Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1872-07-23

was 10 progress.
Mr. Hopkins had been acquainted with Mr.
Stephenson for a long time, and was certain
the charge brought against him could not be
sustained.
Mr. Seaton said the charge he had made was
a grave onc-it was made upon information he
had obtained from others whose names he could
not now recollect, but if time was allowed he
could recall the names Of his infornants. He
was also informed that the wife Of the Super
lntendcDt had given permission to female IN
mate Of the Aims House to pick tomatoes from
vine, but that when Mr. Stephenson saw her
engaged in that work, he had kicked and
abused her.
Mr.. Hopkins hoped the member would not
make such charges without the proof to sustain
| them.
Mr.. Simpson sad if these charges had been
made upon information derived from the in
mates OF the Aims House, they afforded a
striking example of the uncertainty of popular
ity-hosannas to day and nothing too mean to.
morrow. Well might Mr.. s. say save me from
my friends if friends would wade and dive tor
him and then bring such charges against him.
He, the speaker, had known Mr.. Stephenson
Tor many years, and had been member of the
Committee on the Poor when he was Superin-
tendent OF the Aims House, and in his visits to
that place had always found everything con-
Quoted with the best order, and the inmates
lavish in their praises Of Mr.. Stephenson He
had also visited there during the terms of other
superintendent and the inmates had regretted
the absence of Mr.. Stephenson. We should be
slow in receiving these allegations that had
been brought against him as facts. Heretofore
it was the custon for each Of the phvsi clans to
the poor to take charge Of the Aims House for
week at tlme but he did not know how
they managed it now. But as far as the Su-
perlutcndent was Concerned the charges was 30
contrary 10 his character, SO foreign TO the repu
tation he had enjoyed during his whole life
that he was certain they could not be sustained
and he hoped that when the investigation was
made, and MIR. Stephenson cleared, the mem
Der who had made them would acknowledge he
had been mistaken.
Mr.. Seaton said he would have nothing to
acknowledge. He had merely asked that the
election might be postponed in order that the
charges could be investigated. If they were
sustained Mr.. Stephenson ought not to remain
in office any longcr-if not sustained no harm
would have been done by the postponement.
The motion to postpone was then put aud
carried.
!, Mr.. French moved to adjourn, but his mo-
tion was lost by vote of ayes to II noes.
!. For Chief Engineer of the Fire Department,
Mr.. Hopkins nominated +. S. Leadbeater, the
| present incumbent.
, Mr.. Seatou nominated Samuel Brown, who,
he said, was familiar to all as i machinist at
the Orange depot. 1t was essential that the
Chief Engineer should be machiniSt who
knew how TO screw and unScrcw all the joints
of an engine. Mr.. Leadbeater knew nothing
but mixing medicines, and all the medicine III
the world would not cure broken steam en-
CINE. but practical machinist could cure her
Mr. Brown was man of splendid character;
was one of the most respectable men In his
, ward, and those who were in favor Of retrcnch.
mcnt would favor his election, for whenever an
t engine got out of order now it had to be taken
to shop. and the cost Of repairing it was from
, So to 800. If Mr. Brown was elected this
would all be avoided
Mr. Beach asked if the member proposed
t that Mr. Brown should keep the engines in
; order for the amount of his salary as Chief
Engineer?
Mr. Seaton was satisfied that when the en-
gines wanted any slight repairs Mr.. Brown
would make them for nothing.
: DR.. johnson said there was no doubt that
Mr.. Seaton was correct 1t was essentially ne
cessary that the Chief Engineer should be a
practical machinist The steamer Columbia
S had been twice saved from destruction by the
unasked advice Of skilltul and practical engi-
neer>. The Chief Engineer, to be sure, should
have other qualities but he had Fire Wardcns
} to assist him at fres-the chief requisite was
: that he should be practical machinist
9 Under the old regime, when hand engines
were used, the case was different 4 good ma
/ chinest could tell by the radlated heat from an
engine by the sound Of the escape of the steam
and the movement OF piston, aye almost ln
: tutively when it was time to cry 'Open your
valves and drown your fire. The Columbia
engine would have been blown up and destroy
ed. probably with accompanying death at the
Market House fire, if it had not been for the
: advice OF an experienced machiniSt, who saw
: what was the matter with her and gave the ne
cessary advice. When an engine has been blown
UP and three or four citizens killed, you will
see the folly of appointing men who know moth
, ing of machinery as Chief Engineer
Mr. RiSheill called for the reading Of the
| resolutions of the different fire organizations
5 recommending Mr. Laadbeater for reelection,
: and they were read by the clerk.
: Mr. johnson, resumng his remarks said
, there has been persistent effort to break
up the hand engines, and if so practical men
must supervise those that run by steam. We
must not allow our personal preferences to IN
fuence us in the election ola Chief Engineer.
Each previous Chief Engineer had his friends
, who supported him for reelection. All fire
men had the gratitude and thanks and no one
had developed bremen DE- he had but we must not
allow these resolutions 10 influence US in the
, selection of a man who has such responsible
duties to perform,
Mr.. Hopkins thought we ought in
this election to defer to the expressed
, wishes of the fremen. H did not know
, Mr. Brown, but all knew Mr. Leadbeater
to be correct, efficient and reliable officer, and
, one who had given general satisfaction, and
under whose management the fire depart
ment had been carried on with remark
able economy as compared with the cost of
conducting similar affairs in other cities
The expense of each engine in Baltimore was
$4,000 year,in Boston from $4,000 to $4,000.
In Norfolk engines and Hook and Ladder.
Company cost $4,000 year, while here our
whole department cost only 5000.
Dr. johnson said he would correct the gen
tleman-the cost here was 81 800, but that had
| pnthinp To 9o IrIth thn c.c The