Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1874-06-12
CITY COUNCIL.
An adjourned meeting of the City Couocil
was held last night
BOARD OF ALDERMEN.

the reading OF the uliuules VI luz iao' ueotiuS
and the concurrence IN the action OF the Com-
mon Council upon several bills, resolutions, &c,
there was some discussion upou protest against
INV. .hs rsmuyal of frame house from one side of
Wolfe street to the other, within the fire limits,
n,rticipated in by MeSsrs. Lltham aud Seatou
and DR.. johnson, and the matter was finally
referred to the Committee on Streets with
power to act.
DR.. johnson introduced bill, prepared by
the Board of Public Works, tor the grading
and having of Columbus street from King to
Montgomery street.
Mir. Latham asked if there was mooey enough
70 the credit of the Third Ward to make the
Improvement.
Mr, j. b. Smoot, President of the Board OF
Public Works, by permission, explained that
while there was not money enough to the
credit of the Third Ward, yet it had been de-
rermiped by the Board Of Public Works to
commence the Improvement OF the streets IN
this one, iu order to fix the grades, this being
the highest elevation; aud that under the
opinion of the City Attorney it was deemed ne-
cessary to obtain the assent OF Council TO prose,
cute this work, drawing Oh the general luoa
Tor the purpose.
give TO the Board of Public Works all they
asked such was his confidence 10 that Board.
Mr.. Smoot said there were reasons OF rather
private nature why there had been any appar'
eut delay in the action Of the Board OF Public
Works He then explained the grade OF the
street as proposed, aud its effects upon other
streets. :.
MIR. Latham then read the law giving to
Couucil the power in reference to the grading
of streets, to prove that the Council cannot
delegate its po,Uers to agents, aud that w"lle
thc Board OF Public Works is legally coustl,ut-
ed vet it must act uudcr the direction OF the
Council. -,
DIR. johnson urged the passage OF the bill,
predicting that everybody would be denghteu
when the improvement Is completed. tie ex-
pressed his utmost confidence III the Board OF
Public Works, the President OF which was OF
his own choice, aud the Board composed Of the
best material, deserved all the assistance that
could be given 1t.
The 10Th rule was then suspended and the
biz passed-ayes, S; noes, none.
Dr.. French moved TO take up the bill IN ret,
ercucc to putting out the cleaning OF the streets
by contract, but the motion did not prevail.
The report of the Committee on Finance IN
response to the question of the collectors 10
reference to titles to property sold at tax sales,
referrlpy the collectors to the charter tor guid-
euce, was accepted.
The Revenue bill, as amended and passed
the Common Council. being read
DR.. johnson moved to amend by adding the
~ per cent. clause for the Use of the Board OF
Public Works, and advocated its adoption as
means of improving the city aud enhancing
the value Of property.
DIR. French, while in favor Of improvement,
was opposed to jcopardzlng the passage OF the
Revenue bill by adliug this amendment.
MIR. Moore said the collectors desired to have
the taxes all in one bill.
MIR. Latham was like DR.. French-in favor
OF improvement-but, thought like him, that 1t
wouId certainly embarrass the passage OF the
Revenue bill. He Was certain that the Com
mon Council would not agree 10 the amend
ment.
DIR. johnson did not think that there was
such urgent necessity for the passage OF thus
BILL He did not think it was creditable to the
gentleman in the Common Council who Was
opposiug this amendment. He was for COD
suitiug his own comfort before taking care OF
the bondhoders and again urged the passage
OF the amendment.
Mr. Latham had 90 desire to protect the
boudhoders, but it did not suit him to retard
legislation 1t was necessary to collect taxes
to pay officers, &c and the DondholdeIs would
certainly get their own. lie regretted that the
gentleman of the Common Council, referred to
by DIR. Johnson, was mot present to defend
hIluself; he did not like this fighting at long
taw." He was looking to the good OF the CITY
alone. aud was opposed to embarrassing the
passage of the bill by adopting the amendment
The question upon the adoption of the
amendment was then taken, and it was decided
in the pegative--noes, E; ayes, Mr.. Moore and
DR.. johnson.
The bill was then put upon it's passage and
passed-ayes 6; noes, Mr.. Moore and Dr.
johnson.
a bill appropriatlpg 1000 for repairs to
the old Relief Eugine House was opposed by
Dr. johnson upon the ground that there was
specified sum named, and that the repairs
should be put out by contract.
Mr.. Latham advocated concurrence 10 the
action of the Common Council and thought
that DIR, Johnson was like the cow that gave
the pail of milk and then kicked 1t over lie
was aot afraid to trust the parties to whom the
money would be entrusted.
DR.. johnson again urged that the work be
done by contract, and after the contracts were
made then make the appropriation. tie would
not trust himself and did not want to trust
others. He said there had been deception 10
this whole matter.
The resolution was read again, aud 1t APP
pearcd that it Was required that the Worh
should be put out by contract.
Mr. Latham urged the necessity OF lmmedl-
ate actioo, and of the debt of gratitude due
the Relief Hook aud Ladder Company. lie
repeated that he was willing to trust the Com
mittee on Public Property, and knew the work
would be done as low as possible, and without
deception.
DR.. johnson was opposed to giving com,
mittce more money than they needed. lie DID
not want to lead any Que into temptation, ana
he wanted to save all he could OF the people
money. =,
Tue d ,ctor then alluded to Mr.. Latham's
remarks and said that he lMr. Il had taken
frequent occasions to refer TO him personally,
but that he could wither him.
Mr. Latham-Oh don t spare me. Ouly say
what YOU have to before my face, aud don [
wait until am out of the Board.
The President called order, when Dr. John.
son said he did not mean to be personal.
MIR. Latham again urged action upon the
4 L. t,,rp 1Nnh