Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1872-02-28

equity, the gas Should be reduced. For now
the gas consumers are required to pay such a
price as will enable the Corporation of Alexan-
drla to pay all the expenses of the gas works,
light up the streets, engine houses, &C., and
besides this, pay over quarterly into the city
treasury several thousand dollars. Now 10
equity, why should the consumer, who only
wants gas to light his own dwelling De denied
it, unless he will also pay for. lighting the
streets, &c? Why should the large class of non
consumers who enjoy all the advantages of the
public lights pay nothing, and the consumers OF
gas be required to pay all these expenses? II
the public lights were charged up against the
city, and tax levied to pay the cost, he be-
lieved the price of gas could be reduced to 50 sc
per thousand feet and still the gas works would
be very remuneratiye. He had so fully and SC
often expressed his views on this subject, that
he had nothing further to say.
: Mr. Worthington said that the government
tax alone was twenty cents on the 1000 feet.
The bill was then passed.
The bill to enforce the collection of gas bills
being taken up,
Mr.. Markell enquired if the city had not al
ready the required authority.
Mr. WorthiDgton said the power was want
ing, so he was informed.
The charter of the city was read showing
that the city had some powerto collect gas bulls
and taxes.
The bill was passed.
The bill directing the Superintendent OF
Police to remove all signs, boxes, &c, that OBJ
struct the sidewalks being taken up.
Mr.. Markell said it is il strange thing that
here we have Just granted man permission to
erect post, and follow it with bill to remove
them all.
Mr.. Worthington explained that it was to
cover the cases that occurred III violation OF eX-
listing laws. He considered it the part of the
Superintendent of Police when he saw sign
in violation of the law, to enquire if the owner
Of it had permission of Council to erect it, and
if not, to compel him to remove it.
The bill was laid on the table.
Mr. Janney moved that the Mayor be au-
thorized to purchase Is cords Of wood the 100
cords previously purchased having been eA.
hausted.
Mr. Scaton said that the appropriation made
fell short about $50. He hoped a bill to pay
this would be passed tonight
Mr.. Markell thought that the committee
should conGne themselves to the amount APP
proprlated.
Mr. Jauney thought it was important to re-
lieve the suffering even if the amount was ex-
ceeded
Mr.. Seaton agreed with the statements of
Mr.. Janney. But for charitable help there
were many poor who would have starved or
frozen this winter. $500 or $500 even would
not have been too much
Mr. Markell thought the committee should
have come to Council and asked for the money.
Mr. Seaton explained that the interval be-
tween the meetings we're SO long that much sui
ferng would have resulted had not the COM
mittee acted on their own responsibility.
The resolution was adopted.
Mr.. Worthington called up the school biz.
He understood that nothing had been done in
the matter Of paying the school teachers by the
Finance Committee.
The clerk said the teachers had been paid
out of the State fund.
MIR. Horthington said this money would have
to he refunded by the city.
Mr. Cor>e said that the city $ accounts had
been already overdue about 81 900. This was
done in small accounts and warrants. He be-
| lieved that at one time this was the case to the
amount of Sc, 900.
Mr. Worthing on stated why he had not met
the Finance Committee. The chairman OF that
committee had stated at the last meeting that
he had been hampered in his operations, and
he (Nlr w. had stayed away from the meet
ings that he might not be further intolerance.
He was anxious to appropriate money, especl-
ally for the benefit of the school teachers, in
preference to paying interest on over due bonds.
Mr. Corse showed that the city could not re-
fuse to pay the interest on bonds. lie cited
case in point few years ago when such action
had cost the city over 81 ,OO0 We could not
refuse to pay without the risk Of suit.
Mr. WorthiDgton replied, saying that the
cared not for his own was worse than an inf
DEL" He was no friend of reputation or OF
regulators, but he had rather be repudiator
than an infdel 1t was our first duty to pay
our school teachers.
Mr. Seaton cou see no use IN prolonglng
this discussion. His worthy and distinguished
friend from the Sd ward, had stated the case
plainly. He considered it necessary and Just
that this bill should be passed, and continuing
for some time was interrupted by
Mr.. CUrse, who inquired what was the ques-
ton before the Board.
The position was explained, and Mr.. Seaton
proceeded for some time, when the bill was
passed and the Board adjourned.
Cinnamon Council Board met last night
with the usual attendance and after some bust
ness Of minor interest resolution was intro
duced chat the Superintendent of Police have
removed all signs, &C., extending beyond the
proper line into the street
Mr. Hughes opposed reference to com
mittee, saying that if the reference was to Mr.
Harrison Mr. H. would be better able to in
hueuce committee than the whole Board.
Mr.. H. had room enough on his house for his
sign, let him put it there.
MIR. Wheat introduced bill for the more
efficient collection of gas bills. Mr.. Wheat said
that Mr. Roxbury had informed him that he
mad examined all laws relative to gas, and there
was no law enforcing payment OF gas bills
Mr.. r. had been told by many citizens that he
was harder upon them than previous Supern,,
tendeuts had BEEN This law was to compel
him to enforce payment.
Mr. Hughes inquired if this was meant to
include the $4,000 back gas bills,
Mr.. Wheat said no. He thought that such
provision would be &c post facto;, These back
bills were mostly for gas bills due from January
Est to MAY %, 1850 when the city was cap
| t,rad ond MANY of those who had been con-