Market-Street church
last night. A committee was appointed
to prepare a constitution and bylaws,
and recommend officers 10 a general
meeting. to be held April 2d.
The work of improvement on the GUS
tom-house building, authorized by the
Secretary of the Treasury, has been COM
menced.
There will be no public or formal cele-
bration of St. Patrick's-Day tomorrow.
though all true Irishman will quietly
observe the anniversary.