Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-05-24
WEDNESDAY. MAY "a, 1899.
WE LOOK TO STREET COMMITTEE.

IL should be a matter Tor general re-
3oiciug that the Main-street depot ordi-
nances arc out Of the hands of the sub
committee and in those Of the Committee
on Streets. where we may hope they will
receive that liberal and enlightened con-
siGeration which they merit.
In the subcommittee a disposition was
shown to hamper the two companies in
terested with vexatious and unreasonable
conditions. In the full committee we
have no doubt that a better and broader
spirit will prevail.
The companies that come to us asking
for depot franchises and terminal facili-
ties are entitled to be treated friends
and not as enemies or suspects. We are
not justified in looking upon them with
Gistrust Neither one has done us any
injury. 1t is true the Chesapeake and
Ohio Company did not avail itself Of the
franchises granted it some years ago;
but II was not possible FOR it 10 do so in
the existing conditions OF the money mar
ket.
But has Richmond lost anything by the
delay? when and where have we lost
a cent? Not cents cost have we suf-
fered Indeed we incline TO the opinion
that IL is fortunate that the James-river
yiaduct was not built then It's location
end construction might have interfered
with the location and construction of the
new dam which is about to be built in
pursuance OF the plan for 'eleCtrfyng"
the water-power of the river Or it
might have interfered with the location
and construction Of the bridge which the
Carolina road Is TO throw across James
river. Now-if Richmond consents-all
these great enterprises may proceed to-
gether tremendously.
Except in the matter Of n passenger
depot here. the Chesapeake and Ohio
Railway Company, as a company, has
never given us cause Of complaint In
variably It has been liberal in its deal
ings with Richmond, and its representa-
tives In this city have been distinguished
for their interest In the welfare of the
community, except as to mail schedules.
AS 20 the Carolina road, it offers the
development of new business. IT will
give us a new outlet TO the far South
IT will give us complete line to Peters
burg and many points beyond. What is
more the man at the head of the system
20 which 1t will belong has deep-rooted
affection for Richmond. which affords
us guarantee shat nothing that he may
properly do to advance our interests will
he left undone.
What excuse. therefore, can be found
for treating these companies as suspects
Why should we show towards them .
distrust never exhibited towards any
other railroad company asking franchises
OF us?
Some OF the amendments proposed by
members OF the Subcommittee We're
ridiculous; others were monstrous. Our
community may rest assured that unless
a moro liberal spirit prevails in the Street
Committee and in the City Council than
was exhibited by some of the members
of the subcommittee, none OF the pro-
posed improvements will be made. This
IS not bluff: IL Is the unalterable de-
termination of the self-respecting bust
ness-men who control the affairs Of the
companies in question.
We do not say that the companies will
not submit 10 the crossing of I or the
dotung OF an 1 in the franchises asked
for No, indeed. Far from it. There
IS no telling what concessions they might
make IL they were approached in the right
spirit We believe they will come 10
terms with the Street Committee. IT is
incohceivable that Richmond should re-
1ect the overtures made TO II and de-
liberately make ITSELF the laughing stock
OF the country
For Richmond 20 ,spurn this great OPP
portunity would be TO do a suicidal act.
IL would be a dreadful advertisement for
us. IL would be warning 10 all other
railroad companies 10 steer clear Of the
municipal authorities Of Richmond 1T
would be disappointment TO hundreds
OF our work.ngmen. who are expecting
employment upon the James-rver bridge
and Viaduct. upon the depot buildings
and the track connections. IL would be
deliberate Pronunciation Of large taxable
values. And II would be Il wound 10
the pride and prosperity OF Richmond
which never would be foreotten----no
more would be the names of tho men