The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-11-09
KNOWLES DENIES
GAS RING STORY.
Resurrccts Resolution Showing
Political Activity in De-
partnent.
GRIMES WITH THE MEN THEN
Former Mayor Taylor Wanted
Employees Dismissed for Not
Helping Democratic Fund.

Though strong dcnials were made
Yesterday by Superintendent Knowles
as To the existence OF gas house
Dispatch to the effect that many en-
ployes had organized to defeat Coun-
lcilmnn John r. Grimes created no end
OF talk In municipal circles. the
Grim1s faction. and outsiders, for that
matter, oontending that the fact could
not be denied that II powerful politi-
IplanD
Digging into the. record superin-
tcndent Knowles brought forth an ex-
Itrac, from this minutes OF the Com
mittce on Light which added spice to
the situation and showed to the sat
iisfaction OF most observers that city
employees had figured more or less eX-
Tentatively in politics.
| AT m,etlng Of the committee on
November 25, 1859. r. III. Taylor, ri
forwards Mayor Of Richmond. offered
| a resolution instructing the superin-
ltendent to discharge fourteen en-
lployes OF the Gas WORKS, who lad
refused to contribute to the Demo-
cratic campaign fund. In those days
the Republicans We're making every
effort to cut into the Democratic
ranks, the whole city administration
being lined up so!idly for the party
| In power
| Grimes Saved Employees.
| II Is clear from the record that MIR.
Grimes, then member OF the COM
mittee. did not believe In such dras-
ltic action. He offered an amendment
that these fourteen be dropped from
the pay roll in the spring II the STU
perintendent found It nee ssary to re-
ment prevailed, as result OF which
ithe employees wore guaranteed four or
FIVE months Of employment at sea-
son of the year when outside work
was not easy to obtain.
Friends OF Mr.. Grimes say that tho
resurrection of this fact had behind It
| the apparent attempt 10 show his ac-
tivity in politics 80 far as II affected
employees OF the city.
Active In the Campaign.
During the recent "campaign" for a
councilman from Marshall Ward,
many reports wero heard as to the
unfrlendly attitude of the 'so-cnlled
ring toward Mr.. Grimes. represent
tattvc OF The ,,Times-Dlspatch got the
threads together on Thursday. and at
| the Council meeting that evening talk
ed with lir. Grimes, securing what
was> considered confirmation of the
statements made earlier in the day.
! In view of what was said by Mr..
Grimes and the otiiSr statement OF
the Mayor. 1t seemed evident that
| there was u ring. From many officials
at the City Hall came the informa-
ton yesterday that it was common
knowledge that tina gas employees were
strong politically. So far there has
never been any criticism affecting the
Water Department.. 1t was said that
in that department Superintendent
Boiling promoted men according to
their service and efficiency.
Likewise members of Council have
long learned that Mr.. Boiling Is about
the most Independent man in the SER
vice OF the city, a fact which Is so
apparent that Conncilmen seldom wor-
ry him to find Jobs for constituents.
| No Charge AEninst Knowles.
Friends of superintendent Knowles
understood that no attempt had been
made 20 charge him with the leader
ship of any gang" He has shown
no vielent interest in politics. but In
Ills department ha has some OF the
shrewdest politicians In Richmond. Ac-
politics in the department., so. far as
he is aware, at least. He recalled
a time wh1n he had fought Mr.. Grimes
In the primary. II fact which Mr.
Grimes frankly admits, this being due
to the statement from Mr.. Grimes
that he would ''fN" Mr.. Knowles. &C.
cording TO tho latter. at all events
Mr.. Grimes was defeated. Since the1
the superintendent has been hands off
Az stated in this newspaper yester.
day, Mr.. Grimes had expressed the
z opinion that IL the city did not re-
habilitGte the gas plant it ought t
be leased. The natural Inference wa.
that with this move some of tho
|. employees might be dropped from tn,
city's pay Toll. Hence the alleged feel
Ing OF resentment.
May Have Stolen Harness.