Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1886-05-27

Gil occupied it's session last night mainly In
considering the various provisions of the
annual license bill.
1t being apparent that the bill as prepared
by the finance committee would meet with
considerable opposition, Mr.. SnowdeD, from
that committee, said that he would offer no
factious opposition to any amendment pro-
posed. He wanted to state, however, that
the bill had been carefully considered, and
that the committee had been aided by some
of the corporation officers and others well
versed in such matters, whose suggestions
were of great service. He did not mean to
say that the finance committee knew more
than the other members of Council but had
given such matters more attention; hence,
he said, the bill as presented had better be
let alone.
When the clause was reached fixing the
tax on persons who sold liquor to be drunk
on the premises to $40, Mr.. Sweeney
moved to amend by inserting $50. Mr..
Snowden thought that the privilege Of sell
ing liquor by the glass was worth SO more
than was required for selling it at retail,
and the amendment was lost.
On Mr.. Fishers motion the clause fixing
the tax on retail tobacco sellers was amend
ed by inserting 81 instead of So, though op.
posed by Mr.. Snowden, who thought that
the IS tax which had been imposed for
years was low enough.
The reason for the insertion in the bill Of
clause on bucket shops was explained
by Mr.. Snowden, who said that it was done
to prevent persous from taking out license
as commercial broker and then opening
bucket shop" The clause and the tax of
$3.50 would prevent such an occurrence.
When the clause taxing lawyers, ply
e,olo nd fictc
Fisher moved to make $25 the tax.
Mr. Snowden opposed the increase, say
ing he thought doctors did more charitable
work than any other class of citizens.
MIR. Brent favored the increase, and said
the physicians and lawyers could stand it.
The tax was fixed at $50.
Considerable discussion arose upon the
proposal to change the tax on butchers sell.
ing meat in market. 1t was explained by
Mr. Snowden that each year the tax
had been RENTED because these butchers
pay large rent. Now it was proposed to
make this tax nominal-S1. To charge more
might drive them away.
Mr. Fisher thought it would be good
thing if the stalls could be turned into
stores. They would rent better as stores
than as stalls. He thought the discrimna.
ton was unconstitutional, and did not fear
even if some of the butchers did 60.
Mr.. Eichberg was satisfied that the butch
ers in market made very little money, and
he thought the finance committee had well
considered the whole subject, and that their
reports were entitled to be adopted.
Mr. Brent urged that s. month was
none too high rent for the stalls. Why OK.
empt them from license when business men
were taxed. Why should these business
,,,.,, ,,ot ho fora1o Tbau pooaflv non.
residents, and paid nothing else to the city
except this rent or license.
Mr. Snowden said that butchers bad paid
no licenses for many years. Only three of
the butchers were non-resldents.
Mr.. Fisher saw no reason for continuing
q bad custom People were now abandon
ing their evil ways in Baltimore, and it was
time we were getting out of bad old ways
here.
Mr.. Uhler explained that it was import
ant that the sinking fund, which was pay
Jag the city debt, should be sustained, and
these rents were source of much Of It's rev.
enue.
Mr.. Brent said that Que gentleman would
give $500 per annum for this end of the mar
ket.
Mr.. Snowden-O Over 5000 is paid now.
The amendment fixing the tax at 800 was
adopted.
The proposal to reduce the tax on sellers
Of mineral waters, etc, from abroad, from
$50 to $25, was supported on the ground
that $50 was prohibitory, and a lower rate
would pay something toward the city rev.
enue This view was taken by Messrs. Uh-
Ter and Snowden.
Messrs. Whiting, Sweeney and others
urged that as there WAS one establishment
doing business here, all of whose profits
we're spent here, such establishment should
be projected, and council should not change
the tax rate 80 az to bring in competition
the dealers Of Washington with large cap
itals.
MIR. Snowden said the finance committee
had been instructed to bring in Il revenue
bill, not prohibitory tariff.
Mr.. Corbett thought this discrimination
was unconstitutional and could not be main
tanned in the courts.
Some discussion took place on the tele.
phone license, which was raised from $50 to
SIS.
Barber shops is per annum) were added
to the subjects of license tax.
After acting on few reports the board
adjourned.
HYDRAULIoN S. F. E. Goa called
meeting of the company was held last night,
Richard L. Carue, 1st Vice President in the
chair and II T, Ramev Recorder acting