The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-30


It's the opinion of the Chiefof Police that the
ceipts of the past four months do not furnish fair
average, but that the amount of judgments for the
year will be larger. If 1.-The amount, however,
stated above should prove correct, II is cheap ex-
change for the old Bystem, with Its abuses and ex-
actions. beg leave to renew my recommendation
for the appointment OF Lieutenant of Police.
In connexion with this subject, earnestly In
wife your attention to the necessity OF revision oil
the laws in relation to the retail OF liquors am
fully satisfied, not only from the returns of the po
lice and asylum, but from my official observation
otherwise, that intemperance is the cause almost
exclusively of all the disturbances and pauper
ism which attllct our community. uur laws
should seek to restrain and not foster an evil
of such frightful magnitude. The charter does
not regard the retail of liquors as business
from which direct revenue lie to be drawn, but
as an evil to be restrained or prohibited by
the cxaction of licenses or such other
as are authorized by it. With this important prin
ciple in uiep, many most necessary changes can be
made and wholesome restraints added. Difficult
asst is, and may say almost impossible, to esta-
bsh by legal proofs violations Of the existing laws,
the only true remedy, in MY opinion, leo lar as oAr
powers and legislation can affect it, is to reduce
the number and classes of licenses, with additional
restrictions upon those which may be granted In
addition to the forfeiture of the license upon a
cond conviction in conformity with existing law,
extend to the Mayor discretionary power TO sus-
pend the license for limited time in cases of fla
grant violation of the law, upon the hrst convictions;
for the sale of liquor without license, inhct the
verest practicable penalties which the charter will
allow. In advance ofany general action upon THIS
subject invite your immediate attention to the de-
fects OF the I'd section OF the act OF october 70,
1879 and the Sth section of the act of November 8,
1892, in their relation to minors and persons Of
color.
suggest that the law approved October S0tb,
1928, IN relation 70 billiard tables, be so amended
as to regulate the license according e the number
of tables used, and that the proprieors be required
to close their rooms at IL o'clock at night until the
next morning.
1t also seems to me highly proper that the play
ing within the saloon of any game of chance pro-
hibited by law should, upon conviction, work a
forfeiture Of the license.
The present headquarters of the "Auxilinry
Guard and police force is wholly unit, both FROM
want OF room for the officers also places OF con-
fnement for offenders With the present accom-
modations il will be almost impossible TO execute
the laws where imprisonment is necessary, far ess
to fornsh lodgings to the number applying through
the winter The immediate erection of new
building should be determined upon, or at least an
enlargement of the present q temporary
rangement for this winter.
NEW cENTRE AARRE-.
The subjcct of a new Centre Market seems to me
TO be worthy OF your consideration at this time.
The present one is not only unseemly in its appear
ance, but it does not furnish accommodations
either sufficiently ample or comfortable have
had several plans laid before me, at cost of from
$4,000 to 100000, which would furnish ample
accommodation for largely increased population,
with a range of stores upon Pennsylvania avenue,
and capacious halls with several offices in the sec
ond story. II is presumed that daily market
would then be established and that from such a
building an annual revenue Of 800 900 would be
obtained. The only question doubtless to be con
sdered is to the pecunary ability OF the Corpo-
ration to accomplish it. The contract for the build
ing might be extended through several years, con-
sructing, in the first instance, such parts as were
most necessary; and in this way bringing the an
nual expenditure within the amount which could
be annually appropriated without much interie-
renee with other improvements. In my opinion,
however. the beet plan would be to submit the
question of creating "markei hopse debt to the
voters Of the city in the manner pointed out by the
tenth section Of the amended charter, the total re-
cepts lees its current expenses to be set apart as
sinh king fund for the redemption OF principal and
| interest.
Asw may feel assured that in short time there
will be a very considerable reduction in the price
Of gas light, some effort should be made to encour
| age the enterprise of those engaged in its manu-
facture, and TO secure its benefits moro generally
10 the city. il 10 impossible well know, for The
Corporation at the present time to Undertake the
| lighting ofany Very considerable part OF the city
bot that il must limit itself to few points Of gene
| raj thoraughfare and common benefit, such as th'
market houses and bridges. J have no doubt tina
| very much could be accomplished towards tb'
lighting Of our streets by the passage Of genera
law in conformity with the provisions Of the eight
section Of the charter Of May, 1920,