Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-07-31
10
e5,626,6ia.40
s,s7s,oss.g
5,s26,6ls.40
Apparent deficit.
Very respectfully,
46,417.57
]. T. PETTY.
~ !. TEIIr,
Auditor District of Columbia.

j. j. PETTY,
Auditor District Of Columbia.
beg to state in this connection that the esti-
mate for 1891, submitted by the Commissioners,
is a conservative one, and that in view OF the
amount received in 1890 il will not be unreason-
able to assume that the increase of receipts in
1881 above the estimates for that year may be
sufficient 70 cover the apparent deficit shown
above"
THE AQURDUcr Tunnel
In regard to the abandoned tunnel there was
quito an interesting little eolloquy brought on
by Mr.. Breckinridge's asking:
If the District of Columbia we're exempted
FROM one-half OF the payment Of the expense OF
that hole in the ground which 1 believe is
called an 'aqueduct, or a 'vaduct.' or a 'tun-
nel,' and which was an absolute failure by rea-
son of the Neglect of the officers of the govern
ment and not By the fault OF the District, and
if it were exempted from the payment Of hall
the expenditure for the Geological Park would
there be a deficiency under the estimates sub
mitted by the COMMISSIONER"
Mr.. McComas-I will show presently that
there is deficiency now; but, of course.
upon the basis stated IN the gentleman's ques-
ton there would not only be no deficiency, but
there would be a large surplus fund.
Mr.. Breckinrldge-I would be glad il my
friend would pu. into the Record the exact
facts as to that statement.
Mr.. McComas-I agree with what nv col
league on the committee seems to indicate as
Hls views, tnaI the Dlstrict ought 70 De re1m-
bursed Its hall OF the money expended upon
the tunnel, which was expended ostensibIy for
the benefit of the District of Columbia but
which did not yield any benefit and which was
not expended at the suggestion of the District
Mr.. Kerr iowa. will not the gentleman i'll
connection with that. give US some infor mation
to whether or not that tunnel was made at
the request of the District authorities?
Mr. McComas-i viii say from examina-
ton which made several years ago that SO far
as now recall Maj. 1wining, who was one of
the District Commissioners and the representa-
tive Of the government, was the first to suggest
O tunnel. He and Capt. Hoxie. the assistant
under Mai. Lydecker. the government engi-
neer, were, SO far ss l know. the main pro-
moters Of that enterprise. But supposed my
OF Kentucky when he spoke OF tho water
works, referred to the surface works.
Mr.. Breckinridge (ky. No. sir; l kept them
separate in my mind. for the reason that
wantsd to have the information in as distinct a
form possible.
Mr. Henderson Qowa)-My colleague on the
committee (Mr. McComas) will allow me to
correct him IN one respect Capt Hoxie was
one of the originators of plan, but the plan
suggested by him was not followed out
Dir. Heard-That Is correct
Mr.. McComas-Yes; Capt Hoxie was in
favor Of what may be called surface tunnel
tunnel only so far below the surface as to OBJ
viate the climatic and atmospheric effects,
such as frosts. The deep tunnel originated as
have stated. in the suggestion of the gentle
the District; and, 80 far as know. was urged in
that way, and not in response TO any demand OF
the people of the District.
THE STREET nAILRoADs
The Senate also spent a short time yesterday
In discussing the conference report on the
District appropriation bill after the House had
agreed to the report. The discussion was on the
streetrailroad provision, providing that any com
pany changing its motive power from horse To
any improved motor can issue stock to cover
the cost OF the Improvement and also that the
Washington and Georgetown and Metropolitan
lines shall forfeit their charters il they fail &c
substitute within two years such improved
power on all their lines.
In the short discussion Mr.. Blair suggested
that tho roads might construe modern motive
power to mean young horses.
Mr.. Plumb said IL must be modern motive
power. In the fret place" he said .'of course
this Is requirement TO do a very large amount
OF work, and very expensive work. within .
short period of time. A large amount of none,
has got to De raised. have no doubt in the
long run, and in q very brief period of time
the value of the property will be enhanced fan
IN excess OF the additional expenditure; but the
money has got to be raised at all events. and al
werequire that TO be done within o short De
Rod OF time, that, according to the view Of
some gentlemen who had looked into thi.
matter, constituted to some extent n burden
but whether it be burden or . benefit, il
these roads are receiving from the District
more than they ought TO have, and il they are
not bearing their fair share of the public bur
dens In the shape of taxation. that matter,
have no doubt, viii be taken care Of by tn,
committee on the District OF Columbia. which
has had this subject before IL. as stated by the
Senator from Tennessee, and the benefits which
are to be conferred by this legislation. as sooI
as they are manifested in the increased re
ceIpts. II they are, as have no doub, they Will
be. will be taken into account or that commit
Tee in its consideration Of this very importan
subject"
The matter was allowed to 60 over In orde,
shat the report might be printed