Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1888-05-09
COMMON COUNCIL.

The Council did not obtain quorum un-
ill some time ofter eight o'clock, and eleven
members made up the council during the
evening. President Sweeney was absent at
the opening, nut he came in soon alter The
minutes had been read and took his seat.
The result of the democratic primary ex-
cited much attention and as considerable
part of the evening was spent in recess
awaiting business from the Aldermen, every
new conner outside the bar was questioned
as to the news from the wards.
The business generally was OF routine
character. Just before the close of the ses
sion, however, report from the Committee
on Streets relative TO the low grounds on
Royal near Princess street, which had been
laid on the table by the Board Of Aldermen,
came in from that board by mistake and was
sent back
Mr.. Fisher then offered resolution di-
rectng the Superintendent Of Police to bill
up those sunken lots. He said the warm
season was coming on, sickness was immi-
nent, aud the need of the work was extreme.
He said if the committee on streets could
not aba,e the nuisance tho Superintendent
of Police could, and he introduced the resc-
luton directing him to do so.
MIR. Aitcheson said the Superintendent of
Police might abate the nuisance by the ex.
penditure OF from $500 to 81, 900 then he
expected several suits against the city would
follow from people on whose premises The
wafer would be turned. He said the lot
was the dumping ground for oilal by the
residents Of the neighborhood and that
the police should give the matter their at
tention.
Mr. Snowden was in favor Of the work
h,fo oh cd fo foti IL q
better to proceed in y legal way. TIE
rights of the city in the matter should be
first ascertained and then enforced.
Mr. Fisher thought that the city had suf
fcent law to authorize the Superintendent
of Police to 60 ahead and do the work. The
matter was not one that would bear wait
ing. 1t was a question OF sickness OF
heallh-of life and death. Already some
deaths had occurred in that neighborhood
from malaria.
Mr.. Snowden thought that the deaths
which occur from malaria came not from
these lots, but from the marsh beyond. 1t
might be that after the expenditure of some
$500 or 81 900 the matter would not be i'm
proved and the city might have several
suits on its hands The subject was now in
the hands OF the Committee on Streets.
The chairman, Capt. Bryant, said that
as soon as legal grade could be establish
ed the street committee could press the
work in reference to those lots.
Mr.. Fisher said that while waiting to
leealiZe the grade half the people of the Sec
ond ward might be attacked by disease.
There was no marsh within some hundred
yards as suggested. 1t was all running
water beyond and did not produce malaria.
Mr.. Snow9en did not think delay would
be attended with any danger. He had grea.
respect for physicians but come had told
him long ago that he could not keep his
health on south Lee street. where they said
mosquitoes and malaria reigned, but there
was life in the old land yet.
Mr.. Fisher said that modern physicians
say that mosquitoes are an antidote TO ma
aria, but the few. mosquitoes of the north
end of the town did not serve that purpose
The resolution was referred
The Board then adjourned