Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-10-11
OUR SIKEE1s =.

Judged by the latest and best stand
ards Richmond has not a due proportion
of frst-class streets, though of late some
steps have been taken 10 remedy this de-
fciency. For instance Main street has
an excellent driveway of Belgian block,
and it's sidewalks now are being grad
ually reiaid with granolithic material.
And II may be presumed that this work
will be continued down to Seventeenth
street Greatly as Main street is now
used Il will be used much more as soon
as the two new passenger depots. now IN
course Of construction. are ready for
trains.
BROAD street has been much Improved
by its granolithic sidewalks. It's drive
way is of granite spalls, which Is not
the smoothest possible material; still IT
will do for the present. Soon or late, the
city will have to replace 1t with better
material
But the progress Of street improvements
has not yet reached many Of our fash
ionable residence streets. As a rule. they
still have brNk sidewalks and macada-
mixed roadways And we regret TO have 20
add that on some squares neither driveway
nor sidewalk is kept in as good order as
Il ought TO be. Perhaps that IS one Of the
results of our unwise system OF appor-
tioning street funds by wards. However,
that may be our city, which Is now thrill
ing with Industrial activity. soon will
have TO consider if 1t will not renew or
repair the principal residence streets.
We have to own that Richmond is not
up-to-date in the matter Of pretty streets
in residential neighborhoods. Once we
were distinguished in that respect. But
In the matter of making streets for heavy
hauling. we may congratulate ourselves.
We have miles and miles of such streets
laid with Belgian block or granite spalls.
and looking very solid and enduring
These are as good streets of their class
as can be found anywhere in the world.
But with respect to wide. smooth ave-
nues for pleasure carriages and other
light vehicles. we are away behind the
times. 1t is not pleasant for us 10 have
TO say so, but we feel sure that when this
truth is impressed upon the public mind
measures will be taken TO remove the
reproach. or course il will cost the city
something. and it win cost the abuttng
property-owners something too but in
the end II will pay both. We think.
Yes: Richmond must make ready to put
herself abreast OF the cities OF her class
In the matter OF having nice. smooth.
cleanly-kept streets. especially where bus
iness men gather in crowds and where
we would encourage men OF means 70
build fine residences. Every costly dwell
ing built here means months and months
OF work for the workingman. Moreover,
such buildings bring into requisit!on me-
chanicsl skill of the highest grade-the
high-priced labor.
The business prospects Of this city never
were better than they are now, and we
should signalize our appreciation OF that
fact by inauguratng a system of street
improvements which will accord with the
demands Of the day. 1t is not necessary
that the work should be done all al once:
no. II will be far better TO do IL gradually
and systematically. In that way. and in
the course Of a few years, We may make
improvements which will reflect credit
upon our enterprise and sagacity and rot
burden us financially.
We commend this subject to the atten-
ton OF our people. No doubt the City
Council will be glad TO take up the ques-
tion and give It favorable action. Just as
soon as II finds that public opinion de-
mands and will sustain such movement
We fear the great trouble Is In our me-
thod OF distributing street funds While
the prevailing rule has been relaxed at
times. and with great advantage, it is
still binding In the main. But for that
rule, We suspect. the Street Department
long ago would have omitted some OF the
work It has done and spent the money IL
cost in improving the principal residence
streets Of the city
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Lookout for the Leonids. They ar.
vast comet made up Of millions OF