davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-09-21
overs a multitude Of archi-
paint which covers multitude of archi-
tectural sins.
Respectfully,
M J. DINIMOCK.
NEGLECTED CONDITION OF
WASHINGTON MONUMENT

Editor Of The Times:
Str,-In reply to your request for some
suggestions as to how Richmond may
be made more beautiful city, more at
tractive to both visitors and residents,
I feel sure 1 voice the sentiment Of
majority Of our citizens when mention Is
made first OF the neglected condition OF
the Washington Monument. In Capitol
SQUARE True, green is one Of the lead
ing colors for fall and winter wear. but
1t is not at all becoming to any one OF
the group around the monument. and
again, the green 'mantles have been
worn so long that 1t Is not only time for
change, but they have become an eye
sore to the general public and disgrace
to the city and State. Could not our
Legislature do something to improve e1-
listing conditions?
More flowers in our parks. and better
care of the grounds around the monu-
ments to our Confederate dead are sub
iects for thought. The base OF the Sol
diers' and Sailors Monument is not i'm
proved by the mud spattered upon
during a rain storm. A small grass
plot, and low iron rail around it would
not only add to the beauty of the spot.
but protect the monument. word to
our fathers brothers, husbands and sweet
hearts might help to break up the I'M
slightly congregations Of bootblacks on our
street corners on a bright Sabbath morn.
Let them get their "shine mister?" or
a Saturday night, or at home.
Another thing that seems necessary.
More public fountains. I had occasion
to wait about three minutes at Harrt-
sons drugstore, in Fulton. few after
Moons ago. During that short interval
seven men and three horses were refresh
ed at the fountain on that corner. and
two buckets of water carried away.
Would not fountain at Seventh AND
Broad Streets, such a busy spot. prove
a blessing? Especially If clear water
gushed from it!
Mrs. RAMON D. GARC1N.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-09-21

the vegetable men were not only clean
and tidy themselves. but everything
about them shone with healthfulnesS ana
purity We went away feeling that to
purchase supplies in such market would
prove a healthful recreation
The untidy condition of our grocery
stores also shows how much we lack in
the high standard of taste that could and
should he cultivated. The people VINO
rim these stores and these markets Will
never have clean, beautiful and appetiz-
ing displays OF goods until the taste OF
the community has reached such a stand
ard as demand It.
Under the present city laws. PROVIDED
he builds Of brick. a man can erect al
most any kind OF a structure he wishes,
however hideous or unsightly 1t may be-
To cite examples would simply provoke
controversy for which l have neither the
time nor the inclination BY and by we
shall have an enlightened public senti-
mert that will determine the line OF
building and every square Will present
a scene Of harmony and beauty When
that glad day arrives. we Will be IN pet
ter position to make Richmond oeau-
tirul and healthful city
In the building up of Lee District we
nave an excellent opportunity to build
no a part of the city that should be the
pride and joy of all of our people IN
fortunately. we do not seem to be i'm
proving the opportunity. One great mis-
take we make there. as well as else
where. Is laying gas, water. sewer pipes.
electric wiring: etc. IN the streets. thus
| making 1t necessary constantly to dig
| up and tear up the street. which IS not
| only unsanitary and inconvenient, but
enormously expensive as well. These
| pipes and electric wires should, In Lee
District and in all other parts of the
| city where we are just building up. be
! placed In the alleys and all connections
| made from the rear. and no fnconveni-
| ence will ever result when connections
| or repairs need to be made Streets
| should not have to be distisured with
coal. water and gas caps which are ire
! uuently not on a level with the street or
| the sidewalk. The heavily charged wires.
/ strung on the unsightly poles, are a
/ constant menace to the people OF the
! community and need not and should not
| be tolerated.
Richmond Is fortunate in having
| number of parks which are growing IN
beauty; but I have already TAR exceeded
| the limit OF space allowed Tor the DIS
| cussion Of this subject.
| Yours very truly.
B. f JOHNSON.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-09-21
RICHMOND. LIKE TOPSY.
HAS JUST CROWED
Editor of The Times:

