Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-06-24
CITY FAIR S.
CORPORATION OF WASHINGTON.
BOARD OF ALDERMEN.
MONDAY, June 2S, 1856.

y +
BOARD OF ALDERMEN.
MONDAY, June 2S. 1856.
A communication was read from the Mayor
in relation to the Collectors books and asking for
additional clerks. Referred to Committee on Fl
nance
Also, communication on the subject OF the
damages caused by the great rain of the 18th inst
The Mayor states that large appropriations will be
necessary to repair said damages.
He also asks for speedy appropriations for clean
ing the streets and alleys. Referred to Committee
on Finance.
A communication from the Mayor in relation to
the condition of the Fire Department was received
1t represents the various engines and hose appara-
tus to be in good order, with few exceptions.
Mr. Houston from the Committee on Finance,
reported bill in relation to the assessment of taxes
for the year 1855, and asked its immediate con-
sideration 1t provides for the assessment of taxes
at the rate of so cents on the $780, all real and
personal estate, and on all stocks and other prop
erty owned by corporations, and on the capital of
private banks, brokers, or money lenders. This
bill contains the usual provisions for discount in
cases of prompt payment.
Mr. Busey moved to strike out part Of the 7th
section.
Carried.
Mr. Riggs moved to strike out so cents and in
sert 70 cents on the 500, the rate of taxation.
Mr. Bayly advocated the motion He stated that
il was absolutely necessary to meet the demands
upon the Corporation
The question was taken, and the motion lost.
Ayes s, noes 3.
Mr.. Dove moved to insert 65 cents instead Of so
cents.
Mr. Miller hoped the Board would be willing to
vote 65 cents, that the new Mayor might not be
hanpered in his administration Of the affairs of the
city.
Mr. Smith opposed the motion. He alluded to
the fact that the late Mayor had reduced the debt
to a large amount notwithstanding the taxes were
reduced to so cents on the 800.
He was not disposed to embarrass the Mayor.
We were all interested in the welfare Of the city, he
thought the present Mayor ought to give the
l.te Mayor had done. And then if it did not
prove sufficient, the taxes might be raised.
Mr.. Dove said that it was necessary to raise the
tax in order to meet the pressing liabilities Of the
city.
Mr. Busey said he was glad to see his friend
from the Second ward was ready to admit that the
expenses of the Corporation ought to be dimin-
ished. He, Mr.. Miller, was an advocate of the
establishment of the Board Of Health--whch would
cost at least $l5, 900 year. Abolish that Board,
which it was claimed would be saving to the
city, and this amount would be saved, he would
go with the minority to abolish this Board, and
return to the new system.
He would not vote for more than sixty cents; he
deemed that sum sufficient. If proper economy
was practised, sixty cents would be enough. lie
was in favor of economy, and he would 60 as far
as any man IN the curtailment OF unnecessary ex-
pense.
Mr. Miller stated that the Office of Commissioner
of Health had never been properly executed. This
was the reason why the office had yielded no reve-
nue.. No fines were imposed, no fines were col
lected. 1t was the duty Of the Commissioners to
impose these fines for violation of the law.
Now, when gentleman was about to enter up
on the discharge of the duties of the Office, who
would discharge the duties of the Office faithfully,
the majority came here and proposed to abolish
the Office altogether. He maintained that the
Office was essential to the preservation of the
health of the city.
Mr.. Miller then proceeded to reply tothe charge
that the increase of taxes was demanded in conse-
quence of the creation of the Board of Health
This he denied, and referred to tho unpaid Gabii-
| ties of the Corporation.
| communication from the Mayor was then read,
urging the necessity of increasing the rate of taxa
| ton. He estimated the total amount of floating
debt at $7l 3l4. To this he stated several amounts
must be added not vet ascertained
Mr.. Houston expressed a wish that none of the
| opponents of the motion of the Alderman from
| the First Ward would say one word on the sub
ject If the bill did not pass to-day the city would
be without any law for the collection of revenue.
The question was taken on striking out so and
inserting SO cents-Ayes 5, Noe, o. So the
amendment was lost.
Mr.. Riggs moved an additional section, adding
| 5 per cent. to all taxes not paid within three
months after they become due, and 10 per cent
on all taxes not paid within six months after they
| become due
Mr.. Busey stated that the taxes were not really
due until Jan. lst and If Mr.. Riggss amendment
we're adopted, it would prevent the sale of proper
| ty for default Of payment of taxes in January.
| Mr.. Riggs withdrew his amendment, and moved
| its reference to the Committee on Finance.
| Mr.. Bayly moved, as an amendment the usual
| tax of 10 per cent. for school purposes.
Mr.. Houston reminded the Board that bill was
now before the House appropriatng $25,0o tor
the schools Of the city. 1t would undoubtedly pass
the House, as il had the Senate, and become q law
Mr.. Bayly withdrew his amendment.
The tax bill Was then ordered 10 third read
| ing. m . rs stsN nta
Ayes ~, noes O. The bin was then passed.
A communication was received from the Mayor,
enclosing bis nominations for Corporation omcers.
These nominations have been already published in
this paper
On motion Of Mr.. Smith, the nominations were
laid on the table till Monday next.
Mr. Bnsey moved an amendment of the 35th
rule. In relation to the confirmation Of nominations
The amendment requires the ayes and noes when
demanded instead of the present mode. The
amendment was adopted. 81