The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-01-22

demnation proceedings and the cham
Der has urged this course, believing
that the property could be so ac-
auired at the figures named in the
bill.
"All this had taken place without
single dissenting voice being raised
In Richmond, so far as the chamber
was officially advised; on the con-
trary. there were commentator and
congratulations upon the result. But
II seems that experts wera sent from
Washington who reported unfayor-
ably upon the property, though repre-
sentatives of the chamber never had
the privilege of meeting with those
experts. OF hearing their specific OBJ
Jecuons, or an opportunity, If possible,
for removing them on presenting the
paramount importance and public
character of the interests which were
represented in the movement
Opposition Shows Itself.
Pending this suspended action. the
officers OF the chamber had been ex-
pecting summons from our senators
and representative to visit Washing
ton. for the purpose of presenting
what was conceived to be the merits
and importance of the case to the
Honorable Secretary of the Treasury.
In the meantime, that is on January
of the chamber, a meeting was called
by some gentlemen for the purpose
of adopting a petition to have the
Secretary or the Treasury invested
WIN authority to use the appropria-
7 ton tsecured at the instance of thu
Chamber of Commerce for specific
purpose). for the purchase of any
site, which, in his judgment, was suit
ed to the needs Of the service. This
.fras
was an open secret that the experts
Of the government had reported ad-
yerseiy upon the present location OF
the postoffice and had examined other
sites than that east of the postoffice
building and were favorablv impressed
with them as suitable for a new post
office building, step, as the chamber
understands, not at all contempla ted
in the provisions Of the bill.
Board Takes Action
Under these circumstances. board
meeting Of the chamber was prompt
~ called on me 10th instant to take
such action as was deemed necessary
in the premises and also to afford
the committee appointed at the meet
ing of -i.iZens held on the 18th, an
opportunity to present their resolu-
tions and views to the board. which
do But up TO IL o'clock on the 18th
+ instant ~ notice had been received
by the officers of the chamber from
: this committee, so the board sent
them an invitation to appear and re-
maned IN session for the purpose OF
meeting them. In response to this
/ invitation. MIR. Robert r. Magill. DR.
Jud Is. Wood. and others appeared
and were heard fully, but the board
of the Chamber saw no reason to
change it's attitude, and, therefore. re-
affirmed its former action and pro-
/ ceeded to appoint representative
/ delegation to visit MIR, McAdoo, Secre-
tary of the Treasury. In pursuance of
an appointment which had been
| previously made with him.
On that occasion, when. In addi-
ton to the Secretary of the Treasury.
Mr. Newton. the assistant secretary,
the senators from Virginia and the
congressman from this district were
present, an entirely satisfactory con-
clusion was reached, namely, that
there should be a reinspection of the
postofiice and the situation in Rich
mond, and that MIR. Newton assista nj
secretary of the treasury. and an Of
fetal OF the postoftice department
wonfd visit Richmond in the near fu-
ture for that purpose.
Aniagonistic Petition.
1T mas been recently stated that
petitions in opposition to the cham.
ber's views are being actively circu.
lated and numerously signed by its
members OF course. the chamber II
not privy to what has been done ir
this respect, but 1t certainly does no,
consider what has been or Is being
done az a manifestation OF any 'ge
ore her Gnirtf aarnaxtitt n
Gated by the press; and the officers
and members of the board are con
WINGED, that if any unbiased member,
have signed sudtl petitions, IL has beer
done In ignorance of the true fact,
, of the case and on account OF some
. misleading statements which should
not pass unchallenged.
"f11 The statement that any bill
has been introduced by Hon. A. !
! Montague, at the request of official
OF the treasury and postoffice depart
ments. amending the present law ap
, propriating $3.50 900 for the purchas,
Of the property east Of the Fedora
) building in Richmond Is Incorrect
: In this connection. it should also b,
mentioned that Mr.. Montague stated
to the chambers delegation. that /
would be futile TO attempt to intro
, duce any new legislation. bearing OF
a this SubJect during the present SEES
sion; and he further said he did no
, know what could be expected at tn,
! next session. in view Of the change ii
, the personnel OF Ne members OF
: Congress, in which opinions Senate
Swanson fully concurred
"(2) The belief that Ii the law Il
. question is not amended, the appro
: priation OF $4,000 will immediatel
revert 10 the treasury of the Unite
, States :s also incorrect.
"(3) The statement that the petition
= adopted a. the citizens meeting. mel
the 18th, consisting of about twenty
y odd persons, expresses the opinion c
= a majority of the business firms
manufacturers and publishers, tn
V representatives Of the chamber are b
!, no means prepared to accept. On th
a contrary. they believe that the larges
and most important business interest!
a especially those who send hesr--sna
II TO the postoffice and send for thei
n mail constantly during the day, an
= to whom few minutes Is a mos
important consideration. prefer almo'
to unit the present location.
- "t4) That the site referred to
- the appropriation bill, namely. g