Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-05-17
TO IMPROVE STREETS
COUNCIL COMMITTEE TRANSACT
MUCH BUSINESS TO THIS END.
THE YATER-METER QUESTION, AGAIN.
Proposal 90 Refund Money Paid by
Citizens for Metcrs-Gas Mains to
he Observation-Disclosures CouI to lie
Tested 1T the Works.
Citizens for VI

Bloomberg, Burton. Bahen, Ebel. Carter,
Foster, ]. j. King, G. Pollock. and Woody
present.
Allegations were heard as to the con-
struction OF sewers on Firth street be-
tween Byrd and Arch. and then TO
Fourth street. but upon objection OF the
majority Of property-owners. this matter
was laid on the table. and between Park
avenue and West avenue. this was re-
commended to the Council.
The petition Of the Richmond Railway
and Electric Company for permission to
remove their tracks from Franklin street
was again taken up. but its considera-
ton was postponed until the 2Sth. by
which time Mr., Pollock, chairman Of the
subcommittee on Transfers, said he
would be prepared to submit a report.
PAVING AROUND CITY HALL
On motion Of Mir. Allen, the rules were
suspended in order that the committee
might go into the consideration Of the
pavement about the City Hall.
Colonel Cutshaw made a report as to
the relative durability and desirabilty OF
various compositions used in paving.
Summing up the information he had
gathered, he said that for comfort, wear,
appearance, and noise, he would recon-
mend the use of the asphalt blocks
Nitrihed bricks, he said, would answer
all requirements, and would be cheaper.
These two kinds of paving had been
used in Washington with great success.
Mr.. Allen moved that the City Engineer
should be authorized to advertise for
bids for the paving with sheet asphalt,
asphelt blocks, and vitrifed bricks.
PREPARE FOR MEMORIAL-DAY.
A letter was read from the ladies OF
the Hollywood Memorial Association,
asking that the city hands be allowed to
help in identifying and clearing up the
roads of the cemetery before Memorial
Day. 4 motion was made TO allow the
hands and carts two days for the work,
which was passed.
An order was issued for the cutting
down of the tree now standing on the
corner Of Third and Broad streets.
The committee ordered the curbing OF
the west-side Of st. Johns street, from
Baker to Federal. A vast amount of rou-
tine matters were disposed of.
More About Water-Meters.
Inc committee on w dlei At Tow
o'clock i'm Room r. Of the City Hall, with
Messrs. Briggs chairman. Tanner. Car
ter. Cutchns. o. A. Hawkins, Montgom-
cry, and Ferguson. present.
The payroll and bills Of the depart
ment were approved, and ordered to be
paid.
The chairman directed attention to
a hydrant and plug a the city jail that
are kept flowing continually. The waste
Of water ne estimated at 100000 gallons
a dav. and the committee ordered meters
to be placed at both points TO gauge the
waste.
The Superintendent called the attention
Of the committee to the enormous
quantity Of water running to waste al
Belvidere School. From 100000 gallons
month several months ago. the consump-
ton has increased 10 $4,000 last month.
The matter had been reported to the
school authorities. and an EFFORT VIII De
made to check the waste.
WATER OBJECTIONS.
Superintendent Boiling presented the
| following report: The objection to the
new ordinance regulating the charges
! for water by meter comes principally
| from waters-takers who have purchased
! their own meters. They claim. that in
| asrnuch as the city is furnishing and
! putting in a large number Of meters free
! Of cost to the consumers. that they, who
have purchased meters at their own cost,
| should be reimbursed. There is much
| Justice in this request. ] think the city
! should own all the meters, as well as
tho mines and fixtures, which are under
| her control in the streets. l. therefore.
| respectfully recommend to the commit
! toe that such steps as they may deem
! hest he taken to reimburse said con-
| su,uers for their meters at fair and
| equitable price based both upon the
| length of service and our present contract
rrices II would seem not only an act
| Of Justice. but of proper consideration OF
the endeavors of many citizens. who were
public-spirited enough TO aid the de-
nartment 10y their example in reducing
the large waste and scarcity or water
az a time when there was much need.
TO GIVE FURTHER FACTS.
NJ n A Hawkins favored the reim-
bnrsement. Mr.. Cutchins questioned the
statement that 1t was public spirit that
had led persons to buy their own meters.
Mr. Briggs said he did not want TO go
be1ora the Council and ask for $4,000 or
$40 600 TO buy meters after all the agita-
tion of the meter question. When the
city was prepared 10 meter the Whole
city. he thought such proposition might
receive consideration.
N l.
;,tendont was instructed to report the
number Of meters In use IN me meter
district and the probable cost OF pur-
chasing them.
VIII Test Richmond Coal
The Committee on Light met at $50
o'clock in the City Hall, and after priei
"a uneventfuI session went on tour
of inspection through Monroe and Gay
wards with a view to the making OF as
e,onments for the location OF the Weis-
bach lights contracted for. The mem
hrs nresent were Messrs. Wallersteln
(cbairmaD. CARRIER, Hardwicke, q. "A.
f4awkjns Tanner and White. lengthy
netition was received from householders'
90 n result of which tho committee or
dered the extension OF the gas MAN
Sror park and Grove avenues TO Nam
and Meadow streets. The cost OF inns
will be $1,000. s,c-e m ord
The pay-roll, amounting to N,656.~, ana
hills aggregating A,5S2h, were ordereu 10
be paid. ,,o..r. cav
A Letter was received from Messrs Gay
&. Lorraine the coal merchants, tehuei
inc the committee two carloads OF coal
uitb q request that comparative tes'
might be made between the coal Oh the
Richmond coal-felds and the coai now
used AT the gas-works. upon motioh Va
Az Uardwicke, the Subcommittee OH
manufactures and the superintendent Oh
,be Gas-Works were Instructed 10 MAKE
a thorough test of the coal ana repoit
the result to the committee at the heN'
meeting - Lille u,oro
,,ro,gbt IN and the complaints adJusteu'
AGA