The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1905-04-01
SATURDAY, APRIL 1,1aos.
II Is Tine to Act.

1T Is l lIue 10 fASl. tTst
Tho people OF Richmond are to be conf
,ncnded for their conservatism. In the
eyes of some Of our neighbors we may
&c a little slow, but We are never rash l'fl'l
We ndopt no measures until they have
hcen carefully considered. 1t Is that sort
E nf conservatism that gives character and
STABILITY to people. Never has Rich
mond's conservatism shown tc better al
vantage than in dealing with the. Ques-l
4 tionsof expansion. Long ago we outgrcW
our dimensions and expansion seemed
imperative, but we have waited until we
were sure Of the situation, until we
could discuss and Investigate and thresh
out and arrive at intelligent conclusion.
1t is a tribute to the patriotism and
wisdom OF the Richmond people that SO
many OF our citizens have given this sub
iect their careful attention. We have had
meeting after meeting, and speech after
speech; we have had discussions in halls,
Z on the street corners, through the public;
press and in the Counci, chamber. We
have given the most patient and indus
4 trious investigation and at last the Com
smittee on Charter Ordinance and Re-.
4 form is ready to report. The report will
be submitted to the Council on Monday
night and will be further discussed before
that body. al
The Timcs-Dispatch believes that the
repor. OF the committee should be adopt
ed. we are not disposed TO force our
views upon the Council, and we are GER
#tainly not disposed to bring any undue
Influence to bear upon that body. But
we hope that citizens who have fully
made up their minds one way or the
other, will not fail TO express their views
TO members of the Council, and let them
know what public sentiment is. II those
who oppose the lines yls finally de-
termincd by the committee do not enter
protest and If no general protest is
made the Council will very naturally and
properly decide that tho people arc salts
fled with the report and are willing that
It shall be adopted II there are those
who wish to speak either way, now is the
lime - Hey may Spcah ~ .'iiSiii'SA p "
the Council in private or they may go to
the meeting oa. Monday night and then
and there let.thcir views be known.
But, however that may be. the time has
now come for action. The question has
been discussed up and down, and we can
see no need for further delay. We hope.
therefore. that the Council Will act. Let
1t be remembered, too. that the action OF
the Council is by no means final. The
Council will simply make a motion in
court. The question will then DO heard In
court and evidence will be taken on both
sides and on all sides. Each and evciy
Interest will be represented by counsel and
the court will finally render II decision
in accordance with what seems to be rea-
sonably fair and equitable to all inter-
ests.
In the meantime the discussion has only
served to clear the public mind md to
acccntuatc the need for Greater Rich
,nond. With every meeting and with
every thought given 10 this subject. the
strength OF the cause has grown, What
opposition there is to Greater Richmond
is certainly not backed by any responsible
or important part OF this community.
There lis In some sections n little timidity
as to taxes and in other sections a good
deal OF political panic concerning city
offices. IF the lines are 10 be widcncd so
as to lei In the vigorous voters Of Fair
mount Chestnut Hill and Barton Heights.
But the citizen who only looks at the
4 growth of his city in health and business
and all those departments OF civic life
which make for a great community is no,
disturbed by such non,essenuals. His az
fairs Is only 70 see that his city gets
what It deserves and his opportunity Ii
right now TO make his wishes respect,
fully, but forcibly. known TO those tc
whom the administration Of our city af.
fairs has been given. The vast majorit,
OF the good citizens OF this city are III
! favor of going forward,