Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-01-09

y
CITY Council was held last night. Owing to
the inclemency of the weather but few more
than bare quorums appeared in the two
Boards.
IN THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN
FIVE members were present, but no specta-
tors, and the business was transacted Win
but little debate.
Mr. Risheill introduced a resolution re-
uuesting the Legislature to pass IAN act en-
titled an act 10 amend section I chapter 10,
of the acts OF the General Assembly of 1919
80, entitled an act to incorporate the Alex,
andria Water Company" tThe bill referred
to, which will be found in full IN the offclal
proceedings of the Board of Aldermen, re-
auires the water company to extend their
mains on any square where six or more pro-
perty owners may petition for the same.
The bill owes lis birth TO the refusal on the
part Of the company to grant petition OF
Edward Quinn praying them to extend their
mains to Oronoco street.
Dir. Rsheill spoke in favor of the passage
of the resolution and gave his reasons why
the same should pass and why the General
Assembly should be urged to pass the bill
accompanying it.
Mr.. Strauss also favored the immediate
adoption OF the resolution. II was duty
the people owed TO themselves to pro,
coed 10 some action in the premises.
The subject Of the arbitrary dealings OF the
water company had been agitating the com.
munity for years and had at last assumed
shape in the resolution and bill now before
the Aldermen. Mr.. Quinn and others had
imporluned the water company to extend
their mains, and had been persstently re.
fused and puerile excuses urged in ex-
PLANTATION of such refusal. 1t was high
time something was being done, and the
speaker was in Council to hear and remedy
the grievances of the oppressed when prac-
teal and he advocated the adoption OF the
resolution forthwith.
Mr. Downham Mr.. Risheill in the chair
spoke in favor of the resolution. To his own
knowledge several parties had petitioned
for the extension of the water mains and
their prayers had been UNDECIDED. A COM
lnittee at one time waited upon the officers
of the company in order 10 see what ar
engagements could be made towards having
public hydrants erected, the corporation to
pay for the use of the same, the object be-
ing to do away with some Of the old pumps.
1t was found impossible to get the company
to consent 10 any such move, thus Alexan-
dria is to-day deprived OF = convenience
and an almost indispensable one at that
enjoyed by nearl y every other city Of equal
pretensions. The speaker bad read the act
incorporating said company, and q more
complete monopoly be had never beard Of
The said corporation could refuse 70 furnish
water to any citizen Of tie city and there
would be no redress. He gave his own ex-
perence in dealing with the water compa.
ny: he had all the appliances for furnishing
water placed in his house, but from o clock
in the morning until at night i was i'm
possible to get any water out of the spiggots
in the second story. He was charged about
SIG year for water rent "al! the same"
and had interviewed parties connected with
the company about the matter, asking that
the trouble be adjusted, but had been
cooily informed that if his water supply was
unsatisfactory he would have TO discontinue
its use, or words to that effect.
Mr.. Strauss said the company paid div
idend of ID per cent 10 its stock holders, and
was in every Tay able TO carry out simple
requests 10 extend mains, &c.
lIr. Marbury was not ready 70 vote for
the resolution until further light could be
obtained. 1t would first have to he proven
whether or not this company were failing
to carry out the provisions of their charter.
If they were, like similar corporations, they
should be dealt with as provided in such
eases. He. however, doubted the efficacy
Of the present more.
After some further explanations from diff.
fereps members the resolution was adopted.
The Common Council, however, returned
the resolution and act referring the same
TO the Committee on General Laws, and
this Board subsequently conquered in said
action.
After the disposition Of some matters
which had come in from the other Board
the Aldermen adjourned.
COMMON COUNCIL.
The Council resumed last night tssession
after the Christmas Holidays. Its opening
was considerably delayed in order to wait
for the arrival Of a quorum in the Board Of
Aldermen.
A communication from Hon. S. G. King,
Mayor Of Philadelphia, asking the City
Council of Alexandria 10 co. operate with the
Council of Philadelphia, in advising Con-
gress to pursue policy Of justice to the In
dan., was referred TO special committee.
Mr.. Mclean urged the Committee on
Streets to report upon the application of the
President of the Midland Railway Co., for
an extension of the right of way on Henry
street, and the Committee on General Laws
to report upon the bill in relation to snow
brakes upon the roofs of slate or metal roof
ed houses on King street. He said: Let US
dispose of papers. Committees ought to re-
port one way or another upon all papers re-
ferred to them.
When the bill of Hewes & Aitcheson
SlS64 for use Of their scales TO weigh hay
was presented,
Mr. Nails asked if there was not an agree
ment By which the owner OF the scales
was to receive certain portion Of the fee.
The Clerk This is carrying out that con-
tract, the $lS64 is one fifth of the fees to
the date ofthe bill. The bill was ordered
to be paid.
a Joint resolution of the Aldermen asking
the Legislature to alter section of the
charter of the Alexandria Water Co., so as
to require that Company under penalty of
$500 to extend its mains to any square Cd
which the owners of six houses would agree
10 take water, was read.
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