Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-06-29
OF other expenses, aggregating several
thousands dollars. which outlay was un-
expected, but absolutely essential.
A SEVERE CprrrrrcN

expected, but absolutely essential.
!. A SEVERE CRITICISM.
Mr., HARRISON said II looked TO him
as though the chairman OF the Light
Committee and the Superintendent OF the
Gas Works didn't know what they want
ca, or the needs Of the gas-works He
alluded TO the report OF the expert. made
recently, whose recommended tons had
never been acted upon. The sum OF $l3.-
VV had been appropriated to carry
out these improvements. later on Mr. Wal
lerstein had asked for $1,000 more.
Now, the committee asked for s2l 800, and
there seemed to be a difference OF opinion
rs TO the needs OF the sworks between
the chairman and Superintendent
Mr.. Wallerstein left the chair and took
the floor TO reply TO this, criticism. The
management of the worl<t. he said du-
ring the past few years would stand the
strongest light that could .bc thrown upon
IT, He eulogIzed Mr.. Knowes's adminis-
tration, and said there had been well de-
fined efforts during the past few years
to prejudice the minds Of the public In
favor Of selling the gas-works. As mem
Der OF the Finance Committee, the
speaker said his colleagues could testify
that he had always favored economical
measures. The expense account had been
reduced 81 800 in the last two years. That,
he thought, was evidence that the gas
works were being properly managed. The
single super-heater system was anti
quated. and the machinery in the works
needed improvement 1t was bad business
policy. he contended. to allow the
works to 20 to ruin and make no effort
TO arrest the decay. The testimony Of the
expert and Of Mr Knowles. showed that
ha I'm, as1fG NODDED
out IL would be the means OF saving 5000
year for the city.
The gas-works said Mr.. Wallerstein,
was a manufacturing establishment. 1t
differed from all the other departments
in that IL was subject TO CONTINGENCIES.
Mr. HARRISON denied that he had criti-
Cised the management of the as-workS.
The management was as fair and just
as it could be, but the doctors disagreed
as TO what was necessary.
IN GOOD CONDITION NOW.
Mr.. Camp asked if the works we're not
In better condition to-day than for any
time for five years. Mr.. Wallerstein re-
piled that the works were worth from Is
to y per cent, more than they were five
years ago.
Mr. Cottrell said he was a friend of the
gas-works but the demands were decided
~ confusing. He favored the undermining
of the plant but opposed what he termed
the patchwork process.
Mr.. CARRIER asked if a holder in the
West End would necessitate the improve
ment OF the works Superintendent
Knowles replied that the present capacity
of the works would be sufficient to supply
the holders.
Mr. MOsby said II had been decided not
TO take up the question Of a holder in the
West End He empha sized The necessity
for making an appropriation. and quoted
figures to show that the running ex-
penses had been reduced and the output
increased.
Mr.. Cottrell asked if the estimate of
the expert was not $3S 900. and If the cost
Of material had not increased consider
ably since then. Mr. Knowles replied that
some OF the changes had been made by
the employees already. and added that
with the $1,000 ne could put the works
into condition equal TO that of any works
in the country.
1T is impossible to get along with the
present plant" continued Mr. Mosby
because unless you get a certain grade
of oil you can't make good gas" The
whole question, he said. was whether the
sum of S2LJ0O should be expended and
5000 a year saved. or whether the works
should be allowed to run on in the old
rut with the same trouble every year.
If a corporation could make money out
Of the works, why should not the city?
PRESENT NEED OF IMPROVEMENTS.
Mr. Camp asked whether the changes
could not be put of till next year.
IF you do" Mr.. Mosby replied, you'll
have the same trouble next winter as you
had last"
'sTut IL tho ci.y baeni. a.. .s.l.... =.
you think ii would be wise to borrow"
asked Mr.. HARRISON.
AS a business proposition, yes" an
severed Mr.. Mosby. "even if the city had
10 pay or per cent. because 1t means
the saving Of 5000 a year, and the manu-
facture Of good gas"
Replying TO Mr.. CARRIER, Mr.. Knowles
said that with holder. in the West End.
gas could be made much cheaper than at
present
Mr.. COttrell suggested that If that were
the case. he thought the committees were
putting the cart before the horse, and the
holder should come before the gas plant
was repaired.
The members of the Finance Committee
seemed to concur in the opinion that an
appropriation might be made for the
holders next year.
Mr.. MOsby moved as a substitute that
the report Of the committee be adopted,
and the appropriation made, as recon-
mended
Mr.. Mosby's resolution was adopted by
the following vote:
Ayes-Wallerstein Ferriter, Mosby.
Shea, Miner, Drewry, Gordon. CARRIER. and
Camps.
Noes-HarresOn and CottrellA2.
Streets Committee in SESSION.
The Committee on Streets met in the
city Hall last night and transacted con-
Siderable business of routine nature. A
proposition TO increase the pay of GER
IAN a, employees Of the City Engineer's
office TO what ii was before the Retrench-
ment and Reform Committee went
through the various departments in 1881.
met with much favor, but was tabled
until the next meeting
RESOLUTIONS were adopted calling upon
the street railway companies TO put their
hneS In proper repair. and upon the Rich
mond Railway and Electric Company to
lay girder rails on certain streets
Allegations were heard for certain street
improvements.
Mr E. r. d. Myers. Jr.. was given per-
mission to lay before the committee his
complaint of the bad tracks Of the Union
Passenger Railway Company, on Beech
and Harrison streets, between Broad and
Main streets On motion OF MIR. Burton,
the matter was referred to the City En-
gineer and Ward Committee.
petition was presented from the
American Tobacco Company, who ask
permission to extend their 6-inch water
main from the corner OF Seventh and
Cary streets TO their new factory on
Sixth and Cary streets, 10 be used only
for fire purposes On motion OF Mr.. Pol
lock, the City Attorney was directed 10
present TO the City Council an ordinance
embracing this request.