Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1874-07-18
The Tax.payers' Association.
ELECTION OF OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES LAST

Irede rOOrns, ana IN the absence or the chair
man, on motion OF Mr.. A. Z. Perry, Mr.. II. n.
Easily was called 10 the chair, Mr.. W. III. Cla-
gett secretary, and there was a much larger
atts ncanee than at former meetings.
Mr. Arrick, from the committee on organiza-
ton, reported bylaws. The bylaws fix the
initiation fee at one dollar, and provide for the
levylng OF assessments when required; the hold
log OF regular meetings on the fret Wednesday
of each month at sunset; prescribes the duty OF
officers, Sci The report was adopted.
Mr.. ArTick, from the same committee, sub
tons offered by Messrs. Miller, Mackall and
AdamsoD, and referred to the committee, be
referred TO the executive committee; adopted.
MI. Z. Z. Peck, from the ommittee of nine,
reported the following list OF officers, remark
ing that they had thought IL best not to nomi-
nate full list of the executive committee Of
w. Riggs, Columbus Alexander and Fitzhugh
Coyle, vice presidents; John +. Hanna, secre-
tsry; VIM. Gunton, treasurer; A. f. Perry, A.
Ross Ray, Samuel Bacon, I. b. Bryan, DIR. W.
VIM. Gslt, John Van Riswick, X. w. Fenwick,
Columbus Alexander, W. b. Webb, DIR. j. G.
Han, c. NJ; Matthews, MONTGOMERY Blair, 7;
Jones, Marshal Brown, w. b. Todd, &. +.
Schafer, Geo. wilmer, Samuel V. Niles, Chas.
G. Bal, Wright Rives, X. 7. Merrick, H. y.
Clark, John T.. Norris, NJ. Thompson, Thos. G.
Wilson, Eugene Carusi, VIM. j. Miller, John
A. Gray, James Wormley, VIM. II. Clasgett,
+. W. Sellhausen, NJ. G. Emery, G. W. Coch-
ran, Thos. Berry, H. Pelkinhorn, A. A Wilson,
II. 3. Johnston, a. j. Joyce, F. Stutz, ST.,
John L. Given, Michael Green. W. b. Down
ing, jas. W. Barker, Fenwick Young, Edward
Temple and Joseph II. Bradley, jr., executive
Mr.. Perry said the committee had Iabored
zealously, and he noticed that they had modest
ly left their own names of the list. 1t was not
perhaps they thought, as they had worked SO
zealously, that they were entitled to an honor
able discharge. He moved that the names of
the committee be added to the list.
DIR. Snodgrass inquired If those gentlemen
whose names were on the list had been con-
feTred with, and suggested that IL they had not
consented there was a risk to run in selecting
them.
MIR. Peck replied that, with the exception of
four, all had been consulted, and they had con-
sented to serve. Mr.. p. explained that the
thoroughly, and had selected those named as
the very best.
DIR. Snodgrass remarked that many Of those
on the list had never been to meeting, and
thought that some OF those who have labor ed in
organizing the association should be placed on
the committee. They should remember that
the rich were not always the best workers.
There are some small property-ownere who
would make most Jealous workers.
The motion Of Mr. Perry was agreed to, and
the names OF the committee of nine were added,
as follows:-Messrs. T.. +. Peck, Charles Ed
monston, j. +. Miller, Clifford Arrick, Jesse b.
Wilson, W. G. Metzerott, George NJ. Oyster
Joseph Redfern and w. II. Philip.
DIR. Snodgrass moved that the names OF all
their intention to do so be stricken OF. The
resolution was not seconded.
The report was adopted.
Mr.. Perry moved that the nominees be
elected.
Mr.. Depnison moved that the secretary cast
the ballot.
Mr. Clagett said that while he was In favor OF
paying honor TO whom 1t was due, he was not in
favor Of electipg gentlemen to position who
from their age or habits would not likely attend
the meetings. He had the highest respect for
Mr.. COrcOran, but would prefer young man.
Mr.. Z. was doubtless in full sympathy with the
association, but he was physically unable to
give the attention to the interests Of the assOcia-
ton i deserved and he would doubtless desire.
active physically as he was once, and believed
that he seldom came out at night He sug-
gested that the names remain, but that other
younger men be added to the list Of vice presi-
dents so that the work could be done.
Mr.. Peck said this point had been considered
by the committee. and they had, for the pur-
four. He called attention to the fact that there
were many young working men on the COM
mittee, in which most OF the work would be
done.
Mr.. A. Grant said that the Board of Public
Works all hailed from west OF 9Th street, and
Be called attention to the fact that his section
OF the city seemed to be discarded: If there
the committee he did not know it. A Voice
Mr.. Oyster comes from Capitol HILL We should
have at least two on the committee. IA Voice.
&c How would Mr.. a. Grant do?"l
DR.. Snodgrass conceded with Mr.. Clagett's
views, and expressed the hope that they would
not 80 Outside the organization for officers, and
that they select men for the positions about
whose acceptance there would be no question.
Mr.. Perry urged that there should be no
wIsnghng, and he called for vote.
The motion Of Mr.. Dennison was adopted, and
the secretary having cast the ballot, the Officers
were declared elected.
Mr.. Arrick gave notice that the executive
committee would organize at once.
MT. ArIIek, in behalf of Mr.. II. S. Davis (who
Is absent from the city),' offered resolutions
which were referred to the executive committee
recitng that, as it is currently reported that the
late Board OF Public Works has issued certih-
Gates of Indebtedness against the Taxpayers of
this District for the sum of seventeen thousand
dollars and delivered the same to the counsel of
sald board Tor services rendered By said counsel
before the Joint Committee OF Investigation at
The late session OF Congress, that committee of
fye be appointed to await On the honorable Com
missioneIs OF this District and protest against
the payment of the said seventeen thousand
dollars as beirg Illegal, exorbitant, and unau-
thOriZec by law; and II said committee fail to
receive a satisfactory reply TO this protest they
are hereby instructed 10 take the necessary
legal steps before the Supreme Court of this
District to prevent the payment Of said seven.
teen thousand dollars.
DIR. Culver presented a series OF resolutions
relating TO existing contracts and work being
done under them, and requesting the Commits
sioners TO stop all work until investigation Is
made; to have all work remeasured; to have
these guilty OF oyerchargIng punished accord
ing TO law; not TO pay for any work until re-
aud certified by the engineer, &c.
DR.. e. remarked that there was much work uu-
finished and now in progress under alleged con-
tracts; hence the necessity Of speedy action.
He therefore moved that they be considered at
once.
Col. Philip said the resolutions belonged to
the committee, and they at least should not be
adopted until they were well understood. He
stated that during the day he had met the
commissioners casually, and after some pleas
ant remarks they stated that they had annulled
ITO contracts and they proposed to act Justly
and fairly towards the people, and they would
be glad 10 confer with the Taxpayers at any
time, and to correct any wrong that may be
pointed out to them.
DR.. Culver endeaYored to obtain the floor to
pass his resolutions.
Mr.. Alexander Adsmson asked to read some
and the chair, on the point OF order
being made, ruled that the resolutions could
rot be adopted without reference to the execu-
tive committee.
Mr.. Perry moved to adjourn.
Dir. Adamson.-i have no resolutions to refer.
do not beg privilege, but want TO exercise
my rights. l simply ask to make some remarks.
The question was put on the motion TO adj
journ, and IL was declared carried-Mr. Adam
son as he left remarking that IL was q ring
against a ring. and DIR. l;u1ver claimed that ~