Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1874-04-29
CITY COUNCIL.
The regular semi-mouthy meeting Of the
Civ Council was held last night.

passed the Common COuOcli,
MIR. Seaton supposed that the matter came
under the supervision of the Board OF Public
Works
DR.. johnson, in this connection, presented a
petj.ion IF property holders on that street op-
nosing the narrowing of the sidewalks.
DR.. French did not think that the petition
germane, and favored Concurrence.
Mr.. Moore thought the merchants were
more to be benefited by any improvement TO
the street than the railroad company.
Mr. Seaton thought it would be great
blessing to the poor OF the city if the railroad
track on Union street was torn up, tor then
they would haye more work. He would not
vote for further Improvement on that street
until the streets on the suburbs were improved
Mr.. Latham said the resolution was only one
Of inquiry as to the best plan of improving the
street with the cost.
Dr. Johusou's object in presenting the petit
ton was thai it should 20 with the resolution.
Mr.. Moore said that the petition was sigDed
by three. fourths Of those who owned properly
beyond the proposed Improvement.
The action Of the Coumon Council was con-
Cured in.
The Board was notified of the resignation of
W. T. Carne as member of the School Board.
A communication from the Board Of Public
ment of Potomac street" was read and ac-
ccpted. The street" is considered nothing
more than private street or alley.
A communication from the Board of Public
Works, 10 reference to the condition of the
sewer at the intersection of Pitt and Princess
streets, suggesting the appointment of COM
mitee 10 act 10 corcert with the Board and
devise some plan in reference to this sewer be-
ing read,
DR.. johnson estimated the COS. of such an
Improvement as projected, at not less than
$4,000 aud considered it impraciicable. All
that was necessary was to cut down the streets
50 that each street will carry off its own water.
The tax payers would be unwilling to bear the
burden, and it would be better to purchase all
that part of the city, which could be done Tor
Sl5. 600. Sewers were not needed in this city,
and he did not thiuk the Board Of Public
Works were serious III Recommending such
schcme.
Mr. Latham Considered the proposition of
MIR Cray practicable, and he did not think
that sewer, even at the cost estimated, would
be too much 10 consideration of damages that
NAV be sustained by storms. He was in favor
,f a proper system Of sewerage, but did not ae
cord with the views expressed by the Board OF
Public Works, nor did he think they were cor
rect III Some of their statements. Unless some-
thug in the Way OF rcmedying the evil, how
ever, was doue, the city would probably be the
laser.
DR.. Johnson said this was not new prnpo-
sltiou, and explained the previous attempts to
prvy,ut the present. difficulty. and gave his
views rs 10 the best method Of carrying off the
water.
Mr.. Latham offered resolution for the con-
,,ructiou of wooden trunk at the Intersection
If X ya aud Princess streets.
Dr.. johnson said that this would not prevent
the distraction of Princess street, which was
now going gu rapidly.
The report of the Board of Public Works
was then accepted.
MIR. Latham moved the appointment of
committee 10 coulter with the Board Ut Public
Works.
Dr. Johnson thought the Board Of Public
Works had plenary power, ADD kept constantly
annoying the City Council because they we're
too tlmii to take the step. BY their time saw
ing habits they had disguised all the citizens,
50 that no one had auy confidence 10 their
ability He was opposed to humorlng them
with any such dilly -dallylng propositions. Ii
they would not do their work they should re-
Sign What Was wanted was practical men
men who know how to handle shovel and
pick.
Mr.. Latham replied to DR.. johnson, charg-
ing him with Inconsistency III his statements
as to tho power Of the Board of Public Works,
aud urged the appointment OF committee OF
conference.
DIR. johnson then offered as a substitute a
resolution instructing the Superintendent OF
Police to have trunk placed across Princess
street, at the intersection of Pitt, to communi-
cate with the bulk head at the ravlne on Pitt
street.
Mr.. Latham said he would withdraw bis re-
Sulu,lon, but would prefer that the Superu-
tcndent OF Police should have the assistance OF
acomnttee ;,
DIR. Johnson thought too many cooks spoiled
the broth, and that Que good head was worth
thousand of block heads, and he was tired OF
having the Committee on Streets interfering
III this matter.
The res Tuition Of Dr. johnson was adopted.
Mr.. Latham moved that committee OF con.
ference be appointed. :.
DR.. French was willing that such commit
tee should be appointed and the request OF the
Board of Public Works thus complied with.
The motion was adopted, and Mr.. Moore
aud DR.. French appointed as such committee
on the part of this Board, MIR. Latham declln-
ing to serve.
DR.. johnson offered resolution looking to
the taxing OIL all OouuS, StOChS, oC.i uo1u W
residents and non +, siden,s of the corporation
at sum not exceeding fifty ceuts on the one
hundred ceuts of their face denomination at a
rate OF one and one quarter per cent.
He then read speech, giving his views a,
length on the propriety of taxing the bonds
and concluded by asking that his resolution lie
over, which request was granted
IL communication FROM jacob Roxbury, Su
periutendent of Gas, urging needed repairs &c
the gas works at cost OF about $5,OOO OF
St 600, aud the purchase of an exhauster was
received from the Common Council
Mr. Latham moved to concur 10 the acton
of the Common Council in recommending car
rynr out the views of the Superintendent.
DR.. johnson wanted the work put out by
contract.
Mr. Lawson said that would be done.
DR.. johnson insisted that it should be put
in The resolution that the work must be put
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