Editor of The Times:
sir,-The questions you have put to me
have been exceedingly interesting to
me.
We all know that Richmond has its
many beauties in its parks. its trce-lned
streets and in its numerous residences
which stand as monuments to the taste
or thoir owners and architects In some
districts of the city. through, there are
traits suggesting that our city, IKE ol'-
sv has lust growed.'f A party OF Con
Cressmen visiting Richmond not long ago
commented on the closely-huilt condition
of our streets. where one house so often
lubs elbows with the next Such state
of affairs is a serious drawback to the
beauty of amy city, and especially OF q
city in the South.
Could not this be avoided and the large
awns which add so much TO the health
and appearance OF most Southern towns,
be again introduced here if the city gov
eminent should levy taxes only on that
ground upon which a house is built. al
lowing all space improved as gardens or
,,,,,. 10 ,,a free Of taxat4. At the
first blush this might seem necessary.
IF however. the city limits We're simply
pushed further to the West. do not see
that the city would ultimately be the
loser.
But the solution of the problem of mu-
nicipal beauty not only in detail but as
b whole lies in the establishment OF
public opinion which Will bear upon the
Individual Builder and encourage all that
Is for the artistic well-heing OF our cap
,tal city. In New York and in Boston
the most artistic city Of the Union, one
OF the departments of tho city govern
ment is an art commission. which has
been made, a nucleus for an artistic pro
paganda Philadelphia has an influential
Art Society. The artistic instincts ana
civic pride of the people of Cincinnati
have been represented by the important
undertakings Of the Municipal Art So
cicty of that city. while Chicago and our
neiEhbor Baltimore. have also been
working In like direction. Their i'm
pulse Is the same which made Venice,
for example the Queen of the Adria.-
&c" Venice was a city OF traders,
wealth and success 'ta...rA then as they
do now But there was an ambition
that the talk should be enduring and eN-
pressive in no uncertain way of the dig
nifty OF civic life
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-09-21
WELL SPRINkLED AND
BETTER CLEANED STREETS
Editor Of The Times:

Editor of The Times:
Sir.-In reply TO your question con-
corning what would increase the attrac-
tiveness of Richmond, / would say, first,
for the sake of comfort and health. give
us clear water, and keep down the dust
by frequent and generous street-spr1nk-
ling. The beauty of our city would be
materially enhanced by a greater uni
formity OF ARCHITECTURAL style Many old,
unsightly buildings and tunible-down
shanties. that now spoil the appearance
of otherwise handsome blocks. should
be pulled down and replaced with build
ngs more in accord With their sur
roundings
Then let our people evidence a proper
personal pride in the outward appear
ance Of their individual homes by having
better kept gardens, more flowers, and
presnly painted houses. characterization
is not to be despised.
For another thing, let us have cleaner
streets.
These things added to what we already
have would make our little modern
Rome "a thing OF beauty and joy
as long as We would chose to have it
/ 50.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-09-21
FREE TO MILLIONS.
A VALUABLE Little Book Sent Free for the
Asking,

Medical books are not always inter
estlng reading, especially to people en-.
Joying good health. but as matter Oh
tact scarcely one person in ten is per
fecly healthy, and even with sucn'
sooner or later sickness must come.
1t is also we'll established truth that
nine-tenths of all diseases originate Win
a breaking down of the digestion. a weak
stomach weakens and impoverishes the
system, making it easy for disease to
gain fOOthOld
Nobody need fear consumption. kidney
disease, liver trouble or weak heart ana
nervous system as long as the dlgestlon
Is good and the stomach able to asslml-
late plenty of wholesome food
Stomach weakness shows itself IN
score of ways and this little book de-
scribes the symptoms and causes ana
points the way to cure so simple tnat
anyone can understand and apply.
Thousands have some form of Stoma IN
trouble and do not know it, They ascrloe
the headaches, the languor. nervousness,
insomnia, palpitation, constipation aho
similar symptoms to some other cause
than the true one Get your dlgestlon
on the right track and the heart trouble
lung trouble. liver disease or nervous de-
blity will rapidly disappear
This little book treats entirely on the
cause and removal of indigestion and Its
accompanying annoyances.
It describes the symptoms OF Acid Dys-
pepsia, Nervous Dyspepsia, SLOW Dys-
pepsia. Ambiguous Dyspepsia, Catarrh
of stomach and all affections OF the d.
gestive organs in plain language easily
understood and the cause removed.
1t gives valuable suggestions as to diet
and contains a table giving length OF
time required to digest various articles CT
food, something every person with weak
digestion should know.
No price is asked. but simply send your
name and address plainly written or
postal card to the f. A Stuart Co., Mar
shall, Mich, requesting a little book on
Stomach Diseases and 1t Will be sent
promptly by return mail
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-09-21

