The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-04-14

This started an animated debate.
Mr.. Rogers gave warning that thu
Jefferson Ward delegation, all o.
whom were In their seats, wanted
the amendment, and that II they die
not get II, there might be trouble IL
the passage of the measure. He real
lied the importance of the proposition
But" said Mr.. Rogers In his loud
est voice, "the Jefferson Ward delega
ton stands responsible for it's actions
We are not asking for an increased
appropriation. Nor are we asking fol
a delay in this matter. We simpl,
ask that the wishes of the people ci
Jefferson Ward be considered. Foui
men framed up this proposition
Scores of citizens of the East Emo
have opposed 1t, before the Utilities
Committee and the Finance Commit.
tee. II the Utilities COMMITTEES recon.
mends the Phillips site, the delegation
will stand by it,
Seaton Arises To Occasion.
| Mr.. Seaton arose in the faco of the
gauntlet. He saw the situation, and
realized, as every other member OF
the Council did, that the Jefferson
Ward delegation had everything their
own way.
In the meantime Councilman Jones
and Councilman English, the former
known as the intrepid orator from the
Southside, and the latter as the silver
voiced oracle from the West End,
commonly known as Bull English,
moved ,uneasily in their seats. They
wanted to get into the arena They
wanted to throw a lot of salve upon
the stolid delegation from jefferson.
Mr.. Jones finally arose.
II am satisfied that the brilliant
members OF this body from the East
End will not stop the progress of this
bond issue" said Mr.. Jones. "A
financial crisis confronts the city of
Richmond right now. We are obli-
gated to meet demands upon us for
borrowed money for school purposes.
am satisfied. knowing these gentle
men as do, that they would not for
one moment do anything to delay the
progress now being made know
every one of them personally, and /
am satisfied that they will vote for
this ordinance. trust that have not
been mistaken in my opinion of
them"
Mr.. English went further. and pic
tured the patriot who sacrificed his
personal feeling for the general good.
He placed the jefferson Ward dele
cation among the great men of the
past. with greater prospects ahead CT
them.
These gentlemen. Mr.. President.
said Mr.. English have no idea or
blocking the game. They hold a. hand
which may prove a winner in a game
Of chance. But / do not believe they
will stand pat. Four aces will win
almost anything, but I believe they
will come over and we will make Il all
~ n -tVa1 IN
hands will feel satisfied. The city
needs the money. II should all go
into the kitty. so that the men at the
helm may proceed in meeting the
obligations which now confront
them"
Mr. Haddon spoke along similar
lines and beseeched the jefferson
Ward phalanx to come in out of the
shadows and help spread the glorious
news 10 the people that the financial
condition of Richmond might not be
damaged.
Saving to City.
Mr. Powell said the proposition of
securing the Phillips site had been
solved when it was shown that in the
proposed widening of WILLIAMSBURG
Avenue there would be saving OF
two or three thousand dollars. The
Phillips site carries with 1t, as was
pointed out by Mr.. Powell, a number
of trees and lot of shrubbery. and
the site itself was a typical one for
a park.
Mr.. Pitcher explained that from the
standpoint OF economy the recon
mendation of the Finance Committee
was the most costly of any site sug-
gested He showed that In its gem
eral plan of extending streets IN Fpl-
! -
expense. II park be built on Full
ton Hill, some distance from the pro-
posed park. with the expenditure OF
more money, the cost of extending
streets would be eliminated. and the
city would therefore. save thousands
of dollars by building the park along
the points to be opened as streets.
Mr.. JEFF Powers one of the Jeffer-
son Ward members. said the delega-
ton simply wished the sum of s15,-
900 appropriated. with no mention OF
where 1t should be spent He had
urged that procedure before the FL
nance and the Utilities Committees.
Just before the vote was about to
he taken. Mr.. Seaton made final
pathetic appeal. This appeal evident
" had it's effect.
Mr.. Rogers once more warned the
Council that the Jefferson Ward dele
cation had everything It's own way.
President Peters started TO send
after Councilmen Radcliffe and Cheat
wood. and Councilman Powell was
about to move TO adjourn. when Mr..
Ferguson asked for the question. and
the roll was called.
Ten votes had been taken all IN
favor of the ordinance as it stood,
before ii reached member from
Jefferson Ward, Mr.. Powers was
the first.
AYE" he responded,
Suppressed excitement followed
this.
Then after Mr. Rogers, Mr.. Sui
liyan and Mr.. Welsh had all voted
the same way, there was applause.
II knew you fellows were not go
ing to hold up this bond issue" said
Mr.. Jones, as he shook hands with
the valiant Jefferson Ward deiega-
ton.
Mr.. Peters presented Mr.. Rogers a
beautiful red rose.
Fifteen Feet Is Granted.
The ordinance granting the United
-a~t- o.