Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1872-03-27

Mr. Worthington endorsed the idea Of the
member from the L urth Ward (N1r. Seaton.
Mr.. Corse suggested that the work be PIT
out BY contract; but
Mr.. Janney dissented. He had talked with
Mr. Clifford, the Superintendent Of Police,
who had said he could do it cheaper than a
regular contractor.
Mr.. Worthington said he did not think he
could do it cheaper. In his opinion it would
cost three times as much. He had often from
his window noticed the manner in which men
employed on the streets, under the Superinten-
dent of Police, ''killed time" They would
stick a shovel in pile of dirt, turn around two
or three times, scrutinizDg everything and
everybody around them raise the shoveI-tu!,
repeat the same evolution; toss it In the cart,
and then rest on their shovel some minutes;
He supposed this dereliction was only pract'ced
when the Superintendent was away tie
thought Mr.. Clifford had enough to attend to
now, without imposing this on him:
Mr.. Seaton concurred with MIR. Janney.
| The Superintendent had given his estimate OF
what the work would cost, and he was satisfied
Mr.. Clifford could do it cheaper than any con
tractor The Legislature Of Virginia had re-
Gently refused to repeal the law respecting;
s.chain saugs,' and we had plenty of jail
birds who conld be employed on this work.
These men were kept at dead expense to the city
ANYHOW and he was in favor OF making some
use Of them.
Mr.. Corse said the Jail birds in question
could be hired out to the contractor.
Mr. Underwood said he would have to favor
the idea OF the member from the First Ward
(AIr Januey) to let he Superintendent of
Police attend TO the matter If this were a
large job it would be well enough to put out by
contract, but considering that it Is merely TO
grade street for the distance of two squares
only il would be cheaper to let it be done un-
der Mr.. Cbford's supervision.
Mr. Worthiugton said it vas small JOB ION
paper, and repeated that it should be put out
by Contract. He could not favor Mr. Seatou's
plan of organizing chain gang, as you
about another expense He hoped moreover
never 10 see the day that chain gang would
be employed on our streets, as it was degrading
to the human race. For instance, young man
might by being debarred the benefits OF pious
trainiug or from some misfortune become an
inmate of the Jail, and to take him out with a
bail and chaiu, and compel him to work on the
public Streets subject to the gaze of passers by,
you would inhict an injury on him from which
he would never entirely recover, as he could
never again hold his head up in the place
where he had received such treatment. II he
thought it would pass he would offer resolu
ton abolishing the inhcton of stripes 10 this
city.
Mr.. French said the consideration Of this
subject was not necessary at this time anyhow.
Does the Superintendent propose to commence
the work at once?
MIR. Jarney said Mr. Clifford did not propose
to commence immediately, but as soon as posi-
ble \ passway to that bourne from which
no traveller returns was essential. AT present
you had to cross two railroads III order to reach
our cemeteries. The Superintendent states
that he can do this work at cost OF about $500.
He hoped to see it commenced as soon as pos
sibe.
;. Mr. Seaton again favored the plan of placing
~ Luz .,;.5er under Mr. Clihord's charge. He
s ore s fac, n that opposed to str pes from the
Mr.. Worthiug,ou a Ii e9nly received u 1nem b,
adding provided ii shall not 'ee more than
$500. ''
Mr.. Janey said he was opposed to ~
Worthng,on STIMULATING the amount OF cost. He
wanted the street Improved if it cost $500.
The Superintendent had said $500 would be
sufficient, but he did not want mn 10 oe cvu-
fined TO that amount.
Mr. Worthington was also in favor OF haviag
the work done, but would rather have 1t put
ont by contract. The i lea in offering the
amendment was TO see how close Mr Cllnord
had come 10 his calculation Ii 500 was
found TO be too small sum, ne could report 10
Council and he would vote Tor further appro-
priatioD torsthe purpose.
Mr.. Janney said he consented then to the
amendment, but upon the question being put
Mr.. Seaton objected to the amendment, not
wanting the amount of cost limited.
Mr.. Worthing,oD again explained his object
in offering the amendment.
MIR. Underwood spoke in favor OF the reso'
luton <,,.o
MIR. Janpey moved that Mr.. Clifford, who
was present, be allowed to make statement OF
the case. which was agreed to-.
Mr.. Clifford said he had been employed
years ago in grading roads IN Prince William
county, and understood the business. He as
sured the Board that he would not spend a
cent more of the city's money than he could
possibly help.
The resolution was then passed
An opinion of F. L. Smith, jr., Corporation
Attorney, on resolution OF inquiry as to
whether it was in the power of Council to ex,
empt manufactures from taxation or not, was
received from the Common Council. The
opinlon declares such exemption inconsistent
with the State Constitution.
Mr.. Underwood moved that it be referred
to the Committee on General Laws for their
consideration He did not doubt but that the
law cited in the opinion was correct to the let
ter but at the same lime there were things not
embraced in the opinion which the Altorney
had failed to consider. He expressed it as his
opinion that city could offer certain induce
ments to new enterprises, as ne knew OF slmi-
lar cases in other cities.
Mr.. 5. motion prevailed:
Mr.. Markell moved that the Board adjourn
Mr.. Seaton said he wanted to make lew
remarks
The President the gentleman from
the First Ward, (Mr. Markedly withdraw his
motion.
Mr.. Markell For what? To listen to a long
discussion on every and all subjects: We are
now through with our business and | am OPP
posed TO being kept here to listen to outside
matters II the gentleman wants to speak let t
him call mass meeting aud ventll3te himself
to his heart s,content. Laughter;
M Seaton renied saving If all his auditors