Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1871-06-14
LOCAL NEWS.

present.
The report of the special committee on the
subject OF rebuilding the Market House, was
read, eliciting prolonged discussion on a num-
Der Of points. The proposal to give Washing
ton Lodge ten teet additionalroom to that already
held by them on condition that they would
erect their Lodge room nearer the centre of the
Cameron street front and carry that part Of the
building up to three story front for finish to
that portion Of the market building, was dis
cussed and passed over
To the remark that Council had no right to
give away ten feet of the city grounds, it was
replied that the Lodge did not own the ground,
but only possessed the second story.
Mr.. Suite said that many persons who were
Masons had been induced to subscribe to the
Steeple fund on account Of the Lodge, and if it
WAS understood that this additional room was
not to be given to the Lodge it would influence
subscriptions untayorably.
Mr. French was DESTROYS of incorporating in
the bill provision for the erection of Town
Hall. He thought it was the desire of u large
part of the community that convenient, safe
and cemmodious Hall should be erected, III
which persons could assemble without danger.
Such IL Hall could hc used for agricultural fairs
ind other purposes. He thought that such 4
room would rent better and form more prof.
table investment than the same space cut up
into offices for lawyers, who WoulI not probably
rent them after they were built.
Mr. Simpson thought that it i Hall We're
erected in the market building. the property OIL
the city. constant application would be made to
Council for its free use, and it would hc dill
cult to resist the influence brought /" bear 10
let it be given for gratuitous use.
Mr. Suite said that such a Hail used for the
purposes proposed, would, By the accumu!a-
ton Of scenery and other c)mbustlble material,
render the rate of insurance higher.
Mr.. Harmon said it occurred 10 him that
there were already 4 sufficient number Of public
buildings of the character described by Mr.
French already here. RESIDES the new one in
progress Of erection on King street lie
thought the Hal! would occupy space that conld
hc better used and would hardly pay.
Mr.. French was surprised at these views
II seemed that practical Wisdom was wanted
On this question Does any one 90 into Hall
in this city and feel safe? They were all dan
gerous He moved to add to the section a
clause authorizing the erection OF a Hall II
deemed desirable.
The section authorizing the issue and sale OF
bonds 10 raise the necessary funds, WAS dis
cussed Mcssrs Srttie and Harmon, calling
attention to the fact that no restriction had
been placed on the safe OF the bonds, as to the
subscribed 5000 900 to the Manassas Road, 1t
cost 100000 to negotiate the bonds.
Mr. Agnew thought this defective part of
the bill. The bonds ought to be arranged that
those investing in them would feel the utmost
confidence He thought that it should be pro-
vided that any excess Of interest should be ap-
piled to the liquidation Of these bonds and
none other
Mr. French said tllat the popula" feeling was
that the building should be restored as it for
merly stood. Ii the Independent fund for the
erection Of the stcepe, clock, &c, come to
within few hundred dollars Of the amount re-
quired. shall We say that none Of the bond
money shall be taken iur that deficiency? 1t
would be better perhaps to lay this bill on the
table and let us take time aud conSlderIt. lie
saw no provision in it for Court House.
Mr.. Suite thought it conld all be managed
now by amendment.
Mr.. Haymcn thought We were as well pre-
pared to act nov as at any time. He moved to
add Court House To the other buildings.
Mr.. Marbury explained that the Court
House was in the original bill, but was accden-
tally omitted in copying:
Mr.. French renewed his amendment con-
corning the Town Hall.
MIR. Simpson was not in favor Of the amend
ment of Mr.. French He believed the I'm,
provements as contemp plated in the bill would
prove more rcmunerative than Hall. Our
Golfers were well nigh drained, and the city
certainly in no condition to erect buildings SIM
ply to look at He would gladly favor anything
that would prosper the city, and 1t means were
lures, but while debt Starcs us in the face 1t be-
hooves to be prudent He was satisfied that ii
the Hall was erected applications for its gratu'
;touc ,,co uronla hn constantly made.
MIR. Agnew thought the bill might be passed
leaving the way open for q Hall without direct,
~ committing council to 1t.
Mr.. French's amendment ''or such other
buildings as may be deemed cxpedlent, was
then adopted.
Mr.. Suttle's amendments fixing the sale 81
the bonds at par, and providing that the IN
come from the Market building, after paying
for insurance, interest, etc, be appropriated tt
the liquidation of the bonds, was adopted.
The company in which the old Market build
ing was insured notified Council that they were
ready to pay the insurance.
A petition of the Columbia Fire company
asking an investigation into the inefficient work
ing OF their Engine on the night OF the fire,
was read.
Mr. Simpson said that us far the inreStlsa-
ton of the committee lately appointed, went,
the evidence tended to show that there was a
scarcity of water But he was not prepared
to pronounce on the case The petition was
referred to select committee consisting OF
Messrs. Simpson and Markell:
The Board then transacted, some business
without debate and adjourned about IL O'Clock.
The Common Council last night at Harmonic
Hall was thinly attended, but few spectator:
were in attendance, and the extent of the hal
served to render the paucity of the attendance
yet more evident. =,
Mr.. Wheat, from the special committee, said
the committee had first fixed the meeting place
of Council at the public school rooms. ovel
Harlow's store, but on further consideration II
was agreed to continue the Council at its pres
ent location The committee in charge of the
room had stated that the cost of the room would
be merely nominal. The committee had first
negotiated with Mr.. German for the use of one
of his stores, but had finally decided to locate