National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-05-30
THE DISTRICT BILL.
t is Slightly Amaneod dnd Passed by the
Senate
A Few Sensible Remarks About the Dis
trict Government.

In the senate yesterday, after the morning
hour had been dispensed with, Mr.. Plumb
from the appropriations committee, called up
the district appropriation bill. Commissioner
West sat behind Nr. Plumb and devoted his
time to correcting misststements and watch
ing tho proceedings. In the district commit
tee room, with n cigar in his mouth, was Maj
Lydecker pacing up aud down, with an anx-
ious look on his face. Mr.. Edmonds and
colored messenger were signing checks at the
commissioners Office.
The bill was read and several amendments
were offered. Mr.. Morgan, of Alabama, and
Mr.. Van Wyck criticised the bill and the
manner in which the district was governed.
When the section providing for the inn
proving Of county streets and roads came up.
Mr. Morgan objected to it. The bill increased
the appropriation for this purpose $4,000
over tho appropriation of last year. The
senator said that not oue.third Of the appro-
priation would DO used for tho purpose in
tended lie did not favor giving
the commissioners complete control Of the
money. He thought that tho commissioners
should lay before congress programme OF
what they intended to do before the bill was
considered. This money is not spent GU
trely for the benefit of the citizens, as IL
should be-" he said, land they want, and
have n right to know how their money is
expended. This money is spent in the inter-
est Of some private individual whose plats Of
ground for sale can be seen in the newspapers
every day" He hoped the senate would not
indulge such expenditures.
Senator Plumb defended the commissioners
and said that ii would be impossible for Thorn
to prepare accurate plans, as there were so
many roads about Washington, only part OF
which could BIO improved, and tho commits
sionors had TO determine upon the most
urgent needs.
| Said Senator Morgan: II obieot to putting
this appropriation in the hands Of the COM
missioners, to be expended by them at their
| own discretion, and without any previous
statements Of their necessities. Let them
make contracts and then submit them to us.
We are yielding up the powers Of the govern
ment to BIO left in tho hands of these three
men. 1t is a common thing to see plats in
the prints Of property for sale where new
avenues and streets are to be opened"
The objection was not sustained and the
| section was agreed to.
When the clause providing for the appro-
priation of $1,000 to purchase the police tele-
what they wero. Mr.. Plumb explained
thoir use and Mr.. German offered no objec-
ton.
A typographical error next caught Mr..
| Morgan's eye when the clause providing for
the courts was reached, and after it was rec.
titled the reading proceeded.
The amendment providing for the sale of {
lot of unused and unproductive school prop
erty by tho com missioners, and the applica'
tion by them of the proceeds to the erection
OF school buildings, was next read, and MT
Sherman amended IL by inserting the words
ION such terms of payment as they may deem
advisable" which was adopted.
Senator Aldrich raised n point Of orde
when the amendment providing for the film
of claims in tho court of claims was reached
and the amendment was ruled out.
Mr.. Morgan objected to the wording of tn
section making appropriations for genera
contingent expenses He said that the dis
t-ict commissioners had too much power now
and congress should seek some way to guar
the peoples interest until they were give
the privileges that were due them. II
thought that the power now given to tn
commissioners was the extreme of tyrannica
legislation, and congress should pause an
give the people relief. He understood an
beloved that the petitions Of the oft
zens of this city to tho commits
sioners upon every question WEI
secuted, and the people were compelled
come to congress. which has not time to hea
them. "There is nothing" said he, Gin tn
bill to define the limit of this extraordinar
power. l know that the senate is not in tn
habit of listening to matters of this kind, bi
cause we seem to think that this district hi
no rights. Congress has no rights under tn
constitution to apply money in this wa,
Ono of the commissioners is holding an otiic
and commission as an army officer, yet he
given unlimited authority with the people
money. To whom is he responsibleW
Mr. Plumb defended tho commissioner
and said that all the power they had WI
necessary.
Mr.. Morgan was glad that the commission
ers had to account to the comptroller of th
treasury. Here they asked for $32, 900 fc
contingent expenses. He would like to kno
what contingent expenses.
Senator Cockrell stated that the expend
lures were specified in the bill.
Said Senator Morgan II want to know
} when the senator from Missouri became th
towering hen for the district"
Said Senator Cookrell: "When did 20
become their guardian {"
Senator Morgan replied: when my Sci
vices were required"
Senator Sherman offered the followin
amendment: But such expenditures shal
be accounted for In the treasury department
as other expenditures for tho district, and
detailed statement of such expenditures shal
DO referred to congress in accordance wit
section 100 Revised Statutes of tho Unite
States. The amendment was adopted.
When the amendment providing that In a
cases where special assessments have been re
vsed as provided for by law, the commits
sioners of the district are directed to issu
drawback certificates to the holder of an
lien certificate Of such assessment for til
amount said assessment has been reduce
and the interest accrued thereon was reache
Mr.. Aldrch raised tho point OF order and tn
section was ruled out.
Section providing that tho commissions
shall hereafter have power to assess and co
lcct the taxes authorized by law; and doclir
ing all assessments and collections heretofoi
made by them valid and fully confirmed
the same effect as though levied and collectC
in full compliance with law, was also stricke
out by motion of Mr. Aldrich.
The bill was then read and passed
The provisions have already been pu
lished and the amendments were publisht
in THE REPUBLICAN Of yesterday.
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