Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1885-11-25

City C0unCl IaSt alSut, lihe Inc ptSCeGiDS
oae. was devoid OF any special interest.
IN THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN
q. members appeared at the appointed
borr-half past seven o'clock though but
two spectators were without the bar, and
they tarried but short time. A commu-
rication was received from the Mayor en-
c,osing letter from Mr.. Charles G. Moody,
the Virginia Iron and Shipbuilding Com
pany, in regard to the proposition to make
that company pay taxes on its property
here The Mayor in his communication
called the attention of the City Council to
the fact that when he was member of the
Board Of Aldermen, about a year ago, aud
when member of the Finance Committee,
he had officially waited upon the officers Of
the company referred to in order to ascer-
tain their intention in regard to proposed
operations in this city, it being the purpose
OF Council at that time to assess the prop
ertv of said company and collect taxes on
The same if the works continued IN ldleness.
He had then been informed By the proper
officers Of the company tnat operations
would be commenced shortly, and that
SHOULD work not be renewed ut the works
within the period Of one year, the company
guaranteed to pay taxes on their property
as other owners Of real estate. \ year has
elapsed since said interview and The whurr
IF The machinery being still unGeard, the
Mayor had met Mr.. Emerson, the secretary
of the company, few days ago. prio: to the
ia,,er's departure for Boston, and re-
minded him OF the promises of the
company, and Mr.. Emerson had said
h.. would mention the matter to
Mr.. Moody as soon rs be arrived in Boston
hence the letter from The latter. Mr..
Moody, in his missive, states That when a
number OF gentlemen owning stock in the
Virginia Iron and Shipbuildiug Company
purchased the same they did so with the
understanding that the property of the
company in this city was exempt from taxes
for twenty years He goes into long re-
hearSa Of the past operations Of the COM
pany-tho building OF two schooners-Say-
Ing the company lost $1,000 on one and $500
ON the other; the present depressed condi-
ton Of the shipbuilding and iron interests
Of the country; that not enough OF the stock
Of the company had been sold TO pay the
original cost of the works; asserts that
CAPTAIN Goss has been and still is making
strenuous efforts to enlist capital in the en-
terprse; hopes the City Council will deal
literally toward the company and appreciate
their endeavers to act in good faith with
Alexandria, and concludes with q glowing
picture OF what may yet be done here, de-
scribno what has so often been mirrored of
the advantageous location of the city, &C.,
&c. The communication and letter were
referred to the Finance Committee.
The Mayor also submitted to the board a
petition of the faculty of the Theological
Seminary asking Council to pave the side.
walk on the north side of King street from
Mr. Benz. Baggett's residence to Hollis run,
and also to dig ditch in the road in order
that exit from and entrance TO the city may
be accomplished in more comfortable man
uer during bad weather. The petitioners
further stated that they make most of their
purchases here and proper facilities for
entering and leaving the city should be
afforded them.
Mr.. Burke said the request was reason
able, and the matter one that should be at
tended to at once. He explained the griev-
auce complained of, and the Inconvenience
persons were now subjected to in entering
or leaving the city in bad weather
The President said Mr.. B. was member
ofthe Com mittee on Streets, Ito which COM
mittee the petition had been referred and
he would have an opportunity Of giving the
matter his personal attention.
After the transaction of some business
without debate, the Aldermen were invited
to the chamber Of the Common Council for
the purpose of participating in the election
of a policeman to fill vacancy on that
force, and upon their return some matters
came in from the lower board in which the
Aldermen concurred.
A disposition was at this juncture mani
tested to adjourn, but there being several
papers on the clerks desk which had not
been sent to the other board, such action
was deemed nadvisable, so a recess was
taken and the Common Council informed
that the Aldermen were through with their
business. Some time elapsed, when the board
learned that lengthy debate was in pro-
gress in the chamber of the Common Coun.
Gil, which caused several Aldermen to grow
FESTIVE, when finally Messrs Marhury, Burke
and Strauss (who evidently believe in the
advice given by Mr.. Phelps, the present
Ministe. to England, to new Congressman
-"yote every time to adjoura"-) signtied
desire to close proceedings, and Mr. Mar
bury made motion to that effect, when
was seconded by Mr. Burke, but upon the
President preparing to put the question Mr..
Strauss relented, saying it would be indie
corous to the Common Council to adjourn
abruptly.
The President stated that the motion was
not debatable, and the question being put
two members-Messrs. Burke and Marbury
voted yea, aud Messrs. Strauss, Leadbea-
ter and Moore no; when the motion was
declared lost.
Some business subsequently, came in from
the other board which the Aldermen con-
Cured in without debate, after which the
board adjourned.
COMMON COUNCIL.
A quorum was present at the opening
hour. and in the absence of the President
Mr.. Hubert Snowden was chosen chairman
pro tenn.
for reduction of license on shooting gale
ries from s. per week to S. per month wa;
read,
Mr.. Srowt'en (Mr. Brent in the chair
said that the Finance Committee had con
sidered the subject of shooting galleries, ane
had determined TO informally advise Coun
Gil to make the reduction. Mr.. McCuer
was the only citizen of the city who hao
tod s,,rh oallarx