Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1874-08-06

SUB COMMITTEES OF TIE COMMITTEE OF Sew
The secretary read the rules Of the committee
Of seventy, together with the names Of members
Of the subcommittee of that body.
composed OF Messrs. G: W. Riggs, NJ. Blair, W.
III. Philip, G. Alexander, w. 8. Cox, w. G..
Metzerott, I. u. Caffrey, and f. Temple, whose
interests OF the association to Congress, and
especially the subject of a new plan or govern
ment for the District of Columbia.
The subcommittee Of ten on memorials and
remonstrances lie composed of Messrs. II. n.
Easily, W. Rivee, w. H. Clagett, j. f. Miller,
j. t. Given, NJ. G.. Emery, s. ". Niles, F. Stutz,
and Geo. NJ. Oyster. All matters affecting the
interests OF the association equitable by the
District Commissioners and board of audit are
submitted to 1t.
The subcommittee on judiciary, composed
OF Messrs. z. Carusi, X. T. MerIick, j. L. Nor
Iis, VIM. b. Webb, j. H. Bradley, jr., Q. NJ.
Matthews, j. b. Wilson, C.. Edmonston, A T..
Perry, consider all matters of public or private
tax payers equitable before the courts, and
all measures for faithful Observance OF the
laws of the District, especially such as are en-
acted for the restraint Of on Gals and protection
The sub committee on membership, finance
and accounts, composed Of Messrs. G. Edmon-
ston, III. G. Stewart, A. j. Joyce, f. Mohun, N.
G. w. Cochran, K. w. Fenwick, j. W. Barker
l.. +. Clark, T. @. Wilson and j. 7. Lehman
attend TO the expenses OF the association, col
lections and disbursements of moneys, Sc.
There Is also q sub committee on rules and
regulations, composed of Messrs. Gait, Philip,
ATTick, Dent, Todd, Ball, Bacon and Fem
wick.
The constitution and bylaws we, read. show
ing the general objects to be to give expression
TO the views and advocate the interests of those
who contribute to the expenses Of the District
government.
THE COLOR QUESTION.
Mr.. j. E. Miller suggested that the association
recommend to the committee of seventy the
appointment on the committees of Messrs. j.
A. Gray, James Wormley, and Alfred Jones,
colored men and members Of the association.
He desired to know IL their names were omitted
Intentionally or accidentally.
cation, and he hoped the question of color would
not be raised.
Mr.. G.. 4. Kirk moved that the executive
COZ be Instructed to appoint on some Of
Washington, which matter had been overlooked;
MI. Jesse B. Wilson submitted
PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS
setting forth that sit was clearly established by
the testimony presented before the late Com
mittee OF Investigation, among other things,
awarded by the late Board Of Public Works,
involving the expenditure Of large sums of
money, and that excessive prices were agreed
to be paid for the Improvements to be made un-
der such contracts; that 1t Is reported that the
board Of Commissioners have recognized many
Of these unlawful contracts, and have deter
mined to continue the prosecution of the i'm
provements embraced therein and let at such
excessive prices; therefore, that special COM
mlttee be appointed, whose duty 1t shall be to
take immediate steps, either by representing
missioners, or by bringing the necessary suit or
suits in the courts of the District to arrest aud
prevent further action by said Commissioners
in this direction; that until the indebtedness of
this District be ascertained, as required by the
recent act of Congress, no further improve
ments should be made unless in exceptional
cases, where the necessities of the public ina
peratively demand the same; and that in these
latter cases the work shall not be begun until
new contracts have been made after public sd-
vertise ment to secure proper competition"
DISCUSSION OF THE CONTRACT RESOLUTIONS.
jects of the investigation to prevent further
work being dOue under the old contracts. He
moved q suspension of the rules, and that the
matter be discussed and acted on at once.
MIR. A. Grant said there were already three
separate resolutions upon the same subject be-
fore the committee Of seventy, and no action
DR.. Snodgrass desired to know IL the COM
mite of seventy had power to adopt measures
affecting the interests Of the association with
out the full meeting of the association endorse
Col. Philip was in favor of leaving the whole
matter 70 the committee of seventy.
Mr.. Wilson said the matter required imms-
date action, as the work under the old con-
tracts was being prosecuted, and bills were
being made against the tax payers, who had got
10 foot the costs. This work should be stopped
by suit, Injunction or otherwise.
Mr.. n. ID. Larner said the matter was before
the committee of seventy, and the best thing
they could do was to furnish that committee
with all the information in relation to the con-
tracts which they could get.
Rev. Q. w. Dennison asked what evidence
they had that the WORK is being done at the
prices established by the Board of Public
Works; but no one could inform him.
Mr.. A. Grant said the taxpayers association
was willing to have such work done as is neces-
sary TO be done, but it should be done by letting
1t out by bids. and to honest men. LOOK at j. o.
Evans, look at Sam Strong and such contract
ors, who are going on with District work at the
same old prices. II there were among the old
contractors any who have fair and honest con-
tracts, at honest prices, he thought the sssocia-
ton should not embarrass the District Commits
sioners by clamoring against them.
DIR. SDOdgrass moved to strike out all relating
TO law suits; they would ind themselves in law
suits fast enough without the aid OF resolutions
He thought the Commissioners were trying to
do the best they could, and thought them hoa-
est and capable men.
Here Mr.. Wilson offered an additional resolu-
ton, that the chairman Of the committee of
seventy be instructed to appoint q special COM
mittee of three, to whom the resolutions shall
be referred, and report to the committee OF
seventy. This was adopted, and the association
adjourned.
Two Nrw srATrys will ha nut in nla "a In tba