Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1834-05-30
am, respectfully,
Your obed't servt
JOSEPH VAUDEVILLE.

| Mr.. Mason repeatedly averred, adducing cir
cumstantial proof too, that corruptly advocat-
| ed LIE Baron's offer about the middle of April,
| expecting a concern therein. | here declare,
that the letter you have just read, itself evidence
| of the fact conveyed to him, to the best of my
belief the first intimatOn of my intent to be
concerned in any contract after my ceaslng to
think of Mr. Martneau as a conneXion. Even
| i'm this letter name no party as conneXlon
| for me to join. My motive throughout, evil
IDENTIFY, is the immediate progress of the Aque-
| duct; and, because. no other offers had been
accepted, to step forth, at my own risk, for our
general benefit; to secure myself, if possible
| against loss, by forming able conneXion; and to
carry to it, without injury to my other concerns
effective aid. This letter caused me to know
| that if might be countenanced as an appen-
dage to Mr.. Martineau; need not expect it up
| on any other reason. 1t received no notce--ot
course concluded, in the tenor of my letter,
! & TO remain as now stand" Mr.. LIE Baron re-
turned here, and renewed his offer with Michael
Burke. Their general character and fitness for
! the contract seemed to be indisputable; from
the proofs before the Board regarding both, |
would have freely accepted their offer, and in
tended to propose its acceptance; If any obJec-
ton was made to their ability to perform, de-
termined to end by offering myself unknown
| to any one, as of the Company | had been
asked, and was held good to join Martineau who
had no means; did not suppose could be re-
fused with two good men. My letter to Mr..
! Mason, although not answered, was proba-
blv used by him as warning to those who
acted with him. Before the Board lay only the
! one offer of LIE Baron & Burke, requiring not
one minutes consideration; the whole matter
being familiar to us. He who presented it had
been here sundry times, at much expense and
loss of time, particularly valuable then to man
of his profession. Yes or no was the only an
swer necessary. The majority were unwilling
TO saw yes-they dared not sayno. In this state
ofthe affair, member, and regret that, for his
own sake, Mr.. Janney did not act with decision
one way or other, moved that we should not
consider any contracts before the approaching
election. opposed that motion; INSISTED tnat
it was our duty to decide upon the offer, and not
waste more ofthe working season to our injury;
that it was our duty to the men who offered it,
TO decide upon it. and release them from all
suspense My reasons were unanswered, as II
unworthy Of notice. To record my vote, ask
ed the yeas and nays. 1t was carried not 10
consider. Mr. Janney by this motion, cast from
ns-the intention cannot be doubted-another
fair offer. that no one has right to say was
iustlv to be distrusted. AS Mr.. Janney referred
TO the approaching election as a reason Tor this
extraordinary conduct Of the Board, and treat
lment of Baron and Burke, have right TO
infer and do believe, that he was privy to, and
a party in the combination then formed, to
change, without notice, the course OF that cleo
ton; which intention the whole proceedings at
that election clearly proved Those parties are
known to YOU If at the ensuing election, you
remember, and reprove by your votes, such
presumptuous conduct in those individuals, it
will be wholesome lesson, and warning to
those you may hereafter elect. If, knowing
what you do know, you permit hereafter, any
men TO dictate to you; abuse OF your interest;
waste of money; waste OF time; lndlrect gam py
hired workmen; bargains or contracts benefi-
cial to Directors or other officers, or their con-
tnexions; or any indirect proceedings whatso-
ever, you have yourselves no right to complain.
/ have now only to lay before you my cores
pondence with the present Board, relative 70
4 p Baron & Burke's suspended offer, and other
circumstances connected herewith
Your obedient servant,
JOSEPH VAUDEVILLE.
Nfo, pc 1924