Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1871-12-27
LOCAL NEWS.

CITY COUNCIL.-A regular semi-monthl,
meeting OF the City Council was held last night
For official proceedings see another column.
Bmftt IF Ahteynea.-ln the Board of Al.
dvrmeu there was full attendance of mem.
1erS and about two dozen spectators
Mr.. Worthmgton, from the Committee on
Pubic Property, stated in reference to some
changes made in the arrangement of the hall
occupied by the City Council, that while he
approved OF some OF them he disapproved OF
others, and he did not wish, as member of
the Council, to be held responsible for these
changes as he had never been consulted as a
member Of the committee. He supposed that
the member from the lst Ward (Mr Markedly
knew something about it,
Nj. Markell disclaimed any knowledge of
the improvements He had never met the
committee himself, and so far as he knew there
lad never been a meeting Of the committee
>!nce its organization.
bill Of judges and officers of election in the
III: Ward Tor expenses. This bill contained
an item stated as let ceteras''
MIR. Worlhington enquircd what this ETC.
was
Mr.. Janney replied that the gentlemen we're
kept atthe polls from late in the morning until
late ut night, and felt the need Of some refresh
Eient. ':Etc. represented oysters and other
n.
Petition Of John Rotchfnrd asking abate-
ment of assessment on his lot from 5000 to
5000.
Mr. Janney stated that they had carefully
considered this matter and thought the reduc-
tnn just QUE The lot would not bring $500.
The report was opposed by Mr.. French
Mr. Jauney stated that if it was the deter
minatlon OF Council to set their faces like steel
aaainst any abatement, then put these ques-
tons ut once before Council, and not bother
the cummlttee with them.
Mr. Seaton was in favor of this. and pro-
rcedcd to show that Council had done wrong
III other cases. He eulogzed the chairman of
the committee Mr.. Janney) in high terms.
Mr Worthlngton was in favor Of the pro-
posed reduction, but it occurred to him that
the case III question was no harder than many
others. and he saw no reason why it should
take the precedence.
M French repeated what he had often said
before. The city had sworn assessors and it.
was fir to presume that they had done their
best. Besides it is impo!itic at this time to
make any change, because by this change YOU
destroy the financial basis on which You rest
Your hopes Of success. Why should these
cases after SO long delay come up?
MIR. Scaton did not know the man who APP
n"arcd as petitioner. 1t he was to see him as
1!s >had in his breakfast plate tomorrow
he woud fail to recognize him. but he wanted
Justice done to all, and wanted the poor man
protected. lie had confidence in the chair
iuan Of the Finance Committee, and could not
see why this report should be opposed unless
II was on account Of politics. He stood there
. Tor his own part as 4 republican.
Mr.. French-''Did the gentleman nc yer
have friend, highly valued and esteem cd
whose Judgment he still sometimes called in
question:?
Mr. Seaton-No sir; not if | thought him
honest. Laughter. This Corporation. sir.
i. oppressed; it is III your power to lift this bur-
ii n, and now is the time to do it, The time
i, al hand when the people whom this Council
Expresses will rise.
lhc President called the speaker TO- order.
Mr.. Seaton reSumed-The people he repre-
scented We're unlawfully and unjustly oppressed;
~c should adhere to them little.
Mr. Janney hoped this debate would stop.
lie explained the circumstances under which
the petition was presented. In regard to what
had been said by Mr.. French. he had only to
say, why the use of burdening the committee
With such things if the recommendations were
to be utterly diSregarded For gracious sake
let the question be at once settled, and not
worry the committee with such things.
lhe report was adopted.
The Bill for postponng the addition Of 10
per cent to unpaid tax bills being taken up,
Mr.. French reiterated his views as to the
impolicy OF vacillating course. The act as 1t
stands lies at the foundation Of our fiscal sue
cess. The bill, as reported, would undo all
that the Council had done
Mr. Januey favored the postponement OF
the ~ per cent additional until April Isl, and
moved.
Mr. Seaton thought this matter of grave
tl,.o al
ers Of all citizens. He was proud to speak in
behalf OF the poor They cannot stand this
oppression, and are not going to do it: Will
this Council relieve the poor now. or leave 1t
till next spring when 4 new one will be elected
VINO will do justice? As to the credit OF the
city, spoken Of by Mr. French, will you OPP
press the poor for the sake Of the bond-hold-
ing dcmagogues.
Mr. French repeated and enlarged his views
as to the uuwiseness OF the changeable course
proposed
He was opposed by Mr.. .Janney. -
Mr. Underwood euquired the condition OF
the city 5 finances; was there enough money on
hrnd TO meet the coming payments
Mr.. French-"No.'
Mr. Worthngton thought that the poor had
paid more promptly than the rich. de moved
to extend the time to February lst, and his
views were endorsed by Mr. Underwood
Mr.. Seaton thought we should turn ear to
the death cry Of humanity. He denounced
the oppression as strange. foul, and uunatu-
raj a months extenuation would Int be
worth shucks There were numbers of men,
white. coorcd and Of every other description
who would not have cent till spring
Mr.. French thought that the Council had
better let the Finance Committee do the best
they could without hampcriug them.
The debate was further participated In
by Mcssrs. Worthington and Seaton-the
latter regretting that he stood alone In
his opposition to the repor. Of the committee,
not even being supported by that esteemed
and honored friend Of humanity {. IN
dcrw BOD The report oil the committee, as toll
lows, was then adopted, Mr. Seaton alone vot-
ing IN the negative: :,