The Portland daily press., 1864-06-24
City Affairs.

n bptCidi IEctliuE VI thC Wy NOuhSA was
held last evening.
In the Board of Aldermen, Charles Samp-
son was appointed Collector of Smill.
Petition of j, Z. Weexs and 200 others
praying the City authorities TO provide suita-
BILE water tanks, for drinking purposes, at va
rious points in the city, was presented by Al
derman Moody, and was referred 10 a Joint
Special Committee, consisting of Aldermen
Hayes and Stevens on the part of this Board.
The two branches then went into Conven-
! ton for the purpose of hearing a statement
from Harris g. Barnes, Esq. Chief Engineer
OF lie Fire department, in relation To
money received by him for services of The
Department and sales of property during the
last municipal year.
The report of the Committee was read by
the City Clerk. After the reading OF it was
over the Mayor asked Mr.. Barnes whether he
DESIRED to make any explanation, either by
himself or counsel.
| Mr.. Barnes replied that he should like to do
| both.
He then commenced and was speaking of
certain enemies among the Fire Companies
| who had got up this investigation, when he
was stopped by the Mayor, who requested
him to confine his statement to what was al
legged against him in the report of the Com
mttee.
Mr.. Barnes then read statement which he
had prepared, and which was printed. He
also laid upon the table of the members cop
les of the same. As he did not furnish the
reporters with any copy we are unable to
/ give it In detail.
In relation TO the proceeds received for
the sale OF property, pumping ont cellars and
the ship George Turner, Mr.. Barnes contends
that he has accounted for every dollar he has
received, or had received UP to the time he
made his Annual Report. Since that report
was made he has received something further
which will be accounted for in the next re-
port.
In regard to pumping ont the gunboat AGA
cir, Mr.. Burns denied being under any respon-
sibility to them, TO the city or TO the commit
tee for that aflair. But being informed by his
counsel that the city had right to something
for the use Of the engines. As he had no de-
sire to keep any thing which belonged to the
city, he was willing TO leave the matter to any
unprejudiced person to decide what compen-
sation should be made to the city for the use
of the engines and he would willingly pay it.
Edward Fox, Esq, counsel for Mr.. Barnes,
then addressed the convention. He condemn
ed the conduct Of the committeein not giving
Mr. Burns fair hearing-contended that be
had done nothing wrong, and that this oppo
sitlon to bin was got up by personal and po-
litical enemies. He urged the superior quail
fcations OF the gentleman for the Office of
chief engineer, and the slmoSt unanimous
wish of the people that he should be retained
in that office, and spoke of the efforts Of lead
Ing Republicans to retain him in the office
where an attempt was made TO dsplace him
recently. Mr.. Fox, though condemnng the
practice, states that from time immemorial it
had been the habit eff using the engines TO
pump out wells, cellars aud vessels, paying
the firemen for their work, but rendering no
account OF the same TO the city, and paying
the city nothing for the use of the engines
He thought the city was entitled to something
for the use OF the engines for private purposes
but Mr.. Burns had only pursued the custom,
of his predecessors. He concluded by saying
that Mr.. Barnes had done nothing that should
cause hes removal and that hissrecord was.a
fair one. Mr.. Barnes made q further state
ment as to the time spent by him in pumping
out the gunbost Acacia. In some of his state
ments he was contradieted by Alderman DON
nell and Messer OF the committee.
The amount received by Mr.. Barnes for
pumping out the gunboat Acacia was $5S5 60.
The amount he has accounted for is s437.-
20.
Leaving balance in his favor of 1890.
In answer to question by one of the Coun-
clmen, Mr.. Barnes said that be claimed that
balance. He had never supposed that the city
would claim from him money received for
sers ices outside OF his duty as Engineer -
Still he was willing, as before stated, to pay
for the use of the engines what any reasona-
bic person should say.
Quite long desultory debate ensued, mem
bers OF the committee making statements, and
with members of the City Council asking ex-
plantations, which Mr.. Barnes endeavored to
answer. The committee stated that they were
not aware that any of the witnesses examined
by them were opposed to Mr.. Barnes.
The Convention having been In session
about two hours, dissolved.
IN BOARD OF ALDERMEN.
An order was passed authorizing the Port
land d Forest Avenue Railroad Co. 10 contin-
ne the track of their road up Congress to
Vaughan Street; also TO discontinue their la
cation fromsClark over Pine Street to Con-
gress Street.
Alderman Moody offered an order referring
all matters in dispute between The City Gov
eminent aud the Chief Engineer of the Fire
Department to three disinterested persons,
one TO be selected by the City Council. one by
Mr.. Barnes, and the third by the two thus SCI
lected, their decision to be final and binding.
The order was tabled, to 2.-Adjourned.