Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1876-07-26
CITY COUNCIL.
The regular semi monthly meeting of the
CITY Council was held last night.

BOAhU VI ALDEhAEN.
10 the absence of the President, Oh motion
of MIR. Moore, Mr.. Armstrong was called 10
the cl air. Oh taking which be said 1t would
probably be deemed unnecessary aud hypocrl!,
ica to return thanks for the honor conferred
upon him. IN .rn N
Carer, for services as City Surveyor,
MIR. Moore asked it the bill had not been or
der, to b., paid already.
MIR. Dowuham moved that the bill be IT,
ferred TO the Committee on Claims, but alter
wards withdrew bis motoD AMI the bill Was
ordered to be paid,
On the communication of the Harbor Master
to the Governor 10 regard to throwing ballast
10 the river, and the resolution OF Mr.. Arm
strong 10 regard thereto,
MIR. Armstrong said ,ha' be had drawn the
resolution so as 10 have the commuDlcailon OF
the Harb,r Master officially forwarded, and
that communication night be opened with the
Secretary Of he Treasury with view to abat,
ing the nuisauc. Of ballast being thrown over.
tie recounted the damage done as related ny
him at q previous meeting.
Mr.. Strauss lad understood that Mr.. Arm
,trous was 70 communicate with tue Governor,
and thco report TO the Board.
Mr.. Armstrong said the gentleman misunder
stood him. If the present law was enforced
the vessels would be driven away, but by get
ting the Government to take hold it would act
90 all ports alike:
Mr.. Moore said ne could not control the
river Five vessels went above where one
stopped here. Captain Bcothe had kept his
company here. aud spent thousands of dollars
Simply ter the good OF the city; and the eD.
forcemeu; of the Harbor Masters fees would
drive him Of. He would not vote to forward
the Communication.
MIR. Armstrong said the Hsrbor Master
could forward the letter himself. He Was a
legally elected officer, aud could compel the
collection Of bis fees if be chose. The action
Of the Corporation attorney 10 advising mag
istrate that be had no right TO exact Tee was
monstrouS. He attacked the course OF
the attorney, and said be should have de-
feuded the Hsrbor Master. The judgment,
given by the magistrate would have dlsgraced
the devil. If the Governor or the Secretary
of Satc took DO action after this comnuncs-
ton i, would no. be the Council fault. MIR.
Elliott did not lnt.ud to enforce his powers no.
| III the matter was settled.
Mr.. Moore said the Council had years ago
| abolished the fees of Harber Master. Ii the
| Harbor Master sent The communication 1t
| showed that there was some difference OF opln-
ion, but if Council sent it it would thereby en-
dorse the Harbor Master.
o. motion of Mr. DowDham, the mater was
| laid over uutit the next meeting.
| Corporaioo Attorney Stuart then, By COZ
sent, said that he desired to set hlmsel If right
| on this subject. The magistrate had me
10 his office aud asked his opioion.--
! He had told the magistrate only that 10 bis
opinion the City Council alone could elect a
| Harbor Master, and therefore there was 90
such officer at present. He had said no. HOG
ebout the fees, but had given the opinioa as
stated above at the solicitation OF all parties
interested. and not as volunteer
90 the resolution to pave 90 Duke street,
| MIR. Duwnbam said the street was 10 de-
piorable condition and the repairs absolutely
! necc ssary.
Mr.. Moore wanted to know the cost, aud af.
ter some collcquy, moved an amendment r.
siricting the cost 10 500.
MIR. Strauss was opposed to the heavy ex-
penditure The Com mittee on Streets had al
ready been adnonisbed by the Finance Com
mittee to restrict their expenditures
MIR Moore withdrew bis amendment, and
| the matter was referred to the Committee 90
Streets
The petition of Mrs. NJ J. Baldwin being
read,
MIR. Moore said that be knew that hereto.
| fore the Finance Committee had made dis
counts on tax bills, but the uew committee
thought the practice wrong, and proposed to
refer ali these matters to the Council, and lei
them take action. The action of the other
Board was concurred Ia.
Mr. Armstrong rose to question OF priv
lege and replied to the explanation of President
Latham. at the last meeting of the Commoc
Council. He did DOT care, 30 far as he indi
viduaily was concerned, but the action com
planned Of, was stopping the voice OF his COD
stituents. He agreed with Mr.. Latham 10 re-
gard to motion to lay on the table not being
debatable, but be claimed that there was a 90
tice of Intention to introduce bill coupled With
it, which altered the case, and made 1t dvlsl
bic. He had no personal feeling against Mr..
Latham but thought that he should have done
hin jnstice. 10 former years the President o.
this Board had presided over the conventions
towards this Board n joint conventions. where
they frequently bad to run around Ike pigs
looking Tor place to sit down. He also COM
planned of the President, while 10 the chair,
taking part in the debate. MIR. Armstrong
Continued at some length explaining his uoder
standing of the parliamentary usage
Ga the resolution to provide for the payment
of salaries temporarily,
Mr. Downham moved 70 concur although he
thought the salary bill should have been passed
long ago
Mr. Moore opposed the resolution.
| Mr. Strauss said that some provision should
be made for paying the salaries,
The question being taken resulted Oh rising
vote-ayes g. noes /.
The Chair-rhe action is copcurred 10.
| Mr. Moore thought ii required FIVE votes and
was lost.
Mr.. Dowuham thought the matter had been
declared carried and could not now be recon-
sldered. He read the provision of the charter.
The resolution was then declared lost, but on
| the request of the Common Council commit.
tee of conference was appointed who afterwards
| reported that they could not agree.
On the resolution calling Oh the trustees
created by resolution iu 1869 to take charge
of the corporation property for the payment of
it's debt, to give 90 account of their action,
~t1l kna