The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-03-07
PROTEST AGAINST
SWEEPING MEASURE
DECLARED THAT MILLS SIDEWALK
ORDINANCE WOULD WORK
GREAT HARDSHIP.
GOES TO CITY ATTORNEY
COMMON COUNCIL ADOPTS sEGRE-
CATION ORDINANCE AND CON-
srDERs OTHER IMPORT
ANT MATTERS.
GOES TO CITY ATTORNEY

Strong protest against sidewalk
sweeping ordinance offered by Cap
tain Mills, Of Jefferson ward, was
heard at the regular session of com
mon council Monday night.
MIR. Powell. of Henry word, said
the measure would work an untold
hardship upon property owners and
tenants and he did not believe it
would hold good in the courts.
Suppose" he suggested. "the
property happens to be vacant and
the owner lives in some other part
of the country. What would hap
pen in a case like that?"
Bring the owner into court and
fine him." said Captain Mills.
But that would not always be
practicable" returned the gentleman
from Henry.
Furthermore. he added. II be-
lieve the ordinance is contrary to the
constitution of the United States"
, DIR. Miller Favors It,
DR.. Clifton NJ. Miller, representa-
tive from Monroe ward. took the op-
posite view. The ordinance was an
especially good measure from a sani-
tary standpoint. and he was sure the
Supreme Court would never interfere
with it.
Mr.. Lynch. of jefferson, finally
came the rescue. suggesting that the
measure be referred to the city at
torney for his official opinion and this
was carried.
The ordinance. in effect. provides
that sidewalks in front of all resi-
dences and places of business be
swept every night between the hours
of Z p. NJ. and S A. NJ, and In the
case of occupied property the expense
NM hss Efr \.
wise. II must be done by the prop
erty owner. A maximum fine of $40
in police court for violation OF the
ordinance is provided.
BY unanimous vote, council adopt
ed the so-calied vonderlehr ordinance
providing for segregation of the
white and colored races in Richmond.
This action was taken following con-
siderable discussion as to possible
loopholes in the measure 1t was
finally agreed. however, that all es-
necessary the ordinance could be later
amended.
Relieve Crowoed District.
Later. the patron. Mr.. yonderlehr
secured the adoption. under suspension
OF the rules. of q resolution providing
TOT the appointment of special corn
mittee of five. two aldermen and three
counciimen, TO investigate, ascertain
ana report what action should be taken
by the city In order TO relieve the
congested conditions of the colored
population OF the city. now mainly
domiciled between Clay street, on the
sooth; Ninth street, on the east, and
bowe street. on the west, SO as TO IA
cHtate ana promote as far as practi-
canle the domicfliary segregation OF the
white and colored population" It is
oeiieSed that the resolution looks to-
ward the annexation and Improvement
Tor colored people OF section imme-
oiateiy surrounding the Virginia Union
University, on Brook Turnpike.
6atkins Measure Referred.
The resolution offered by Mr.. Bat
kins, OF Lee ward, who wants the city
10 run Tree excursions on the river in
the summer season for the benefit of
It's poor was referred to the James river
Improvement committee. which will
likely consider the matter at a meet
ing called for Tuesday night Mr.. Bat
kins would convert one Of the city
barges into a temporary pleasure craft
to- ess soas3 by the city He.egtiFnatss
that the cost per season would not ex-
coed $4,000.
Other new resolutions were: Resolu-
ton offered by Mr.. Pollard requiring a
incense tax on transient merchants and
auctioneerS.
Resolution offered by Mr.. w. Fred
Richardson directing the city attorney
to prepare an ordinance authorizing
conveyance OF the John Marshall home
to the Society for Preservation of Vir-
ginia Antiquities, TO be restored and
preserved.
Resolution by Mr.. Hirschberg look
Ing to acquisition by the city by g,f,.
purchase or condemnation of the Mar
shall street viaduct Of the Richmond
and Henrico Railway Company. Mr..
Hfrschberg endeavored 70 have the res
oiution adopted by suspension of the
rules. but he was oyerruied The meas
ure went TO the finance committee.
Ask for More Ticksta
Resolution by Mr.. Cease increasing
the monthly allowance of street car
tickets for councilmen. This also went
to the finance committee
The uniiauf trnfhc ordinance, recon-
mended by tho ordnance committee.
was tabled on motion Of Mr.. Batkins
and ordered printed for distribution.
Under suspension Of the rules, coun-
ell adopted the resolution offered by.
Mr. Rogers directing the city attorney
to take the necessary legal steps 70
compel the owners OF the city dock to
keep 1t opens. In accordance with or
ders from the State Corporation Com
mission.
Council concurred with the board Of
aldermen in an ordinance increasing
the pay of the building inspector from
$4,000 to $4,000 per year. No objection
was raised, and 1t ID anticipated that
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