Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-03-01
CONGRESS.
DISTRICT AFFAIRS.

last
A, the close of the Recess the House met and
went into Committee OF the Whole, MIR Taylor
IN the Chair, and took up
A bill to incorporate the Georgetown Orphan
Asylum aud Free School The bill was read.
aud no amendment being moved, 1T was lald aside
and the Committee took up
A bill to improve the Navigation OF the Poto'
mac River between Georgetown and Alexandria
This also was laid aside-and Bill IN addi'
ton to anact yestng in the Corporation OF Wash.
inyton all the rights of the Washington Canal
COMPANY. ITO take back the Mall lots. and al
log in lieu thereof to the City Sl50,00O.1
Mr. Masun, Of Virginia, moved to amend this
Bill by striking out the section which authorizes
the Commissioner of the Public Buildings to en-
close the Mail and lay II down in grass
Mr. Mason supported his motion by advertng
10 the usefulness OF the ground as an open CON-
mon to the poor of the city: this he thought much
more important than for purposes OF mere recre.
alton.
Nc Jarvis, Of Maine, opposed the motion. -
The ground had been originally intended for
walks and open ornamental grounds, and not for
building lots. Ii it was fenced and laid out in
shrubbery, it would be kept to its original destl.
nation
Mr. Wardwell, Of New York, supported the
amendment, arguing that the ground might as
well be retained without enclosure as sith it.
The question was taken and the amendment
was rejected.
The Bill was then laid aside, and the Commit.
tee took up
A bill concerning Peniten'iary for the Dis
triCt.
Mr. Connor enqured into the number Of con.
yicts now in the building
Mr. Washington replied and explained
Mr. Whi,,lesey asked respecting the appropri-
planning and experimenting the building.
Mr Washington replied, and stated his servi.
ces: he had Voluntarily superintendent the work
for IS months, aud had dlsbursed so to 10000
dollars.
Mr. Whttlesey supposed that this had been
the duty of the Commissioner Of the Public Build
ings.
Mr. Washington and Mr. Semmes explained,
Mr. Washington moved AN additional section
allowing the Inspectors during the years 1929
and 1880, the same compensation as the pre-.
sent Inspectors.
Mr. Connor opposed the amendment, and ask
ed for information.
Mr. Washington explained.
Mr. Connor moved to strike out the item Of al
lo@ance to Mr. Carbery.
The motion was negatiSed, as was also the
amendment respecting Inspectors.
The Committee next took up
A bill granting certain city lots to the Presi
dent and Directors of Georgetown College.
No amendment being offered. the Bill was laid
aside. and the Committee took up
A Bill in relation To the Potomac Bridge.
Mr. Conner made some enquiries respecting
the Bill, which were replied to by Mr. Wash.
inston.
Mr. Carson wished to know how much the Pre-.
sident had recommended to be appropriated. So
far ne was willing to go.
His enquiry having been answered, he with
drew his objection.
Mr. Wickhffe said he did not wish 70 carve
out of this appropriation any good fat salary for
some man who wihshed to live at the public ex.
pense; he therefore moved an amendment, pla-
cling the erection Of the bridge under the care OF
tho Commissioner OF the Public Buildings, and
allow him S50C in addition to his present sa
larv.
Mr. Jarvis opposed the amendment. and refer.
red to the management OF the Commissioner in
relation to bringing 10 of water to the Capitol, as
presumptive pront of his in, competency.
Mr. Wickfe explained, and supported the
amendment aud referred To a salary allowed to
somebody Tor experimenting the placing OF
plank on the old bridge
Mr. Burd inquired il the Commissioner was a
practical mechanic. and had skill in such work
MIR Wickiife replied, and referred to what he
had done.
Mr. Connor opposed the allowance Of $500, and
moved to strike 1t out.
This was negati,ed, anu the amendment
agreed to.
The bill was then laid aside.
Hha T.. 4
Of Washington CITY. granting loan of $3.50. O0O
to pay up subscriptions to the Chesapeake & OhiC
Canal Company
Mr. Mardis moved to strike out the enactine
clause ut the bill.
Mr. Semmes appealed to Mr. Mardis to with
draw his motion, explained the ample oature Of
the security. and referred to similar loans gran
ted BY States IN aid of works Of internal improve
ment.
Mr. Nardis refused.
MIR Craig thought the constitution did not EN-
power Congress To loan money