Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1876-02-09

and not it for use Mr.. Ramey was living
example Of that fact. The county would be
benefited by the change, and they could trade
much BETTER near the Corporation Court room
than on Columbus street.
Mr.. Mckenzie agreed with Mr.. Neale, and
regretted that so maoy people from the county
dealt in Washington.
Dr. johnson thought that We could not al
ford 10 estrange any trade. The proposition
would he thought result in great injury to the
city, If the proposition had come from the
county people then it would have been differ
ent. He thought that The people Of the coun-
ty should be consulted. 1t was an easy matter
to start this thing going but not easy to con-
troll it afterwards
Mr. Louis E. Payne, clerk Of the County
Court, by permission addressed the board. He
said that there were very few people in the
county who would object to the act. The
change would certainly be for their benefit.
The records were becoming musty and lllegl-
BILE the clerks Of the court for several years
past had beeniujurcd in health by the damp
condition OF the Court House. Hardly an
average Of twelve men attended any term Oh
the court. The levy for grand jurymen the
pr Ut year was only about $75. He thought
that the records should be removed to dry
aad safe place. The people of the county had
neither the power nor the money to build
Court House or Jail out in the county. The
bill specially provided for commissioners to con-
troll the fund derived from the sale aud require
the city to provide court room.
DIR. johnson SAID Mr.. Payne was the only
vficia of the court he had heard approve the
object. The talk abonu the health of officers
being hurt was all stuff If the records were
musty and illegibe it was the fault OF the OH
GERS not attending to their business and keep
ing the place clean and well aired.
A question having arisen as to the act being
sent to the Common Council, the act was with,
drawn, and the action Of the Commoo Council
| referring the matter to special committee, was
c0ncurred in.
The PETITION Of oyster dealers asking for the
abolition of the office Of Oyster lospector was
received from the Common Council.
DR.. johnson said the petition an )untcd to
| nothing; of course the dealers did not want to
be taxed. The best way to get rid Of the mat
| Ter was to refuse to fill the Office. The petit
| ton was referred to the Committee on Gene
| raj Laws.
The Board theD at $3.50, adjourned.
COMMON COUNCIL.
The semi-monthIy meeting Of the Common
Council was we'll attended.
Very much business was transacted without
debate. Some conversation occurring upon the
subject of Mr.. Harlow's motion 10 reference to
pr nting, which had been referred to the Com
mittee on General Laws, which had never or
gained, Mr.. Moore, from the committee, saying
he would endeavor to got meeting Of the
committee.
The printing resolution was withdrawn from
that committee and referred to a special COM
mttee.
The bill of DR.. J. B. johnson was called up,
and the chair laid before Council commun-
cation from DR.. johnson 10 relation to the
bill
The Clerk proceeded to read the docum ,ut
which seemed so far as read, to contain in part
some reflections on MIR. Smoot, on account Of
his alleged connection with the loss Of $4,000
by the sale of the Friendship steam engine.
The reading was interrupted by Mr.. Smoot,
who said he did net think Council sat for the
purpose of hearing reflections on the conduct
of Cuuncmen in their business capacity as
attorneys, or otherwise. He made that point
OF order.
The Chair sustained the point AID said that
be was not listening alteotlvcly, or be would
have stopped the readug before. Certainly 10
parliamentary law permitted the reading OF
Communications which reflected on their con-
duct as members of the Council.
Mr. Latham SAID he did not object to the
ruling of the President, but he did Object TO
the reasons on which the Chair based his ruling.
He held that the people, or any OF them had
right to call in question the acts Of their rep.
reseutativ9s
Mr.. Smoot did not think that members of
Council came here to hear themselves arralgu-
ed. He thought that nothing 10 parliament
tary law would justify the reception of such
paper.
Mr. Latham did not believe in this laug-taw
fight. He wanted the men face to face
Mr.. Smoot denied that acts of Councilmcn
could be tried in this manner. If they did
wrong the only remedy was by an impeach-
ment but to ccmc here with TRADE in a
communication was supplementary. If the
paper was read it would be on y justice to give
Mr.. Suith-Mr. Chairman, would it be 10
order to move to introduce DR.. johnson, and
let him make statement?
The Chair said that that could DOT be done
without unanimous consent, and he would take
the responsibility Of objcctiDg.
MIR. Smith-rhe Chair will rccollect that
there is precedent for it. Mr.. Ncalc and
others have appeared before Council and made
statements.
Mr.. Latham supported the ruling Of the
Chair.
Mr.. 'Smith-Wi the gentleman give a
reason.
Mr. Latham-B :causc do not wish Coun-
| Gil to be made debating society.
The Chair said the pending question when
Council adjourned at the last meellug Was on
Mr.. Latham's amendment to Mr. Shoots
resolution, both of which were read.
Mr.. Broders introduced an amendment d.
recting the Committee on Public Property to
sell the Iol on which the Friendship Engine
House is built. He said that Council was vast
ing time 10 considering Dr.. Johnson's bill.
There bad been 90 order Of Council to do the
work, why consider the matter further.
Mr.. Latham rose toa point of order, that the
resolution was out of order.