Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-06-22
GAS WORKS NEEDS.
FINANCE AND LIGHT COMMITTEES
DISCUSS THE QUESTION.
MANY OPINIONS ARE EXPRESSED.
So wide is the Difference That NO
Action f. Possible, ana the ""''er
IL Referred 10 n sub-COmmittee-A
Lively Alteration.

| The committees on Finance and Light
| met in Joint session last night to con-
| slider the resolution providing for the
| appropriation of $4,000 for repairs to the
| gas-works. No action was taken-though
the subject was debated for over two
hours-beyond referring the matter to
! subcommittee 20 arrive at conclusion
as 10 how much Is really needed to put
| the works in nrst-class condition, ques-
ton on which there seems to be great
divergence OF opinion. even amongst the
officials and others who are closely con-
nected with the works.
The members present at the meeting
were: From the Light Committee-Messrs'
Walerstein, Mosby. Ferrter, CARRIER,
| Miner Shea, Hardwicke. and Seay
From the Finance Committee-Messrs
Hardwicke, Camp, Allen, CARRIER, and
Wallerstein.
The report Of Superintendent Knowles
| was presented but was not read Inc
| resolution offered in the Council recon-
mending the appropriation Of $1,000 FOR
repairs was presented.
Mr.. Knowles. replying to question:
said that sum would not be adequate, by
any means, to cover the cost of neces-
sary repairs. About $4,000 was needed,
but even this sum would not relieve the
situation in the West End.
FINANCE COMMITTEE CRITICISED.
Mr. Knowles several times essayed to
address the committee. and upon the
last attempt he said. with some empha-
sis, that the Finance Committee had
never made any provision 10 keep the
works in repair, and added that he was
prepared TO prove what he said.
Mr. Hardwicke, chairman of the FL
nance Committee, took vigorous exception
to the remarks Of the Superintendent.
The Finance Committee was not on trlal,
he said, and if such remarks were per-
mitted the committee would Withdraw.
He severely rebuked Mr. Knowles, and
said he thought the committee was in a
better position to judge of the needs or
the department than the Superintendent
He reminded Mir. Knowles that he had
no place upon the floor of the committee
meeting, to which Mr.. Knowles replied
that if he couldn't talk I'm the committee,
he could talk outside. and he would make
use Of his prerogative.
Mr. Seay made lengthy statement, ar
guing that no appropriation had been
made for years past for a construction
or repair account. Mr.. Camp stated that
the Light Committee had been given
everything they asked. 1t was the only
department that was not cut.
Mr.. Wallerstein assumed the blame for
this. He said that the estimates had
been prepared without sufficient time on
the subject and il had been impossible 10
estimate at that time the needs of the
de.artment.
Mr.. Hardwicke said that the report or
the Superintendent had never been pre-
scented to the Finance Committee. The
condition of the city is not such. he
said, that sufficient money could b. apprO-
priated to put the works in thorough re-
pair. Let US do the best We can" he
said. "and reafiirm the resolution pro-
viding for the appropriation Of 10000"
THE NEEDS OF THE WORKS.
"What will be the cost of putting the
works in repair so as to give the public
good gas?" asked Mr.. Allen
1--WE are making good gas now" re-
piled Mr.. Knowles, "2l candle power"
The addition of two super heaters would
be a permanent Improvement, and would
greatly improve the gas. he added
They would cost $1,000. This sum
would put the plant in first
class order. Two now engines. costing
probably, 5000, were desirable. and the
separation Of the coal and water gas
of $500.
Mr.. Knowles said the best time to be-
gin the work was May LIST. and no prac-
teal benefit would be derived. from the
improvements this year.
Mr.. Walerstein said he. as chairman
Of the Light Committee, would not care
to be responsible for the department I'M
less something were done to put the plant
in repair. The expert inspector has
said that by an expenditure of 81 900 the
city could be saved 5000 a year. 1t was
not an annual expenditure, but the APP
preparation was needed for Improvements
that would be permanent.
Replying to Mr.. Camp Mr.. Waller
stein said if the appropriation was made
at the July meeting of the Council
the work would be begun by September
1st. If the repairs were not begun, there
would be the same trouble to contend
with next winter as there was last.
Mr.. Knowles said the gas-works were
in better condition than they had been
for years.
Mr.. Allen said that upon the statement
of the Superintendent. the gas would not
be greatly improved by these alterations.
a member of the committee intimated
that other appropriations would be asked
for; the Superintendent had stated that
the spring of the year was the best time
to begin the work. and inasmuch as he
was convinced that the cost of material
would be less next spring than now, he
would, personally. be unwilling TO con-
slider the matter before the next budget
is prepared. Mr.. Allen moved that the
resolution providing for $4,000 be re-
turned to the Council with a recommen-
dalton that it be rejected. His reason
for Offering this motion was on account
of the present high price of material
MANY DIFFERENT VIEWS.
Mr.. Mosby opposed this motion. If the
expenditure were made ii would be the
means of saving the city 5000 year on
the purchase of oil.
Mr.. Camp advocated the appropriation
Of $4,000 TO begin the work.
Mr. Seay said there was no sense in
taking two bites at a cherry. and he ad-
vocated at great length the appropriation
Of 81 600
Mr.. Hardwicke moved that the commit
tee adjourn and that the chairman of the
committee and the Superintendent should
| get together and find out exactly what