Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-12-20
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night for the purpose Of considering the report
of the committee appointed to revise and
amend the charter of the corporation.
In the Board Of Aldermen, on motion of MI.
Suite, the clerk read the new city charter by
sections.
On the lst SEC. defining the boundaries of
the city limits, 1t was explained by Mr.. Simp.
son that the line embracing a part of Fairfax
county in the corporate limits had never been
agreed to by that county. The limo was now
as it had been for years, he believed it had
been extended for sanitary purposes a short
distance beyond Hoof's Run.
MIR. Agnew inquired if the city could have
jurisdiction over the Potomac.
MIR. Suite answered that the Legislature
had concurrent jurisdiction over the Potomac
with Maryland, and that the power could be
delegated to this city.
The section was after some further debate
adopted, and the 2nd section being read was
adopted also, as were the 3rd and 4th without
discussion,
On the election section MIR. French suggest.
cd whether it would not be better 20 elect the
City Council by q general ticket. In this way
n better class of citizens could be elected than
those matters, and the entire sense OF the COM
muni,y would be better obtained.
Mr.. Aguow though politically he would be
liz favor of this as in the Interests OF his party,
bur as for the good ct tho city he was not SO
sure.
The paragraph Of the 5th section requiring
the Mayor to sign a till passed over his veto
BY the Council, was amended.
Dir. Snttlc said that as it stood if the Mayor
should refuse TO sign u bill it would render 1t
null and void.
On tho subject of vacancies occurring 10 either
branch the phrase such branch shall have
power to fill the vacancy" gave rise to quite
an animated discussion, resulting 10 an amend
ment being offered striking out the words
have power
Mr.. Simpson said he thought this power be-
Ionged to the rcople, and ho was opposed to
taking away any of their rights. Ii there was
4 vacancy let the Council order 90 election, but
let the people say whom they would send.
Mr.. Suite said that after mature considera.
ton the committee had thought this best. The
timc taken from the people, and the cost OF an
election, besides the excitement and sometimes
danger of an election were subjects which in-
duced him to think the best plan to fill vacau-
cies was by the Board in which the vacancy
occurred. He could trust his interests as con-
iidentIy to twenty Intelligent gentlemen here
as he could to the entire mass OF the city.
vi. u JpSUtl Ct'lSo UClOuOluS ulo pOSIllOus
Mr.. ilarmou-Ihe people will say that we
are taking all the powor out Of their hands.
What right had IL H,cmbcr from the lst Ward
to say who should represent the 4th?
The vote being put, the Chair decided the
amendment lost.
MIR. Suite reiterated that the cost OF cleo.
tions was a reason why the section should re-
main a. it was.
Mr. Harmon said that q vacancy had occur
rcd in the 4th Ward aud one election had
been held. This did no; cost tho city one cent.
But the member elect was, On presenting him
self here. told that he was not legally elected
and could not take his seat. He was not hero
himself at the time, but gave it as a newspa.
per report.
Mr. Agnew-Then if this election Was q
valid one, his being kept out of his seat Is an
illegal act, and the acts of this Board in his
absence are illegal.
Mr. Harmon There has been 90 legal &C
ton taken by the Counci! 10 the matter OF his
heinz refused his seat. AS the matter was up
he would give his opinion about It.
Mir. MarkeIl-But it is right as 1t IS. NO
election had been ordered by this Board.
MIR. U~armon-Thcre was certainly a vacancy
from the 4>h Ward, and the people had elect
cd q member who had been denied hls seat.
Mr.. French said he was doubtless the per
son referred to as having told the party VINO
claimed TO represent the 4th ard that he was
NOT legally entitled to a seat here. So far as
This matter was concerned it is the fault of you
gentlemen over there if the 18th Ward Is not
renrcsantcd, for you claim that MIR. Bell was
nor derived of his seat here by being a corpo'
ration officer.
Mr., Uarmon-Thc Council had declared a
vacancy.
Mr.. Harmon explained his position, repeat
ing his views.
MIR, French-Don't you sec that it is because
YOU have not declared q vacancy: you nave
Insisted that Mr.. Bell was entitled TO hl9 seat
The reading of the charter was resumed.
Mr.. French thought the term OF service u
tic Auditor should be extended 10 at least
throc Years, and if it could be so arranged that
he could not be subject to removal tor political
reasons it would be we'll. 1t was a less to the
citv, the frequent change 10 this office. 1t TOOK
=, Auditor at least a year to become quallhed
for the position. Hn..,.
MIR, Agnew thought that it would be difficult
N make an office so Interchangeable. A new
~noljtical party coming 10 would find a rretext,
# one was wanted, to remove any one; :,
Mr, Suite wsutcd power in tho hands OF
tho Connect to destroy as we'll as to build up.
lie thought that the power to dismiss from
Office should be vested IN the Councll.
Some discussion as to the verblage OF tie
s,h section occurred after which 1t was adopt
cd. The idea advanced was that the phrase
removed from office at its pleasure should
be qualified, as placing too much power in the
hands OF Council.
Mr.. Simpson said it should DC thought that
ineficiency, neglect of duty, &C., should be
inserted. u
Suite and Agncw, alter which several Sections
were read and adopted without commeDt save
some slight verbal amendments.
Mr.. French said that if the city could organ
ize a chain gang it would be a wholesome ter
ror to criminals, and would be a ready. means
OF utilizing the "vagrant labor now imprisoned
Mr.. Simpson opposed this as oeins rep ts9us 81
nant m his ideas of right. Inc city uau Nv