The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-02-03

and no general publicity was given to
the fact that such renewal was cOntem-
plated. But the Board had the mat
ter under consideration from last May
until October Mr. Chesterman saic lle
held out for sometime against the re-
newal of the contract six years before &
expired. but finally Joined with others
who had TO deal with the matter and
made the action unanimous.
PROFIT TO THE STATE.
Mr.. CheSterman stated that the present
contract was not unlike the others that
have been in force during nineteen years.
He called attention to The fact that when
the Davis Company made its original con-
tract the pentcntiary was running The
State in debt TO the extent of about $4,000
per year. Now, handsome sum. some
thing like $4,000. is turned into The STATE
treasury. In nineteen years the Davis
Company has paid 10 he State Sl.3jh.04D
Major Lynn, who was superintendent
before Major Helms went into Office.
prison contracts. and WAS of opinion
that Virginia had the best one of
any Southern State.
Mr.. Thac)lcr had stated that he di:i
not think the companys plant worth
100000. Mr.. Chesterman said he was not
competent to estimate the value OF the
plant, but he had always had the idea
that it was very valuable. 1t was
brought out that the company pays taxes
on 100000 Of assessed value of property.
Mr.. Chesterman said Richmond had COM
petent and efficient officers. and he was
willing to accept as correct the valuation
they placed upon the property.
MR.. HARTMAN TESTIFIES.
Mr.. Harman was asked if the Will
liamscs had been informed by him as to
the action of the the board as to securing
copy of the contract He replied in
the negative. but stated that Mr.. Nose
ley had had several conversations with
him. and he had given the information
to Mr.. Ioscey. AS far as he knew. Mir.
Moseley never copied the contract. In
one conversation with Mr.. Moseley. Mr..
Hartman asked him : if the Williamses
wanted to bid for the hire of the convicts.
and. if SO, what use was to be made
of them. Mr. Moseley replied that he was
unable to answer the question, but sur
missed that they might want the convicts
TO work on electrical enterprise in
which the firm was interested.
Mr.. Folkes said at this point: ''Weil,
/ am glad they didn't get the convicts.
This thing is coming TO Il pass when a
fellow will have to go to the penitentiary
TO get a job of work.
Mr.. Hartman. continuing his statement,
said the WillaInscs had been given ann
pie opportunity to bid if they cared to
do 50.
There was a desire expressed to hear
the Mr.. Williams who had spoken to Mr..
Chestcrman about the contract. 1t was
stated that he had been in the Senate
chamber earlier in the evening. and had
left
Mr. Pitcher expressed himself as in
favor of not renewing the contracts for
convict hire until two or three years
before the existing contracts expire. He
was in favor of advertising for bids.
The committee adjourned to meet in
executive session at the, call of the chair
man.
Proposed New Road.
The Senate Committee on Roads met
yesterday afternoon at o'clock to con-
sder the bill TO incorporate the Washing
ton and Richmond Railway Company.
This company is asking for practically
the same charter as the Richmond and
Washington Air Line Company CSeaboard
Air Ine).
The corporators are w Brydon Tenant.
]. J. Collier. Herman Ricketts,. Walter
Smith, JohnSF Wilkins, ]. A II. Junker,
NJ. E. Sturges and G. F. Ambrose. Hon.
John b. Moon of Albemarle. prepared and
had the bill introduced. Mr.. Flood is the
the patron in the Senate and Mr.. Hubbard
in the House.
Major L. r. d. Myers, Judge w. J.
Leal1e and Mr.. w. c. Preston We're on
hand to represent the Richmond. Fred
erlcksburg and Potomac Railroad Com
pany. IT was decided TO postpone the
consideration of this measure until next
Tuesday and consider it along with the
Sea board Air Line bill.
The committee heard MesSrs. w. ].
Ne!ms of Newport News, and Thomas
W. Shelton, OF Norfolk. in behalf of the
bill TO incorporate the Hampton Roads
Railway and Electric Company, and Mr..
Samuel Register. counsel for the Newport
News and Old Point Railway and Electric
Company, III opposition to it.
A vote will be taken on the bill next
Tuesday.