The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-09-21
CAPTAIN DlMMOCkS
VALUABLE SUGGESTIONS

Editor of the Times:
Sir.-How Richmond may be made
more beautiful city, one more attractive
both to visitors and as a place of resi-
dence.
To accomplish the so many suggestions
crowd one upon the other that only the
most salient can be noted here.
In the first place, better city govern
ment is wanted and this can only be &C
compished by putting better men into
office, fewer politicians and more practi-
cal business men. who are willing to
give more time and attention 10 the IN
tereSt of the city.
Better public buildings, particularly as
to design and plan. Our public school
buildings are not up-to-date in plan and
are very poor in design. These buildings
should not only be built after the most
approved models but made attractive IN
design as object lessons to the pupils as
we'll as to the public This does not al
ways mean more expensive buildings as
simplicity OF design and beauty OF pro-
portion is what is needed.
TIE principal entrances to our publc
parks should be beautified and this can
be done at small cost comparatively by
a bit of low stone wall with cut stone
coping and some wrought iron and posi-
bly lamps mounted upon this wall. Re-
move the horrible wooden band stands
which now disgrace our parks and erect
ornamental pavillions in their places.
Our streets are in bad condition and the
sidewalks should be of granolithic and
not of brick: this however now being
gradually accomplished
While much is needed to be done by
the city in the way of improvements.
much more is desired to be done by the
citizens to make the city beautiful. 1t
was thought that the new area around
the Lee Monument would become the
most beautiful part of the city. but
judging from the late residences which
have been erected in that district. no
such hope can be entertained as they
are unworthy Of criticism. particularly
in design. No street can be made beau-
tiful by crowding the houses on narrow
| lots one against the other, even though
| the design of the house may be good
| Space between buildings is absolutely
| necessary to obtain desirable effects
! This block style building upon the prin
| cipal streets and avenues IN this new dis
! trict will most effectually kill all effor
| to beautify this portion of the city.
It has been said LAT this is due to the
| cost of the lots in this new section ane
L
building. This is unfortunate. and par
| ticularly so when the beauty Of the city
| is considered. Dwellings, are greatly II
demand and this is tho great objection t
| those desiring to make their homes mere
This want can be supplied by building
| apartment houses which minimize tn
cost and trouble of housekeeping ant
such buildings from their size etc. adj
more to the appearance of the city thai
the small blocks of houses with tn
pepper box" tops.
IN conclusion. I would say what i
| wanted. in small way. IRE than any
| thing else. is paint, but not green ppalnt
! The fronts of our business houses as wei
as dwellings are sadly neglected IN TN
| particular, and one visiting other clue
| and returning to Richmond are at one
| impressed with the dingy appearance Q
our houses and streets. The city wear
i an air of shabby gentility which can Q
J overcome in a measure by the use Q