Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-01-22
City AFFAIRS.
CORPORATION OF WASHINGTON.
BOARD OF ALDERMEN.
MoNDAY, January 2l, ls56.


'r, and confirmed by the following vote:
Yeas-Mesars- Miller, Evans. Emery, Pepper,
pearson, Smith, and Clark-7.
Nays-M, ssrs. Magruder, Dove, Bayly, and
Marks.
Blank--Messrs. Busey and Houston.
The following nominations were also made, by
he Mayor, as members of the Board of Health:
First Ward-Dr. Samuel G. Smoot, William VIII
son.
Second Ward-Dr. IT. p Howard, John HI Riley.
Third Ward-Dr William H. Berry, Harvey
Crittenden. f,k-
Fourth Ward-Dr. Harvey Lindsey, William G.
Deale.
Fifth Ward-D. A. Watterson, James A. Brown.
Sixth Ward-Dr. Charles w. Davis, John Il.
Bates.
Seventh Ward-Dr. ]. D. Stewart, Benjamin s.
Kinsey.
debate sprung up in relation TO an appropra-
ton of 81 100 asked for to supply deficiencies in
the amount appropriated for the Washington Asy-
lum. A large portion of this delinquency oc-
Cured eighteen months ago.
Mr.. Smith contended that the Commissioners
were not blameable for the overdrafts which were
now required to be paid They could not regulate the
expenses Of the Asylum, because they were oblig-
ed to receive and support AL paupers who were
sent there. They could not ascertain beforehand
how much would be required.
no authority to make these overdrafts without
first obtaining permission Of the Councils. II
money was required they should first obtain per-
mission. He did not doubt the money had been
properly expended. But that was not the question
1t was, what right had the commissioners to ex-
coed the appropriation?
Mr.. Dove said the Councils mot every week.
Consequently if the commissioners wished for more
money than had been appropriated, all they had
L. -, q. 49, IL. De- ID
Mr.. Busey said he understood this was an over
draft on the bank, though he did not know how
the commissioners could overdraw. He did not
know where they obtained the authority to over
draw.
He should not vote for the bill unless he was in
formed of all the details of the affair of which he
was now ignorant
Mr.. Magruder stated that the commissioners
not in the habit of late years of sending est
mates here. The bill Of one year was generally
transcribed for the next, with the addition of new
or increased salaries. He thought they ought to
be able to approximate to their expenses. He was
in favor of liberal appropriations for the poor But
he was opposed to this loose way of transacting
business. He then referred to the laws of the Cor
poration to show what the duties of the commits
sioners were. And by this reference he showed
that the commissioners were not authorized to
draw for money on any one but the Mayor. Con-
bank.
He thought the commissioners had managed
the Asylum in a proper manner; but in regard to
this matter OF drawing money from the bank, he
thought they had committed indiscretion. He
moved to lay the bill on the table. Carried.
Mr.. Magruder then offered resolution, which
was adopted, calling on the Mayor for information
in regard to the rules and regulations which gov
ern the action of the Commissioners of the Wash
ington Asylum.
Opposition was made by Mr.. Magruder to the
bill appropriating certain sum of money to re-
ward three members of the Auxiliary Guard for
arresting an incendary viz: VIM Mockaboy, j.
b. Stanley, and Edward A. Thomas.
Mr.. Busey stated that they asked for 800 apiece
the Corporation had offered $500 reward the in
cendiary was arrested and convicted; the persons
applying for the reward could not receive it with
out special law, as the members OF the Guard
were prohibited from receiving any extra remune-
ration for their services. In his opinion the bill
ought to pass they were justly entitled to it, and
ought to receive it.
Mr.. Smith stated that some time ago, several
persons were arrested for incendiary acts in the
First ward, by members of the Guard. A reward
had previously been offered, but the officers had
never received the money. He thought this was
unjust as the officers had watched night after
night, before they succeeded in making the arrests
also of the opinion that the officers should be
rewarded for their services. They did not claim
it as right, but he thought they were justly enti
tied to it, as they had performed very essential
service to the people.
Mr.. Busey referred to the first case alluded to
by Mr.. Smith, to show the reason why the officers
had not been paid. There was not sufficient evil
dence before the Mayor to authorize him to rec
ommend the reward to be paid.
Mr. aff rofo
for the appropriation. If these officers had not
been so digent, the Corporation would have lost
at least 81 900 in taxes, destructive confagra-
ton would have occurred He thought it. there
fore, matter of economy to reward and encour-
age the officers to be vigilant.
Mr.. Miller was opposed to the bill. The law was
specific. The officers were paid for their duty.
They had no claim for extra compensation. IL was
their duty to detect and arrest incendiaries and
other criminals. They, accidentally in this case,
detected incendiaries and arrested them. IF they
had not done it they should have been dismissed
from Office. 1t was their duty to do IL and they
were paid for it.
Mr.. Pepper said the discovery was not accident
al The officers watched the incendiary and saw
him set the building on fire. They then arrested
him and he was now in the Pentcntiary He
thought they were entitled to this compliment and
should vote cheerfuly for the bill.
Mr.. Dove said these officers were paid by the
General Government and not by the Corporation.
He was of the opinion, therefore, that a gratuity
of this kind was expedent, inasmuch as it was an
encouragement to them to be vigilant in preserv-
ing the property of the city.
Mr.. Bayly would vote for the bill il he could be
satisfied that these officers had exerted more than
their usual vigilance in arrcsting this ncendiary.
And further, If he could be informed how many
more officers would be claiming rewards for SINH
lar services. And besides, where was the money
to come fromS We were already short of funds
he would like to be generous, but would prefer to
be just.
Mr.. Houston was delighted to hear the gentle
man talk Of economy Economy was a fayorite
word with him. He thought we had not had