Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1903-01-01
THE CITY OF MANCHESTER.

tact as far as her business, manufac-
turing and commercial interests are con-
cerned. with the great railway systems
of the Atlantic Coast Line, the Southern
Railway and the Seaboard Air Line, and
the steamboat companies of the James
river. These railways traverSing her o yn
territory and the territory of the county
of Chesterfield contiguous to her limits.
afford splendid facilities for transporta-
ton and intercourse, and from the situa-
ton Of these lines and their length in the
city and county, toge.ner with their
proximity to business centers, and. es-e
pecially to Richmond. present almost
unlimited sites of great excellence and
suitability for all kinds of manufacturing
enterprises and general business. Border
ing the James river for at least two
miles. the city possesses the most mag
nificent water-power which will most ia
vorably compare with that of any other.
spot in this country, as we'll as fine har-
Dor facilities in that part of the city op-
pcsite the wharves Of Richmond. the
water in the river at this location on her
side hereof being deep and free from OBJ
structions. AS demonstrated by the
United States engineers in the numerous
surveys of James river and the adjacent
lands on the Manchester side of the river
there are most admirably located sites.
easy of access and Of economic construc-
ton. and readily connected with the great
railway systems above named. for ship
building docks and yards. and especially
for q great inland basin to be used by
the government in time of war. The map
herewith presented fixes and impresses
these facts and details. by showing the
real situations. the great length, prox-
unity and value OF the railway lines. the
extent and the varied routes Of the street
car lines. and the splendid and healthy
territory traversed and reached by these
lines. In fact there is no city more bless
ed with fine locations for manufactures
of all kinds than Manchester, in view of
these most favorable conditions. and the
cheapness Of lands which for miles bound
these railways and the river.
The city has fine and adequate sewer
age SYSTEM. which is gradually being put
into full operation, and which has be-
come a source of considerable income to
!. the city, and which will enable the city.
In connection with the income from the
water works, which branch Of the cor
poration property. owned and operated by
the city. is now becoming source Of
revenue. to lower her tax rate. These
water works are in most excellent con-
dition. and are year by year becoming
more useful and profitable They are we'll
AA1oiio6CL, Gal4O "1lCl1 pIOpSl system OF
Qualification OF the water Is installed,
which is now being urged before the coun-
ell. will oecome one OF the most potent
factors in Manchester's municipal growth
and prosperous life.
MancfcStcr's fire department, while one
OF the most economical, is one OF the
most efficient in the State. The mon en-
p!oyed and engaged in this work are
brave. active and vigilant. and render
the most effective service. The fire.
plugs throw the water as far and with
as mitch effectiveness as large steam en-
gincs. The pressure being great and the
management at fires Is excellent and sue
cessina. The city has been for many
years peculiarly blessed by exemption
from serious fires. and, indeed. with the
improvements which have been made
during this year In this department, and
the other improvements which the city
authorities have in contemplation and
which. doubtless. will soon be made. our
fi-e department will be most efficient,
thus giving the city increased protection
an.! its property owners additional Sc
curly.
The health Of the city has been and is
NEST encoura ging. In fact. the rate of
mortality has always been low. and is
still! being 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
:o!ere and are now blessed with a. con-
serva,ive. moral. orderly and decent
population. The police force is alert and
capable we need more men on the
force, it Is true. but that demand will
soon te supplied.
FINANCES ARE HEALTHY.
The fiarces OF the city are In most
excellent condition. They are well. and
cautiously managed. The ceunci has
foaEd The way clear to reduce the rate
of taxes. Our tax-rate is: City taxes.
sIlc-iin; school tax. 20 cents: sewer: tax.
90 cents: State tax. 40 cents. making
total OF sl.so-foo on the hundred dollars.
Now. this. compared with the tax-rate OF
Richmond Is slightly IN favor OF Man
chester. as Richmonds tax-rate is
sI.so-,oo on the hundred dollars not in
Guiding the sewer tax In force there.
which more than makes up the difference
Of 10 cents above appearing 70 accen-
tuate the difference in Manchester's fa-
S,or SIR hA srAreAr1h hoE