Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1894-01-24

I
ture authorizing the corporation to
borrow 100000 for street and sewer
Improvements.
Mr.. Kraft explained resolution
prepared by a committee on the same
subject. He thought that those people
who have to bear the whole cost should
be the only ones to vote upon the ques-
ton.
Mr.. Cation offered his measure as
substitute for Mr.. Kraffi's, but Council
preferred to act on Mr.. KS. resolution.
MIR. Mushbach moved to strike out
Gree holders" and insert white voters.
He thought that the freeholders of to-
day might not be the freeholders of the
time when the burden would have to
be borne.
The Chair-Would that be in accord
ance with the constitution?
MIR. Mushbacn had no doubt on the
subject. The constitution of Virginia
requires all qualified citizens over 81
years be allowed to vote for officers not
for measures.
The chair called attention to the fact
that many colored people of Alexandria
are freeholders.
Mr.. Fisher thought that the constitu-
tional path should be followed He
urged that all qualified voters be allow
ed to vote on the question.
Mr.. Mushbach read the consti-
tutional provision. He thought
that the Council could copine
the vote on this subject to any class
whom they might think proper. He
was sure that not all voters should be
allowed to vote on the subject. He
thought it shouldgo to the white voters;
if some of the free holders were colored
they were so insignificant in number as
not TO make any important exception
to the rule.
Mr.. Cation agreed with Capt. Mush-
bach as TO the constitutional questions,
but not otherwise. He knew large
number of honest, industrious colored
freeholders and he thought that as they
would help to bear the burden they
should have a Vote upon it, As to the
people who paid 10 tax he did not
think they should have voice in this
matter. He advocated street improve
ment with many illustrations of their
benefits.
Mr.. Snowdcn [Mr. Thompson in the
chair said he was distressed to see such
measure as this introduced at this
time when the total receipts of the city
were but 500, 900 and of this $34, 900 was
for interest on the nearly million of
debt. This bill would add $4,000 per
annum to the interest account. Roam
oke had borrowed without care for her
future. Elizabeth, n. j., had done the
same and now part of Roanoke had
been planted in corn and the people
had to leave Elizabeth to get rid of the
high taxes Take the $4,000 used
for street repairs and cleaning and the
several sums that could be saved in Va
rious ways and use $4,000 yearly to
improve the streets. This would give
ample work for the unemployed people
and not require $4,000 additional
year to pay interest. Good streets did
not make city but rising city makes
streets. The city was growing because
OF its conservative course in lis finances,
but increase the taxes as is pro
posed and in few years
population will be driven away |
lie deprecated the borrowing Of money
every time an Improvement had to be
made.
Mr.. Mushbach had never heard q
more extraordinary argument than
that by the President of the board
Mr.. NJ. reviewed the course Of Norton.
Wise County, Roanoke Elizabeth and
other cities which had gone miles into
the country with streets and put fire
plugs in mountain wastes. But out
siders see that Alexandria is behind
the age. Men regard us as the worst
they ever saw, they laugh at our
streets, at our hotels, at our want of
sewerage, and he was tired OF this, and |
he wanted an improvement. He
thought some measure for getting Alex
andria out of the mire was needed.
Mr.. Fisher said that the sinking fund
bad diminished the city debt 100000, |
so that the addition of 100000 would |
in fact be but an increase of 100000.
Mr.. Catan spoke of the deficiencies
in streets, gas, &C., suffered by |
the inhabitants of the outskirts.
A fair assessment was needed.
Mr.. Mushbach inquired how many |
persons returned an income for taxa
ton.
Mr.. Johnson (the clerk)-Six.
Mr.. Mushbach said that he was one.
Mr.. Uhler said he was another. Mr.. |
Cation said he reported an income last !
year. The chairman regretted that be
did not nav such tax.
Mr.. Cation continued, and urged that
men who have built houses are now
left in the mud.
Mr. Evans contendcd that the city |
was bound by the compromise bill of
1870 not to increase its debt. 1t seemed |
to him as if the City Council in part
was trying to see how big fools they
could make of themselves.
Mr.. Uhler said if the City Council
would burn the sinking fund bonds,
50 $50 interest could be secured and
used on the streets. He claimed that
an increase of the city debt would be
violation Of good faith with the bond
holders.
Mr. Snowden said that Mr.. Mushbach
had admitted that excessive improve
ment taxes had injured Eliza
beth, n. j., and Roanoke, Va.
He was not afraid of it being
said that he opposed improvements
He had voted for all permanent i'm
provements, and if any member can
find on the record any vote of his
against needed improvements he would
eat the book. He was opposed to re-