The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-03-02
Gov. Shepherd and District of Columbia

WASHINGTON, March |.
Gov. Shepherd has replied to the inter
rogatories of the committee to investigate
the affairs of the District of Columbia
The Indebtedness of the old corporations
of Washington and Georgetown. and the
levy court when the new government went
into effect is stated at S5,520,G57 The
bonded debt of the District of Columbia
January 1st, 1874, was S5,527, $50. Present
assessed value of property is 500, 443, 002,
as against $40, 997, Asa in 1871 The exhibit
Of the Auditor shows the actual cost of
work done under contract with the board
Of public works was less than five per cent.
in excess Of the estimated cost.
In reply to the question, What amount,
if any, does the district government esti-
mate ought to be paid 10y the United States
for the improvement of public property
made by the district government, the an
swer was that the board Of public works in
their report TO the president the 1st of Nov.
estimated such Indebtedness, and gave
the aggregate at $4,000, $40. This, how
ever,s a small portion Of the sum'equitably
due by the government on account of the
expenditures made by our citizens in their
corporate capacity for improvement of
streets and avenues Of the city and roads
and thoroughfare of other parts of the dis
trict.
1t appears from the statement of the re-
gister that from 1902 to 1871 wnen the new
government went into operation 50, 1876, 432
had been expended by citizens under the
old corporation for public improvement.
The expenditures of the board of works
since the creation of the district govern
ment have been on the streets and avenues
S15, 1863, 6S5; total expenditures of citizens
since 1862, SOL 762, 1877; the amount ex-
pended by the United States in the same
period on streets and avenues, S4,476, FOG;
showing an excess of expenditures by citi-
zens over the government on the improve
ment Of streets and avenues and roads
nine-tenths Of which are used absolutely
by government of 800, 2S5,411.
1t is shown that the real estate held by
the United States in the District of Column
ba fully equals If it does not exceed in
value that owned by the citizens 1t is
suggested that were a plan adopted by
which the government would reimburse to
the district the amount of the outstanding
Indebtedness of the United States on ac-
count OF improvements and annually there
after to contribute just proportion to-
ward the current expenses as well as the
cXtinguishment of the local debt. such an
arrangement would be in accordance with
strict equity and compare favorably with
the llbcrality exhibited ON other govern
ments towards their capital cities.
The only aid granted by Congress in de-
fraying the current expenses of the district
is the annual appropriation toward the sup
port of the police and it is hoped that they
will adopt similar course toward schools
fire department and lighting of streets, 1t
is suggested by the Governor that author
ity lie given fol- the funding of outstanding
| bonds into one consolidated loan,
bearing fair rate OF interest, and that COM
mlttee personally visit and inspect the va
rious district offices and improvements in
order that they may see for themselves the
operations of the one and the extent and
value of the other. The Gov states that
he had effected negotiations for loan
based upon tax lion certificates sufficient
to pay the salaries of the school teachers
and members of the police and fire depart
ments, but owing to grave and unfounded
imputations against the District govern
ment. Seferring to sewer certificates, the
Gov. cncloses the opinion of Gushing and
Black to show their legality.
The report of the treasurer of board of
public works show that they have received
to the 28th February SO, 256, 232 and ex-
pended '314, GO3,052. The assets of the
board are stated at SO, 700, 297 and the total
liabilities 81, 552 $50. This is exclusive OF
the amount due by the United States gov.
eminent for Improvement of their proper
ty. The total amount of certificates OF
settlement issued is ST., $40, G54 for fill
ing purposes in the prosecution of specia
improvements done under contract $12,
296, 004 for special Improvements outsid,
of contracts including material furnished
not included in measurements 50, $50, AGO
on account of miscellaneous expenditure
other than special improvement
and payable by special appropriation 81,
329,0l6, on account of contingent expenses
pay of employees SS9S,0l1; on account o
water fund S370,077. The answer of GOV
Shepherd covers from 800 to 1000 page
of manuscript, and includes replies to al
points of inquiry.
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