| make Richmond a more beautiful and at
| tractive city, If lay my hand on my con-
science. I am bound to own up to the
self evident and besetting sin OF the city,
the need of pure, clear. healthful water.
This Will seem very tTtte and hackncyed
assertion nevertheless 1t seems TO be our
hesetting sin. and. il the city-fathers will
Law their hands on their conscience and
Vote. they will speedily and effectually
remedy it.
Having remedied this besetting sin. it
| follows that the lesser faults should be
srappled with.
| In connection with pure water. / would
suggest the erection of handsome and
| convenient fountains where man and
beast could be easily refreshed. Let these
| be "a thing Of beauty and a joy for
ever" by being constructed of stone or
| marble. from some artistic design, or
| copy, if possible. from some classic orig
inal in Europe. thus they would be a
pleasant education to the eye and re-
fresh,rent to the body.
| Residcs having as many parks and flower
beds as possible suggest that more of the
streets be made into bouievards. Broad
| Street. for instance. is, handsome in its
width but so bare and cherries. If they
| would convert it as is done in Chicago
and Paris. into a boulevard, with trees
and flowers at the sides and in the cen
ter. al! the way out to the one which
runs to the Reservoir. it would be a de-
| light TO the eyes of tired mortals.
| Another of Richmond's needs. which
deserves almost. to rank as a 'besetting
| sin is Il fine library.
| Personally, l want the Carnegie Library
| Cooks, Books, Books.' as Mrs. Brown
| ing cries in Amora Leigh. Give me
| books. They not only educate. but they
| help us to live; they serve as companions
| when lonely: they encourage us to emu
| late other brave and noble lives; they
/ help us to lose ourselves for n while
when utterly overwhelmed by the sor-
rows Of life. ] thank God for giving man
! tho genius to write books
Let the public our residents and visit
ors. have the use of them!
Our Academy of Art. too. would be a
| delightful dream to see realized, but if
| this is. as yet. unattainable. + return where
| i began. TO the chief needs of our be-
loved city.
| Turc water artistic drinking fountains,
| boulevard streets with flowers and trees
i and in connection herewith pretty and
| convenient private residences. more of
| them. at moderate cost but of design
| thai need not mako one ashamed to take
| n guest there. and say here is my
| home,
OF course, too these streets must be
kept clean. or their beauty will be spoil
| ed H w DANIEL.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-09-21
and tasteful treatment in our architec-
ture, private and municipal. The most

and tasteful treatment in our architec-
ture, private and municipal. The most
casual observer cannot have failed to be
impressed with the utter monotony and
lack of taste in the ma jority of build
ings In the new parts of the city and
in many in the older. There are rows
of houses which seemed to have been
turned out by some duplicating contri-
vance. We have architects of undoubt-
ed taste and ability, but 1t is evident
that their services have never been
sought in the erection OF the style OF
structures in question. A house design
ed in good taste (and our architects are
amply competent to do this) does not
cost a cent more than an ugly one. built
without any regard to the acknowledged
standards. Landscape gardening, long
recognized in the older countries and in
some States an art, as much as ar
chitecture, seems to have been overlook
ed in the laying out of our parks as re-
CARDS the grouping Of the trees and
shrubbery. AS to smaller matters. there
are frequent evidences Of an Indifference
to appearances In the protection of some
front yards from ir)vading dogs by
sticking unsightly pieces of wood to sup
port wire-fencing around the grass plats.
This is sometimes varied by boughs OF
trees laid upon the grass.
But the most conspicuous instance OF
this Indifference is to be found on the
Capitol Square. The Washington Monu-
ment is accepted as one Of the most I'M
posing works of art in this country
Seen from the drive to the Governor S
house. the tourist finds that the monu-
ment is cut in two by an e!ectric-1ght
pole placed apparently to produce TINS
effect The fixture runs up to Wash
ington's waist and sewers his name In
vain the kodak artist shifts his point;
hero or a statesman is oblterated at
every move 1 believe that this con-
dition is unparalleled
The continued freshness OF our streets
never fails Of being remarked pE s'ial-
eare in nv experience. But l am eX-
ceodine your request Others, no doubt,
will make points in that direction.
WILLIAM L. SHEPPARD.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-09-21

