The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-05-13
MAYOR SAYS JUDGE
VIOLATED ORDINANCE
Hits at Witt in Message to Council..Makes Many Re
Communications and Refers to Skating and
Ball PLAYING in Streets

land power from plant OF their own,
operated by tho God -given power OF
the river upon the banks OF which our
forefathers chose a home.
The ordinance has been made de-
fective and It's provisions made OBJ
jectionable by the timidity OF those
who hesitate to do anything in the
interest OF this community. no matter
how necessary or desirable. which
might trench upon the privileges or
profits OF corporations created by the
City Council and sustained by the gen.
crosby and patronage OF our people.
Council Should Face 1t.
III the Council has determined to
issue these bonds under such condl-
tons as 10 make them part OF tha
general bonded debt OF the city SUBJ
ject to the charter limitation OF IL
per cent, there is not the slightest
occasion ,or election. and 1t Is tts
duty OF the Council manfuly to face
the proposition and either adopt 1t or
vote 1t down.
II also deem 1t my duty to say that
the complication OF the Juno election
| by the addition OF the question ,of
bond issue might overthrow the Will
| OF the people as to their choice OF Of
Ulcers and REPRESENTATIVES of the Coun-
| ell. as thore Is no reason able ground
for doubt that private interests. OBJ
jecting to the establishment Of an cleo
trio light plant by the city. would use
their influence and spend their money
FOR the defeat OF the measure. Tho
vote at an election held after pri-
mary Is usually quiet small and the
expenditure OF money might easily
control the result"
| As to Skating.
! In treating the subject OF roller skat-
ing and baseball playing In the streets,
l No y. hi CO,
| Il also recommend the immediate
preparation and passage of a decisive
ordinance concerning roller skating on
the sidewalks and on the streets. At
this time (and for some time pasD tho
Police Justice seems to be unable TO
decide whether the practice is lawiui
| or not. and young men and women are
at times allowed freely to practice this
amusement, and at another time are
most unexpectedly arrested and hailed
| to court
should Provide Ground.
Ball playing in the streets is conf
mon all over the city. and though ap.
parently innocent, is frequently ths
cause OF serious accidents. There Is
no ordinance prohibiting this practice.
| Such an ordinance seems to be de-
manded, but its passage would be al
most brutal until the city has provided
! suitable places for exercise. recreation
| and amusement. In this connection l
| earnestly recommend the Immediate
| passage of resolution authorizing the
/ engineer to proceed with the hands
and carts OF the city to grade and pre-
pare for use as baseball diamond and
/ tennis court, a lot of land at or near
/ Thirty fourth and Leigh Streets. the
| owner of which, Mr.. Samuel P. Cowar-
din, has declared that he will cheer
| fully dedicate the free use OF the lot 10
the boys and girls to whom 1t is access
sibe
"The cost OF this improvement would
| he trifling, as 1t is only necessary 20
remove the turf with scraper ana 90
some little leveling. Such place.
would be a boon to hundreds OF boys
City y -
AS to an automobile for the City
Executive there is the following:
mend to the Council the purchase OF
powerful and speedy auto car for use
lat the City Hall and subject to the
orders and use OF the Mayor OF Inc, ,ns
Hong enough to instruct the Mayor IN
the mana cement, care and control OF
1.-THE machine which should be kept at.
& the city's expense in garage.
4 ''This convenience would enable the
J Mayor to visit all points In the city
undergoing Improvement and answer
complaints by personal inspection, and
in addition to this would furnish the
5Imeans OF extending courtesies to VS.
Eitors from other cities who are con-
stantly making their appearance in the
J Mayors office. a portion of the cons
tingent fund of the Mayors office
(Which was secured In the budget OF
this year by agitation of the subject
for more than two years. might be APP
piled to the maintenance Of this ma
Z chine and the incidental expenses at
tending courteses to visitors treated as
!. |guests by the Mayor of the city,