Our City Engineer

January 11, 1896

Summary

The Planet honors the white city engineer who helped found the armory for the black militia

Transcription

Col. W. E. Cutshaw, our present City Engineer, is one of the most remarkable characters in the city government to-day His powers as an organizer and his abilities as a city official are conceded. Candid to the point of bluntness, conscientious to the point of stubbornness, a friend to his friends and an enemy relentless to those who would wrongfully tamper with the people's interests, he stands forth as the power behind the throne, and a tower of strength in any contest.
His democracy is unquestioned and yet, he is just. Color forms no bar to courteous treatment at his hands.
He was a warm supporter of the proposition to erect the colored armory and when the amount appropriated was insufficient to ensure the erection of a handsome and substantial structure, it was he who put on foot the plans for an appropriation of $2500 more, recommended it and successfully used his powerful influence to secure its passage, the Mayor's veto notwithstanding.
Col. Cutshaw is a born leader of men. His countenance betoken courage, and his energy causes him to know no such word as fail.
He is honored and respected by all classes and even those who disagree with him accord him praise. The cut which we present was made from a photograph made by Mr J. C. Farley, our colored photographer.
About this article

Location on Page

Upper Right Quadrant

Contributed By

Liam Eynan

Citation

“Our City Engineer,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed April 27, 2025, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1682.