tertained a few of her intimate friends
at ''carom" party. From within could
be heard the ordinations of approval
or disapprovai as the players made an
unusually good or bad shot.
Later in the evening refreshments wer'
served after which the games coutiniesl.
Mr.. r. Z. Sciater, of Cartersville. IN
three hunting expeditions has killed sew
enty-seven squirrels This Is perhaps
partly due to the abudance of game. but
more certainly to the deadly aim Of the
markSulan.
Much Interest Is manifested in the open
ing OF photograph gallery in IOWA. TO
be conducted By H. NJ. Cromder and j. II.
ScIater
The corn crop in this section exceeds
that Of any previous year. Several corn
harvesters have quickly cleared the fields,
which are now dotted with SHOCKS.
Nearly all the tobacco has been cut and
the farmers are busy preparing to SOW
wheat. II
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-09-21
MANY TELL HOW TO
BEAUTIfY RICHMOND
Continued from First Page.)

a nroyerbialIy blind. 1t is only when
we go away and take look at some
of her sister citics-Atlanta, Washington
and Clevoland-that our eyes arc open
20 her faults, her dowdincss and untldi-
ness and slip-shod ways
To drop the smile, Richmond is DIS
gracefully dirty town, as a glance al
any one OF the above cities VIII snow.
Her principal streets are used as re-
ceptacles for bits of paper. banana peel
lncs. advertisement cards and stray
rags. which Jupiter Pluvius tries hard
70 drown beneath the floodings OF his
watering cart.
Her alleys, One would not dream there
were so many deceased animals In the
ci;v or that so much coal had been con-
stunned at ST. ton
How many front yards, tiny as some OF
them are, would add to her beauty II
they We're only properly cared Tor
little grass seed sown. a few flowers
planted. a vine here and there TO soften
a harsh outline and refine crude color
Then give her a fountain or two Tor
her thoroughfares. Real fountains.
Fountains so attractive in themselves
that they make one forget the tawns
color of the water that splashes through
them.
A fountain is to a city what an open
fire place is 10 a home-a place TO gather
and dream and forget for the moment
the busy rush of life. Our city does not
possess one worthy Of the name.
With clean streets. pretty yards and
fountains. Richmcrd's attractlreness
would be as apparent to the eye OF the
nNytrf
10 our own love-blinded vision.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-09-21
THE VALUE OF CHARCOAL.
Few People Know How Useful it Is in
Preserving Health and Beauty,

Few People Know How Useful it Is in
Preserving Health and Beauty.
Nearly everybody knows that charcoal
is the safest and most efficient disinfect-
art and purifier In nature. but few req
i:.a it's value when taken into the hui
man system for the same cleansing pur-
pose.
Charcoal is remedy that the mere
you take Of it. the better: 1t is not a
drug at ALL but simply absorbs the gases
and impurities always present in the
stomac CHI and intestines, and carries t1:e,r
out of the system.
Charcoal sweetens the breath after
smoking, drinking. or after eating oni,Es
aud other odorous vegetables.
charcoal ef1ectually clears and i'm
proves the complexion, it whitens tie
teeth and further acts as natural and
eminently safe cathartic.
1t absorbs the injurious gases which
collect in the stomach and bowels; + dis
infects the mouth and throat from the
poison of catarrh.
All druggists sell charcoal in one form
or another, but probably the best char
coal and the most for the money is in
stuart's Absorbent Lozenges; they ere
composed of the finest powered Willow
charcoal and other harmless antiseosics
IN tablet form or rather in the foim o.
large. pleasant tasting lozenges.i the char
coal being mixed with honey.
The daily use OF these loZenges will
soon tell in a much improved condition
of the general health. better complexion
sweeter breath and purer blood, AMI the
beauty of it is that no possible harm
can result from their continued use. but
on the contrary, great benefit.
A Buffalo physician, in speaking Q. the
benefits of charcoal, says: II advise Stu
arts Absorbent Lozenges to all patients
| suffering from gas in the stomach ano
| bowels. and it clears the complexion ano
| purify the breath. mouth and throat;
also believe the liver is greatly benefited
by the daily use of them: they cost but
| twenty-five cents a box at drug stores
and although in some sense patent
| preparation. yet I believe II get more
and better charcoal in Stuarc's Abscrbeh'
| Lozenges than in any OF tbs ordinary
charcoal tablets
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-09-21

