The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-01-01

facilities of any city that we can recall
being in close and economical contact
as far as her business, manufacturing
and commercial interests are concerned
with the great railway systems of the
Atlantic Coast Line, the Southern and
the Seaboard Air Line and the steam
boat companies Of the James River These
railways trayersing her own territory
and the territory of the county Of Ches-
terfield contiguous 10 her limits, afford
splendid facilities for transportation and
intercourse. and from the situation Of
these lines and their length in the city
md county, together with their proXimi-
ty to business CcnterS, and. especially
to Richmond, present almost unlimited
sites of great excellence and suitability
for all kinds of manufacturing enter
prises and general business. Bordering
the James River for at least two miles,
the city possesses the most magnificent
water power in this State and water
power which will most favorably COM
pare with that of any other spot in this
country, as well as fine harbor facilities
in that part of the city opposite the
wharfs of Richmond. the water III the
river at this location being deep and
free from distractions. AS demonstrated
by the United States engineers in the
numerous surveys of the James River
and the adjacent LANDS on the Manches-
ter side of the river there are most aG-
nirabe and fairly located sites. easy
of access and of economic construction,
and readily connected with the great rail-
way systems above named, for shipbuild-
ing docks and yards and especially for
a great inland basin to be used by the
Government in time of war
WATER AND SEWERAGE.
The city has a fine and adequate sew
erage system. which is gradually being
put into fun operation, and which is
soon to become d source of considerable
income to the city, and which will en-
able the city, in connection with the
income from the wateT-works. owned and
operated by the city, to again lower the
tax rate. These water-works are In
most excellent condition, and are year
by year becoming more useful and profit
able. They are well managed, and when
s proper system of classification of the
water is installed. which will be urged
in the near future. will become one of
the most potent factors in Manchesters
municipal growth and prosperous life.
Manchester's Fire Department, while
one of the most economical. is one Of
the most efficient in the State. The men
employed and engaged in this work are
brave active and vis;ilant. and render
the most effective service. The fire
plugs throw the water as far and with
as much effectiveness as large steam
re-engines, the pressure being great,
and the management at fires is excellent
and successful. Indeed. with few I'M
provements, which would cost but little,
our Fire Department would be most eff
cient. The city authorities have these
improvements in mind, and they will
doubtless be soon made. thus giving the
city increased protection and benefits
from this admirable department.
The health of the city has been and Is
most encouraging. In fact, the rate Of
mortality has always been low, and is
still Eeing reduced The Health Depart
ment is alive to the work in hand, and
is progressive and energetic. The good
order and exemption from crime Of the
city are proverbial. We have been here
tofore and are now blessed with a con-
servativc, moral. orderly and decent
population. The police force is alert and
capable. We need more men on the
force but that demand we hope to see
supplied ere long.
HER FINANCES.
The finances of the city are In most
excellent condition. They are well and
cautiously managed. The Council mas
found the way clear to reduce the rate OF
city taxes. Oar tsX-rate in the future
will be: City taxes, s1.10-10O; school tax,
o0c.; sewer tax, 20c.; State tax, acc, max
ing total of $1.90-1O0 on the hundred
dollars. Now. this compared with the tax
rate OF Richmond, is slightly in favor
of Manchester, as Richmonds taX-reta
is 81 $4,000 on the hundred dollars, not
including the sewer tax in force zhers,
which more than makes up the differences
of 10 cents, above appearing. To accent
uate the difference in Manchester's favor
1t should be remembered that the assets
ments in this city are lower than tiisy
are in Richmond, which fact makes the
taxes still less here in ratio to the same
class of property in that city.
These things are stated In the way OF
business comparison and Illustration and
as indicative of our prosperous condition
in this regard and prospects for reduction
in the future But this taS-rate, It is
hoped and believed, we can again reduce.
as soon as our. water and sewerage con-
nections are fully established and en-
forced Many of the streets and side
walks in the city have been permanently
improved during the last year.
This has been brought about by a wise
nolicy and administration on the partt
the Street Committee Of the City Coun-
c, which seem resolved to abandon tsm-
porary expedients for solid and perna-
nent Improvement, which is enco raging
for the future Improvement of our str as.