Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1862-04-05
CONGRESSIONAL.
IXNyIIth CONeRESS-Secsnd Sss.isn.

SENATK.-After our report closed Yesterday
The bill from the House of Representatives au-
thoriIing the Postmaster General TO establish
branch post Offices in cities, was passed.
The bill amendatofy to the act providing for
the care ard preservation Of the works constructed
by the United States for bringing the Potomac
water Into the cities of Warrington and George
town, for the supply Of water for the use of the
Government and for the benefit Of the inhabitants
was then taken up.
IL proposes to give power to the corporation to
levy water tax on real property within the cor
pofate limits of the city of Washington, which
binds or touches on any avenue, street, alley
In which main water pipe has been laid or
hereafter may be laid by the United States or by
the corporation Of Washington. which may be
levied on lots In proportion TO their frontage or
their area, as the corporation may determine 10
be collected In three or five annual instalments
all Of which after the first are to bear interest
The corporation Of Washington will also be en-
powered, on petition Of the owners Of the ma.
joriiy OF the real estate, on any square or
line Of squares, to lay down water pipes, and
erect fre-plugs and public hydrants wherever
the same may be required.
Ii also authorizes the corporation TO levy a spe.
clal annual tax to aid in the erection, maintenaIce
and efficiency Of fre-plugs throughout the city,
on all buildings within fvs hundred feet Of any
main water pipe Into which, or the premises con-
nected Herewith, the water 10 not introduced
and the owners or occupants Of which do not paw
On annual water rate. rhe tax, from one to five
dollars per annum, is to be levied with reference
to the value of the buildings taxed. The water
tax to be thus levied 10 to constitute fund exclu-
sively to defray the cost Of distribution of the
water, including all necessary fixtures and ma
chimes connected with the strbution.
Mr.. g rimes stated that this bill was submitted
at the instance Of the City Councils Of Washing
ton, and read statement from the Water Regis.
trar, MI. X Coyle, from which 1t appears that the
scale OF rates heretofore established was restricted
to the ownsrs and occupants Of buildings In which
the water is used, while all are benefited.
MIR. Ten EYck opposed the bill on the ground
and referred the Senate TO Fourteenth street where
there Is paved fOotway, on which for the dis.
tance Of half mile there 10 not single dwelling
and by this bill the Corporation might levy tax
upon every foot. He alluded to the onerous tax
now paid by the citizens, and expressed the
opinion that 1t would be wise for the owners of
unimproved property to sell IL at a sacrifice. He
understood that mains had been laid where there
would be little necessity for them for some years;
and moved to strike out the first section
Mr. Grimes replied to Mr.. Ten Eyck
The amendment was rejected.
MI. Ten Eyck moved to add the words "except
unimproved lots;" which was rejected
The bill was then passed.
The bill authorizing the Corporation to levy
and collect water tax, was passed
The bill giving power to the Levy Couri Of
Washington county to alter, repair and regulate
the public roads, aud TO lay out new roads was
amended by repeating the law which REQUIRES
the members to be justices Of the peace, and
passed
The bill to repeal that part of an act OF Congress,
that prohibits the circulation of bank notes of
less denomination than five dollars in the Dis-
trict of Columbia was next considered. There
are banks In the District of Columbia which have
no charters, but this bill does not relate to them
1t is designed to repeal law which prohibits the
circulation OF small notes in this district no mat.
ter where they may be issued. The condition Of
the banks In this District was the subject of some
comment, and the bill was amended as to pro.
vide not only that notes for the fractions of dol
lars should not have currency, but "that this law
shall no: authorize the issuing Of any bills Of any
bank not otherwise legally authorized to issue the
same " The Washington banks are represented
to be copartnerships, and not chartered banks
The bill was passed.
i. The bill TO amend the charter of Washington.
by which six months residents are allowed 10
exercise the right Of suffrage, was taken M: and
after IL was stated that the City Councils were
opposed to It, It was indefinitely postponed
Of youth in primary schools throughout the coun-
ty Of Washing ton, In the District Of Columbia
without the limits Of the cities Of Washington
and Georgetown, was then taken up.
The Levy Court Of the county Of Washington
Is 70 appoint seven persons as commissioners of
primary schools for the county, who are to divide
tne county into seven school districts. The bill,
through many sections, prescribes how its objects
shall be accomplished. IL is designed to provide
Tor the education Of white children, and for its
support white persons are to be taxed; but an
amendment which was adopted gives the Levy
Court power to tar the colofed population one
eighth OF one per cent on their taxable property
Tor the Initiation Of system Of education Of col
ofed children, and the trustees are charged with
the cuty OF carrying out that system, with author
tending the school, ATTY cent per month, to be
applied to the payment Of the expenses Of the
school. The bill passed.
The Senate went into executive session; after
which, the; conH.cation bill was taken up, but
The Senate adjourned to Monday.
HOUSE AFTER our report closed