Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1866-03-16
LOCAL NEWS.
. c, GlITY COUNCIL.

The bill fixes the salaries as follows Treas
urer. 5000; Messenger of Common Council,
5000; Clerk of Board of Aldermen, $780,.
K4erer OF Poor House, $500; Police Cnnsta
bles. $500 each Regulator of Town Clock,
s75; Messenger Board of Aldermen, 500;
Two Physicians to the Poor, 5000 each; Cap
tain of Night Watch, $3.50, aud sixteen Night
Watchmen, SIPS, each, per night; Clerk OF
of Common Council, $500, r
The rules Of order as adopted at the last
meeting we're amended by adopting the old
Joint rules of the City Council, which will re-
duce the committees to two from each board
and render new appointments necessary.
Mr., Clifford announced the resignation of X.
C Acton, present regulator of theToWu Clock,
but the announcement being out of order no
action was taken on it.
A resolution was adopted, requesting the
Committee OF Light to postpone the appoint
mert ola Clerk OF the Gas Works, until Coun-
Gil shall decide in whom the appointment Is
vested
In the Common Council, while the salary
hill was under discussion, Mr.. Ashhy proposed
to substitute four instead Of two physicians to
the poor, but the motion was not sustained,
and at future stage OF the proceedings, he
moved a reconsideration of the vote, but hav-
ing voted in the minority he was ruled out OF
order.
On the suggestion of the Finance Committee
that twelve uatchmen be chosen instead of six
teen, there arose spirited debate.
Mr.. Wilmer explained that it was consider
ed, in the present reduced financial condition Of
the city, that it would be better to employ
twelve at $l,20 (the amount named in the bill
Originally than sixteen at $l.00 as was propos-
ed
MIR. Clifford announced his amazement at
this proposed reduction in the number Of the
guardians of the night, and thought it would
be better 10 have more. He did not consider
the plea of no money of any account, when ths:
lives and property Of the citizens were at stake.
Twelve men be considered an insufficient mum
Der to protect US against the robbers. lie
would rather himself pay tax to aid in sup
porting the old system.
DR.. johnson was also amazed that the Com
mttec on Finance should come in direct con-
fct with the wishes of Council Council had
voted 10 have four Physicians, but here this
committee comes in and report, but two.
Mr. Breut suggested that the Council had in
this particular sustained the Committee, and
therefore that that subject was disposed of.
Mr. Wilmer said that the Committee had
acted from the best motives, and thought that
three watchmen ia esch ward was sufficient,
especially taking into consideration the state OF
tie Treasury.
Mr. Martin was like Mr. Clifford and DR..
johnson, amazed at an attempt to diminish
the numbers OF the night watch He advoca-
ted more men aad higher wages-did not think
81 night too much, aud at that figure thought
good men could be gotten-dld not think
that the ridiculous state OF the Treasu
ry was sufficient argument tor cutting
down the m3er, and would rather vote
for "a than l2-would favor. reduction
in the salaries of those gentlemen who held
com or,abe Offices, but to the men who had 10
breast the Storm, and abandon the luxury of a
gond bed, TO patrol the streets at night he was
iu favor of giving good salaries. He did not
want men who would seep ca their posts, bur
good men.
Mr.. Summers was for more watchmen and
more pay. He favored $l.50
Dr. johnson thouvht that if it required four
men from each ward to represent the senl-
men;s aud interests Of the.peopIe In the cnun-
Gil, it certainly required tour men to watch
their lives and property. He did not know
that such change had taken place 10 this city
of lac that people could, as in ancient Rome,
leave their doors open, and locks out OF the
staples. He contended" that it was iutonded
that men and animals should sleep at night,
but ii men were willing TO reverse the laws 0;
nature, they ought to lie well paid for it, HI
favored $l25
Mr. Wilmer suggested that in 1861 the
watch received 81 per night, and before that
the compensation had been as low as rs cts.
Mr.. Marlip did not want to have anything
to do with '6l If we could not do better he
would be one TO subscribe $50 piece to sup
port proper night watch.
Mr.. Lambert thought that this thing Of
promising to pay aud paying were two very
different things. He stated that there was to
beraised some how or other before, the 18th OF
August $50, 900, aud ,hatit was necessary to
econumlze.
Mr.. Martin thought that if the collectors
would dc their duty and make Ill pay-no'
neglect it for fear Of incurring dlstavor, that we
wou have more money in the Treasury. II.
Vas in favor IF making the Collectors do thei,
duty, and, if necessary, brig them te'ore lhi
Couucil to give an &C cunt Of their stewardship
Mr. lambert defended the Collectors
ihnunht that NJ EnSeu WAS one Of the hesl