Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1871-03-31

rruing from the PROPERTY to be erected.
JAMES ). FRENCH.
B. +. Price.
GEO. 4. SHINN.
ALLENC HARMON.
The Committee further recommend that the
work to be done be publicly advertised and let
to the lowest bidder, who shall give satisfactory
security that he will faithfully complete it i'll nc
cordance with the plans and specifications sub
mitted, and that the entire work shall be done
under the supervision of the Committee on Pub
lie Property JAMES 5. FRENCH,
March so, 1871. b. r. PRICE.
Mr. Suite thought the report should be
amended in regard to the property at the foot
of Cameron street, it having been leased to 4
party in 1910 under certain condltlonsth hat SAID
party had made improvements thereon to the
amount Of $50, and such action on the part OF
Council might bring about Il law suit.
Mr. French was Of the opinion that every
thing was embraced in the report The prop
erty in question had been leased in 1910 under
certain conditions; but the committee had
been aware Of that, and consequently knew
what it was doing The property recommend
I'd to be sold in the report was unproductlvc,
and not Of any pecuniary benefit to the Corpo'
rltiOn.
Mr. Suite said he WAS not opposed to the
scheme but thought Council should have facts
to 90 on. The renters had use of the Cameron
street property by virtue of the improvements
they had put on it; and when Council REIN
bursed them for their outlay, 1t would then
revert to the Corporation.
Mr. French stated that by the terms of the
contract no interest had accrued on the sum
expended in said improvement; and moreover,
it was discretionary with Council to sell 1t amy
time
MIR. Agncw thought this was 4 good move
ment The erection of Il new court house Was
very desirable, but where was the money COM
lug from to meet the cost attending, such an
enterprise? The Corporation was in debt, and
he did not want to see any additional outlay
until some definite mode of meeting the city 5
obligations could be fixed upon. Twenty thous-
and dollars was a large sum to be expended.
He hoped Council would well consider the mat
ter.
Mr.. French said the report the committee
had submitted clearly explained everything III
regard to the desired improvement. Twoplcces
of the Corporation property, alone, would bring
from Sl2, 600 to $4,000, and bonds bearing 5
per cent interest could be issued. Several gen
temen OF the city had offered to lend IS, O0V
for the purpose Three thousand dollars could
be realized annually from rents III the proposed
new building.
Mr. Agnew was of the opinion that the prop,
erty proposed to be sold might go at Il sacrifice
if there was too much hurry in the matter 1t
would be better to- hold on awhile, and appear
independent, for were it generally understood
that the Corporation was bent on disposing OF
this property, irpriccs light not be obtained.
Mr. Frcnch-Not act now?
Mr. Aguew-Wait until the value Of the
property is ascertained Then sell the prop
erty and build afterwards.
Mr. French-Thc committee evidently will
not commence building until the funds to pay
for the same are seen into.
Mr. Agnew--But if this property is pushed
on the market it will not bring its value, evil
IDENTIFY.
Mr. French-The committee is composed of
practical business men, who are aware OF the
value of property they certainly will make no
sacrifice. What would be the necessity of max
ing report of forty or fifty pages embracing
every minute particular of the action cOntcmp-
lated?
Mr.. Agnew-The proposed improvement Is
Il good one. no doubt; but have in my mind
an Instance wher the Corporation had lost
money by having to meet 4 draft. | will not
mention the instance however, but know the
Corporation was the loser. Therefore, nope
there will be no hurry.
Mr. French-Iou refer to the engine and
hose recently purchased?
VIZ ASucN IL NiS>upl
Mr. French-How much time doyou propose
to allow the committee The gentleman Mr..
Agnew] is evidently opposed to the measure,
Judging from the tone of his remarks this even
ing.
Mr. Agncw--I don't want to be in hurry
about this matter. The people arc taxed heavily
enough now and were the taxation augmented
there would be complaint
Mr. Suite wanted to know if the report au-
thorized sale of this property, and if the COM
uuttec intended to build this cdifce?
Mr. French-The report authorizes y sale OF
the property by public auction, and | stand
here and say that would sell some of it for ten
doNnrs if any one would purchase and build Oh
it, Then the Corporation would collect taxes
Oh it; but as it is it lies unproductire There
can be $4,000 realized alone from rents IN the
proposed building, besides affording ample nc
commodations for the Corporation.
Mr.. Agnew-As now understand the Oh
ject, am satisfied. | was only III hopes Cor
poration property would not be sacrificed.
Mr.. French-There need be no fears m re-
gard to that; the committee is composed OF
practical business men, and will not dispose OF
the property for mere song.
Mr.. Agnew-Then, I was merely laboring
un Ter misrepresentation concur in the re
port.
MIR. French-I am glad the gentleman has