Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-12-10
BIG RICHMOND.
Our Duty with Respect TO Extending
the Corporation Line.

To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
have been surprised that that most
important question, the extension OF the
city limits. has not attracted more OF
public attention.
1t is probable that no other community
in the country Of similar size has so large
a suburban population as Richmond has
and 1t will be suicidal II all contiguous
territory Is not taken in by us before the
next census.
Norfolk has recently shown her busi-
ness sagacity by acquiring surrounding
country, and will inevitably reap the re-
ward OF her enterprise and foresight. We
should similarly act, and at once, else the
delay will be most hurtful TO our inter-
est,.
Investors and businessmen generally
are naturally attracted TO a rapidly
growing community. 1t is estimated py
Postmaster Knight that his Office Is sup
plying mail 10 1900 people beyond ,ne
corporate lines, and it is with great aim
Guilty that he secures sufficient appropIid-
tons to carry on his work. for the reason
that the department at Washington IS
governed by our supposed population. We
arc credited by the outside Worid WIN
easily $4,000 here. What IS the natuIdl
emect Of this? All classes OF professional
and businessmen are deferred from To-
eating amongst US, for the directories
show that there are so many OF each
branch Of trade to the thousands OF pop
ulation, and they Immediately cohcluue
that there Is no room for them, ana lhey
wisely 90 elsewhere. The railroad COM
panie5 are spending millions or doHats III
our midst. Vast business enterprises hoNe
recently been inaugurated, ana our com
mercs is larger than ever before, we
know that all this has brought TO us
MANY new people. but they have been
forced 10 90 outside for homes we want
the world TO know that they are mere
and the only way this can be oohe ID
through the Census Bureau.
Scores OF other reasons could DC gwen
why the city limits should be enlarged
chief of which Is that Of hygiene, but
want OF space prevents enlargement Oh
them.
Bring this matter before the people
Mr. Editor, so that they may discuss II
Point out 10 them the advantages large
cifv has over a small one Show TO them
the narrowness OF the few who VIII want
10 remain outside because OF the few dol
lars saved in taxation. city taxation Is
necessarily larger than that Imposed IN
the country, but for this additiohal sum
better schools and sewers, pure water
paved streets, police, and fire pro'ectioh
ara provided
4 fair basis on which this new terri-
tory may be admitted can be devised. II
would not be just 10 impose city rates
without corresponding BENEFITS. Bonds
could be issued for construction OF
sewers. water and gas-mains, &c. In the
new district TO an extent which would be
Justified by the additional income. Inc
average citizen Is willing 10 pay for luxu-
Hes which he enjoys. or, the Philadel-
phia method may DO adopted. Different
rates OF taxation might be imposed, ac-
cording TO the advantages given. These
details can all be arranged 10 the salts
faction OF the municipality and OF the
new citizen.
The Chamber OF Commerce and the
Young Mems Business Association have
appointed committees 10 prosecute this
question, but they can accomplish little,
without the support Of the press. The