Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1885-05-13
CITY COUNCIL.

The regular semi monthly meeting of the
CITY Council was held last night.
IN THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN
the minutes of the last meeting were read
and approved, after which the committees
were called for reports, none, however, hav-
inr ANYTHING TO present save the Finance
committee, which, through Mr.. Smoot, its
chairman, reported 10 favor Of reducing the
lax bill on a lot owned by a. w. Armstrong
The report WAS adopted
SIr. Strauss handed to the clerk bill for
ton of coal furnished the Relief Hook and
Ladder Company BIZ the Alexandria Ma
Tine Railway and Ship Building Company.
Mr.. Smoot thought it was customary 10
submit such bills TO the Fire Wardens.
Mr.. Strauss said the bill had been handed
to him by Mr.. Samuel A. Mankin, clerk for
the shipyard~ company, and without q
thought he had presented it to Council.
After some further coloquy Mr.. Strauss
asked and Obtained permission to Withdraw
the bill.
The board then, after ten minutes in
PERMISSION, on motion of Mr.. Strauss, took
areCess.
Alter a. few minutes conversation, the
Messenger pro tempore of the Common Coun-
eli, John G. Nightingale, appeared IN the
chamber with several papers which had
bean acted upon by the lower board. which,
upon being read, were cOncurred in by the
Aldermen; when
Mr.. Strauss moved to adjourn, but before
the motion was put that gentleman was APP
pointed by the President, Mr.. Downham, to
inform the Common Council that the Alder
men had transacted their business and were
ready to adjourn. Mr.. Strauss soon return
ed and said the lower board had other bus.
mess for the consideration Of the Board Of
Aldermen; whereupon another recess was
TAKEN subject to the call of the chair. After
q few minutes intermission, during which
general conversation was INDUCED in, Mr..
Fisher, from tine other board, appeared
with several papers, which were concur
red in.
The board was again about to adjourn,
when, at the suggestion of Mr.. Marbury,
who stated that Mr.. E. S. Leadbeater, who
vas making statement to the Common
e. .ncl in regard to the Maryland Ferry
Cor, pany, desired to make similar exhibit
~ rho Aldermen, another recess was taken.
n ahont ten minutes Mr.. l.. entered the
rb,,nbsr 9 nd stated that in the absence of
,bs rennire number of members in each
hosrJ no,hin would be done in the matter
ofIha E.rrv ,"he Aldermen thereupon adj
journed.
COMMON COUNCIL.
The regular meeting of the Eoard was
called to order by Pres Hdent Douglas snort
Is after o'clock last nj. GIT.
4 communication was received from the
Mayor announcing that be had suspended
Y. N. Taylor, ianitor Of the Market build
ing and messenger of the Common Council,
aud action deferred until later hour of the
evening.
When the proposal to pave Columbus and
Cameron streets near Christ Church was
brought up.
Mr. Eicbberg wanted to know how much
il woId cost.
1t was said it would cost $500 for the city
and 81 900 to the property holders. Inc
subject was laid over.
An application of g. S. Adam for leave to
extend the fence Of the baseball grounds on
Washington, Columbus, Wythe and Pendle-
ton streets to the curb lines around the
square being presented,
Mr.. Suowden suggested that the subject be
referred to the street committee with power
10 act and arrange to secure the removal OF
the fence, if need be.
Mr.. Eichberg did not think it was lawful
TO give Councils powers TO committee.
The grant was made TO last during the
pleasure of Council.
By permission the subject of appropriate
Ing $3.50 to the Maryland ferry was consd-
cred informally.
President E. S. Leadbeater regretted that
two thirds of the board were not present, as
it was important that the aid should be
given at once. 1t had cost $3.50 to repair
the steamer.
Some of the merchants on the wharf coh
trbuted d small sum only, while others had
contributed more literally; but, certainly,
as the town received the benefit, the public
treasury should keep the ferry open. For
three years past MIR. w. S. Moore had run
The boat but now Mr.. Moore had declined
to make any further contract. 1t costs
about three dollars per day to run the boat
and the daily receipts are about this amount
The matter was an urgent one, for the es.
;taali. hment which repaired the boat was
waiting for pay. ;,
Mr.. Nails asked whether it was intended
ihat :h,s should be an annual appropriation.
Mr.. Lesnbeater: Il should not be sur
prsed, sir, if an annual appropriation was
needed 80 long as this old boat continues
to run" Tie $3.50 appropriated last year,
however, lasted until the boat sunk and the
last $40 in the treasury was required TO raise
her and bring her to the wharf
Mr.. Eichberg said that this ferry boat
was the cheapest luxury that any city en-
joyed. Every city in the union had to make
appropriations in aid of lines of communl,
cation. Baltimore kept up an ice boat and
Alexandria, if it expected trade from Ma
ryIand, must keep up the ferry boat. Either
this boat must be sold for its debt and the
ferry given up or the City Council must pay
bad my way, would appropriate sufficient
10 make this free ferry"
A resolution by Mr.. Lambert for the re-
pairing of Duke street, between tairfaS
snd Royal streets, was supported oy Mr.
Suowdeu, who said he had once opposed
the work, but was now convinced that il
Would now be cheaper to do the woik thar
10 leave it undone.
Mr.. Eichberg said he was not opposed t
The resolution, but thought that as it asu
thorzed the payment of money, twelve
Votes would be necessary and eleven mem