The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-04-16

70 the present ciHcicnt officiai Joseph
shelton IN all period Of twenty
Of the election OF the present inspcc-
tor he WAS strongly supported for The
position, and ii took many ballots 10
decide between the two.
While occupying this position he
nearly cost him his life in connec-
lion with the famous Spotswood
Hotei nre that only emphasized tho
sterling character and ardent zeal in
his work OF the man. Being advised
OF the fire in the hotel. hc in company
WIN an Inspector By the name Of Ned
SwGc,man. went at 1890 o'clock at
night 10 the scene Of the conha grafton.
immediately entered the FIRST floor in
the front of the burning building, and
took out the meter located there.
intense excitement prevailed. went
TO the rear OF the building. broke down
door leading TO the basement,
worked their way through the smoke
IN the wall. AS they were disconnect-
ing II the rear wall fell with an awful
crash, and cut off their retreat. thus
leaving them without ali apparent cs-
cape. They. however. nothing daunted,
went beneath tile iron grating under
the sidewalk and called for assistance.
ono. OF Richnond's valiant fret lighters.
Buck Angle by name, rushed 10 their
rescue. and with crowbar priced open
the grating and released them. but
none too soon, for hardly had they
whole building collapsed, leaving
mass of ruin where shortly before
they had riskcd their lives 10 save tho
city property and lessen the dangers
Of the cpnlagration.
During tile reign OF Mayor Kelley
all of the Assistant Gas Inspectors
" ere turned out Of office for maifcas-
ance or neglect of duty. except Mr..
Batkins and a AIR. Mccarthy, who is
:still in the city's employ.
When the present capable supcrin-
tcndcnt, w. r. Knowles. assumed
charge. he. knowing the ability and
high integrity of Mr.. Batkins. appoint
Works. in charge OF all of the extern
sion of the service in the city. which
position he filled TO the eminent salts
cordial support and best wishes OF
those under him until. by reason Of
failing health, he retired a few years
ago. after nine and one half years de-
voted service in this position.
Hc was ever solicitious for the vel
fare OF his beloved city and for the
| Improvement Of the service in the Gas
Department. giving from time TO time
many valuable suggestio ions, which. he
ing adopted. resulted in improved ia
cilities for the patrons OF this import
ant branch of the city department.. tIe
also had charge OF large quantities
amounts Of material for use I'm his de-
partment. but so scrupulously honest
was he and so Jealous in The perform
ance of every duty and trust imposed
upon him that never were any of the
criticisms that you nowadays hear flip
PANTY cast at the officers Of our lnu-
nicipal government or allusions sar
castically made as to their lack OF
interest In the welfare of the city
ever directed al him. and II is surely
refreshing when you hear so much
whether Justly or not. TO look at the
record for thirty seven and onc-haif
years Of this loyal public servant and
all-rbund good citizen. Truly. as the
poet has said, IAN honest man is the
noblest work Of Cod"
He expected and required those I'M
der him to render good service, and
yet he was kind aud considcratc OF
their wants and needs. and felt an
anectionatc interest in thcm. Having
by strict economy and wise invest
mcnts. coupled with an abiding faith
In the future OF Richmond real estate.
ever generous i'm assisting his mon,
loaning them money at various times,
/ especially around Christmas. and never
charging any interest therefor. To Eur
Their show his regard for those under
| him and his habits Of thought and re-
| Election, he presented all OF his en-
| ployes with Il box Of fine cigars one
| Christmas. inclosfng In each tua 5 l.
| on cigars. composed BY himself. and
/ which embodied some reflections gained
| by n long andrintimate lacnunintancc
| VIII, pnlitica! conditions. in this city.
lis men entertained for him 4 high