Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1872-06-26

fire at Liberty Hall, last Saturday night, the
meeting was held 10 Harmonic Hall, where
the meetings Of the City Council were held i'm
mcdiatcy after the destruction of the chambers
Of the two Boards in the old Market House.
But few spectators were present For official
proceedings see another column
Bom,l Of 4tlermen.-Mr. French, from the
Committee on Finance, stated that the interest
on the Corporation stock would fall due on July
l>t. There was no money in the treasury to
meet this payment, owing to unavoidable de-
lays in collecting the taxes He offered reso-
luton to suspend the payment of the interest
until August 18th, which was adopted
MIR. French, from the Finance Committee,
reported bill fixing the salaries of the Cor
poration officers. 1t makes no alterations from
the bill Of last year, save an increase Of $50 to
the Messenger of the Board Of Aldermen.
The bill being read,
Mr. Markell moved that the salary of the
Mayor be fixed sat 5000. !:
Mr. French was unwilling to see any atera-
ton in the salary of the Mayor at this time.
He thought it in bad taste.
Mr. Markell said he would have offered his
amendment under any circumstances. 1T was
not political move.
Mr.. Janney was opposed to a reduction.
On motion OF Mr.. French, the bill was laid
on the table for the present.
Alr. French also reported the Revenue bill,
reading as preamble statement of the amount
necessary to be raised by taxation, the list
footing up Sl5l, 465. The assets of the city to
meet this amounted to STAT, Isl. To make up
the deficiency OF $3,7l4, he proposed to add
what might be realized from tax sales, and by
taxing foreign corporation stock.
He opposed any discount for prompt pay
mcut of taxes, as being an unjust discrilnina
ton. Prompt payment, he thought, could be
secured as readily by adding to the tax bills a
percentage if not paid within stipulated time.
The bill provides that on all tax bills unpaid
within thirty days. ten per cept. sllallbe added.
The bill as.read by Mr.. French, was stated
by HIM to have been based on the assessment
OF last year, the list for the present year not
being completed by the assessors.
Mr. Markell said that the city was going be-
hind hand SO 900 every year.
Mr.. French said not so; We are better off by
S,;uuOO than we were two years ago Pass
this Revenue bill and we will be able to put
down taxes to 81 80 next year
After some further discussion the bill was
laid on the table.
Mr.. Markell said that there was much con-
paint from parties owning factories on the sub
icct of the bill compelling them to have on
their chlmneyS spark. catchers and moved re-
consideration. Some chimneys were very high
and needed no spark -catchers. 1t would cost
several hundred dollars to scaffold the Cotton
Factory chimney, to get it ready for placing a
spark catcher on it. This motion was adopted
Resolution to suspend the election by the
Works, until the salary shall have been fixed,
adopted by the Common Council, was received
from that Board
Nlr. French opposed this resolution.
Mr.. Markell advocated it.
Mr.. Januey asked why the Clerk of the Gas
Works was selected for this action; why he
aud none other?
Mr.. French characterized the resolution as
an indignity to an honest officer He thought
this no way to make good officers This
hue and cry about reducing salaries was
huucombe. Is it economy to get the cheapest
men? We all know better. We could get a
Mayor or any other officer for $50 year, but
would we thereby secure efficient officers?
Mr. Markell denied making any attack on
the Clerk of the Gas Company. :
Mr. Underwood was somewhat, familiar with
the duties of the Clerk of the Gas Works, and
bore testimony to the capacity and fidelity OF
the present Clerk. $40 :
The resolution was laid on the table. ''',., "
The subject of codfying the Corporation laws
was laid on the table. PIN y: ::
The lower Board having adjourned sine die,
Mr.. French moved that when this Board ad-
iourn, it be to meet to- night, wv ednesday!.
He thought this Board should at least do ats
duty by passing the salary bill as required by
law and finishing its Legitimate business. The
resolution was adopted, and the Board ad-
journed. = ..,
Common Council AN the members were
present except Mr.. Wheat of the lst Ward.
Mr.. Stuart, from the special committee to
whom the matter had been referred, reported
that 500 copies Of the corporation laws revised 9:
coiifed indexed, and printed upon the best
book paper; bound half calf; gotten up in style
and manner similar to the Acts Of Assembly,
Of 1865, will cost about 81 800. :..:.. 4.
Mr.. Beach moved that the REPORT be accept
ed; and said that he had understood from q
LAWYER that it would require: eight months to
complete the work; and 7thatit was necessary
we should have the laws printed, lf14
Mr. Hopkins asked It 500 copies were not
too many. -; !.,.'t go ga. - ~ *, :
The President stated that 5ocopies could be
printed for 81 200, but that it was thought the
extra $50 copies could be sold at such a price
as to considerably diminish the amount Of the
bill. f :,.,s;>, 4 4.lL 4, u
Mr.. Beach said that lawyer had told him
that the extra copies could be sold at remune-
ra,iye prices, and again moved that the report
b. accepted; and that the committee to whom
tine matter had been referred, be instructed to
enter into contract for furnishing the number
Of copies specified! - ~ =; ,.',,s;, ..r,,
Mr.. Evans intsoduoed resolution embody-
Ing Mr. Beach 5 motion, which was adopted.
Mr.. Hopkins introduced the following reso-
lutions, which were adopted sy"a :, az. = ~
Resolred, That the thanks Of the City' Coun'
eli be, and are hereby rendered, Chief Engineer
ironing OF the Washington Fire Department,
aud the iremen under his command, for the
promptDess with. ivhieh they responded to the b.
request of the Mayor OF our city on the night
Of the destruction OF. Liberty Hall by fire, in
coming to our assistance in our time Of need. !,
R,s0iced, That Chief Engineer f. ). Lead,
bcatcr, of this city, be requested to forward
copy of the above resolution TO Chief hhgineel