From the Richmond Times-Dispatch, 1/5/1909, p. 2, c. 1

WEATHER STATION ON CHIMBORAZO PARK
Common Council Changes From Gamble’s Hill Site – Saterfield Consolidation Ordinance Adopted – Electric Plant Approved – Other Matters.

In view of the light thrown on the situation by the visit of Chief Willis L. Moore, of the weather service, the Common Council last night, by an almost unanimous vote, receded from the position taken by the Grounds and Buildings Committee, offering the government a site in Gamble’s Hill Park over the protest of citizens, and passed a resolution offering a site in Chimborazo Park, which was said to be the choice of the government officials in Washington. When the measure came up on the report of the committee, Mr. Richards offered as a substitute a joint resolution providing that a plot of ground on Chimborazo Park, not to exceed 150 feet square, be dedicated to the United States government for the purpose of erecting a Weather Bureau station, the exact location to be determined by the Grounds and Buildings Committee. The City Attorney is instructed to draw up a deed of dedication as soon as the joint resolution has been approved.

A prolonged debate followed, President Peters presenting a letter from Chief Moore in regard to the Chimborazo site.

Mr. Balkins and Mr. Lynch made a fight to have the whole proposition referred back to the Grounds and Buildings Committee. Mr. Lynch held that the communication of Mr. Moore should have been sent to the Council, and not to Congressman Lamb. Mr. Batkins said the division chief of the Weather Bureau and the director in this city had both approved the Gamble’s Hill site. “Now the ‘high boss’ comes down here and selects Chimborazo, a place never before mentioned.”

Mr. Richards fought for his resolution, saying that he had been told that the Gamble’s Hill site was unsuitable; that the heat from the Tredegar Works would affect the delicate instruments of the observatory, as would the smoke from passing trains. The proposition to commit to the Grounds and Building Committee being voted down, the Richards substitute, offering the Chimborazo site, was adopted, Mr. Don Leavy being the only negative.

[remainder of article, dealing with other matters, was not transcribed – MDG]

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