granite. It would be well II she wore
Observation-Disclosures in her corsage.
A beautiful waist is essential to femi-
nine charms. The valley between Church
Hill and Shockoe Hill Is Rchmond's
waist. 1t is a mere waste. The hustle
(of business) is O.. X. Transform Baker
creek into a band of lnpid water about
that waist. How sister cities would long
to throw the arm Of their railroads
around 1t.
Broad Street Hill, with threadbare
s1ructures-rent jacket-disfigures this
syIph-Iike waist. Let some capltanst
with elegant buildings pad IT. The
slopes up Church Hill between Main anc
Broad are beaded with homes. Inc op-
posite slopes on Shockoe Hill should pc
made things of beauty. Our militia and
police by target practice shoot grass and
flower seed into these precptces, killing
the ssear-raced ugliness. would make way
for heights of beauty.
With the superb transit system Of
modern times the city Of the future
should cover more space. A selvidge or
flower gardens should border every
street. Nicholson pavements. as sug-
gested by your staid neighbor the DIS
patch, should take the place Of the
macadam.s Streets as they extend east
and west should widen into broad ave
Observation-Disclosures Automobiles and hi
cycles. the vermin that nfest our high
ways. could then be given a wide berth,
The basis of all this physical beauty
should be the moral and spiritual we
must eschew the 'pinchback jewery
| cIub-rooms and saloons Judge Crutch-
Held. Judge Richardson and Olflcer
wyatt must exterminate those Enghsh
sparrows,' the gambling halls. We must
make room for lyceums. concert halls
nocking birds of the skies The intel
lectual bump the Carnegie Library,
and the bump of reverence, the churches,
must grow.
The evening twilight Of her glorious
past will prove to be the morning twi-
light of a more glorious future. Seated
upon her hills. with the James like a
Magdalene kneeling at her feet, sobbing
out the story of her falls. Richmond viii
be the Queen City Of the Atlantic coast
Modern progress will cleanse the muddy
James. our soiled Magdalene. and send
her through our homes purified and glad
dening by her touch.
Our city will prove a flower oeauu1ul
with the hues OF varied arts, eXhai1ng
the fragrance of morality. From 1t rush
ing trains. those busy bees" OF the hive
of commerce. will extract sweets or man
7,facture. and Old Virginia will say: Is
not this Great Richmond which God mas
h,i1t AMEN HARMON.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-09-21
TREES AND STATUARY
ARE INDISPENSABLE
Editor of The Times:

Editor of The Times:
Sir,-The greatest city beautifier IN the
world rs tree. Not starved, MANNED
crooked cumberer of the ground, but
tree-a large. symmetrical. richly cloth
ed. gratifying soothing tree.
There are rows Of trees on Franklin
Street that delight the eye more than
the psincely homes-.oey odorn. There
are great ugly gaps on many OF our les
ser streets so disfiguring that they would
be trying to the complexion OF a pal
ace I have in my minds eye a row or
houses that would be handsome but for
the aching fact that of dozen or more
saplngs set along the front a score of
wears ago. the four that remain have
no likeness to anything save the roots
of q superannuated tooth. In all these
years. so far as I can learn. but one
single property owner on that row has
asked the authority for one single tree
Our city. I understand, has great nur-
series full of superior sprouts awaiting
the awakeninCof the property owner to
his own interests. If trees may be had
Or the asking, let US first have trees.
Then we can sit in the shade and plan
monuments.
Then we shall want to plan to rid the
visitor of the distinct sense of disap-
pontment which comes to. him when he
leaves the Capitol and walks over to
the City Hall. It hurts the soul. when
one thinks of it. that so magnificent a
pile should not give single hint of any
thing beyond the dead perfection of ar
tificial form. 1t is beautiful I grant
there's charm In the arches over the
doors one will find nowhere else-but a
great public building should mean some
thing. Philadelphia's massive hall may
not be SO beautiful in purely artificial
forms as our own, but how it lives! How
it stirs the soul with its wealth OF his
tory and herosm! I remember the first
time saw our hail. how my eyes wan
dered over it to find in some niche some
where some representation of life-some
form Of man. of goddess, or llingly ami
NAL know the building Itself is not
large enough for much this sort of
thing; but I have wondered if its thchi-
tects did not have in mind the erection Of
statue or two in those beautiful broad
spaces before the eastern and western
doors.
When that is done there will be no
sense of disappointment
But let us first have trees.
EDWARD LEE PELL