Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1872-12-11
BOARD OF ALDERMEN.

BOARD OF ALDERMEN.
The report of the Committee on Claims, ie-
commencing the payment to Hugh Latham,
ex-Mayor, of SUN of money expended by
him during his administration for special po-
ice.nen, adopted by the Common Council,
coming up as the first business,
MIR. Underwood, at Mr. Simpsons suggss.
ton, moved that it lie on the table.
Mr.. johnson explained the action OF the
committee They had put the ex-Mayor. on
his oath, and as his sworn certificate was fur
nished, there was no doubt the SUM could be
made by Mr.. Latham in the courts 10 prose.
cuton against the city.
Mr.. Simpson Mr.. Markell IN the CHAIR
said he desired the case to be properly under
st cd, and proceeded to explain the claim as
due growing out OF the ola feud between MT.
Latham and the Police Boa,d. He thought
there was no occasion tor the action OF Dir. l.:
at that time, and but for the prudence aud
wisdom of the Council then, serious diff
Guilty might have occurred The action OF
Mr. l.. was solely matter of pride on his
part, and was, he thought, illegal. lie hoped
It would lie on the table aud give time for
thought. His sympahies were entirely with
Mr. Latham, but his Judgment, as represen-
lative of the people, was decidedly opposed to
the adoption Of the report.
MIR. johnson reiterated his belief that If MIR.
l.. went to law for the claim IN question, he
could certainly gain the case, but
The report was laid on the table.
The report of the COMMITTEES, recommending
a reduction ia the assessment OF the foundry
property, was opposed by Mr. French as de-
strnying the financial basis OF the city.
Mr. Markell thought that these claims
should have come in eurlier-the year the as
sessmeut was made, aud he would offer rcso-
luton 10 that effect.
The report, after further debate, was laid
on the table
A resolution to award the contract for flag
ging to the lowest responsible bidder, was OBJ.
jected to by
MIR. johnson, who thought it too indefinite;
in which opinion he was joined by
Mr.. French, who was opposed to this whole
sale irresponsible expenditure. He though
the financial matters Of this city could not be
safely managed il this sort of thing was al
lowed to go on.
The resolution was reconmltted.
On the resolution on the subject Of repairing
the sidewalks,
Mr. johnson thought that il the Superu-
tcndent of Police would make 3 speciality of
this repairing, it would be good plan and an
accommodation to property holders.
Mr. Markell thought that the proposition
would not answer, for these pecnle don want
to pay for these repairs and will not do it
For the city to do it, will be just what most Of
the parties want.
Mir. johnson thought this people more lbcr.
al spirited than Mr.. Marscll's remarks implied:
there would be no difficulty in collecting such
accounts.
Mr.. Markell replied, showing that he thought
differently FROM the membcr from the 81 Ward.
Mr.. Simpson, Mr. Corse in the CHAIR OPP
posed the resolution on the ground that II was
illegal The idea that property holders were
not responsible for the repairing OF the pave
ment at the corner of the street, outside their
property lines, was prcpos erouS, and on bis
motion the resolution was land on the tuble:
Mr. French offered resolution authorizing
the purchase of a pair of steers and wagon for
the use of the city and especially for the use
of the Aims House and advocated it, stating
that the Superintendent of the Aims House
had said that he had sometimes to puy as much
as $40 per day for ploughing.
Mr. Markell thought that the price liked
($l75) was too high.
Mr.. French reported Mr.. Stephenson as say
ing that the oxen were we'll worth the money, and
besides it would be . help to poor lady who
desired 10 sell the oxen to assist IN paying taxes
due by her The large part OF the purchase
money would 80 as taxes. He did not suppose,
this Council would go to chatferug with the
poor old lady on the subject Of the price.
The resolution was adopted.
A resolution to annull the authority of the
committee to erect smal! pox hospital, was
read, when
Mr. Johnson said that he was DESTROYS that
the subject of a hospital for the use OF sailors
and others should not be lost sight Of Much in
convenience was experienced here by the soa-
fairing class on account of there being no such
accommodation and he offered resolution
that plans be received for mar inc hospital for
the city, which was adopted
A resolution calling attention to the unsafe
condition of the old Relief Eaglne house, was
objected 10 by
Mr. johnson, who thought that somebody
outside of the Council ought to compose the
committee to examine this building and offered
a resolution to that effect, the committee to
report at the next meeting Of Council
Mr. French said that passers by that building
were in hourly danger. He would rather
amend by giving the Committee on Streets
power to act.
Mr. johnson thought the witnesses in this
case ought to come FROM without the Couocll,
in case of litigation
Mr. Markell thought it might be referred to
a committee of Council with power to call in a
jury of experts.
Mr.. johnson said that this business really
belonged to the Board Of Health, who should
attend to it. The building was certainly dan
gerous.
1t was suggested that the amendments would
delay action in the matter, so they were with
drawn and the case stood as at first, referred to
the Committee on Streets.
A communication from f. i. Brockett object
ing to the grading and paving of Fairfax street,
between Queen and Princess was read, and dis
cussed by
Mr.. johnson, who claimed that it was not
the small but the large property holders who
objected to this work. He proceeded to advo-
cate at length the laying of the communication
on the table He characterized the proposition
to postpone this paving as coming from skin
hnts aud moved that it lie on the table. So Or
dered.
The Board then adjourned