The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-04-08
Banker Offers Richmond
an Institution to Cost
Sum OF S25.O0O.
CITY TO GUARANTEE
ITS MAINTENANCE
Mr.. Branch Will Give the Public
Baths, Completely Equipped,
and Appoint First Body Of
Commissioners-City
Furnish Light
and Fuel.

Mr. John r.. Branch, president OF the
Merchants National hank, has offered
10 give Richmond n public batli-housc
completely equipped, tile Whole to cost
not more than SO, 700, provided he is al
lowed to appoint the five commissioners,
ana provided further that the city will
bear the cost offthcz maintenance OF the
institution.
Mayor Mccarthy received Yesterday the
appended letter which lie will forward,
with a brief message. to the Council to-
morrow night:
Richmond, Va. April I, 1906.
TO the Hon Carlton Mccarthy, Mayor
OF the City of Richmond. Va:
Sir,-Desiring to contribute to the
health, comfort and enjoyment Of our
peo,,le, / have concluded to submit to
you this proposition:
II propose to build and equip a
public bntll-housc, on some suitable
site IN the citSgof Richmond, and pre-
sent same, complete, to the city. In
my Judgment the cost of this cstab-
ment ought to be about. and should
~. not ctCCEu@ WE'LL GiSI ~
lars sS25,0cD).
The Conditions.
II will make this gift under the fol-
lowing conditions: !. am to have the
privilege OF appointing five commits
sioners who shall have the control,
management and direction OF this in
st;tutiont for the public good. and shall.
make such rules n regulations for
its control as may be deemed wise
These commissioners areNsto con-
stitutc a self-perpetuating body. with,
power to fill %vacanciest MS they may
occur by death. resignation. Sor in-
y. capacity to serve.
as III city OF Richmond, through It's
representatives, to assume an &obliga-
ton to maintain the Institution by fur
nishing water. light, fuel, attendants,
and all other necessary expenses for
its efficient maintenance.
"a. satisfactory resolution OF the
Council OF the city Of Richmond, ac-
cepting this gift on the above terms,
would be sufficient, and 1t would give
me pleasure to proceed at once TO full
fill my part Of the proposition.
Very respectfully.
~(signed) JOHN r. BRANCH.
Left to Commissioners,
Mr.. Branch. iii an interview last night,
stated that the site of the proposed baths
and the plans and specifications for the
erection Of the building arc to be decided
upon by the commits toner's, who are to
be appointed by himself. lie is DESTROYS
of having the building located somewhere
in tho lower part of the town, so that
the working people of that neighborlood
may have convenient access to the baths,
which are to be erected FOR their benefit
particularly. Mr.. Branch said that the
idea Of making this donation for tile
interest of tho working classes came tc
him while thinking over tho death rate
OF the city, which is largely In excess
OF what better and improved conditions
would prevent, and In trying to deter.
mine upon some plan whereby lie might be
enabled to change those conditions for the
better, After giving the matter Garrett
consideration. lie decided upon The baths,
and accordingly offered to erect them free
OF any expense to tho city. EIe is very
enthusiastic over the idea and is anx.
ious to begin work on the construction
so soon as the City Council signifies its
acceptance OF his proposition.
A Nominal Charge.
The manner Of tho construction Of the
building Is to be determined upon by the
five commissioners but Mr.. Branch said
thai there would be separate compnrt
ments for the sexes and that there would
be Individual baths. All the necessaries
arc to be provided for under tho pro-
position. ana the people will be at no
expense, except a. merely nominal charge
for the use Of rie baths. They will be
open all Gay and every day, so that
people mo- have access at any time.
Mr.. Branch has not yet decided upon
the commissioners, saying that he would
do, so after consultation with SOME OF his
friends. After the selection OF the com
missioners everything will be left TO thcil
discretion,