Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1894-12-12

Six Aldermen were present.
Mr.. Lindsey introduced a resolution
looking to the repair of the bulkhead
on Union street from Queen to Wheat's
mill. The resolution provided thai
stone from the old canal be used in the
work, and that the sum of four hun.
dred dollars be appropriated for the
purpose.
MIR. Sweeney was averse to the city
'expending money on the improvement
of private property. The committee
on streets should ascertain the owners
Of the water front in that locality and
compel them to make the needed re-
pairs or pay at least their portion Of
the cost.
MIR. Lindsey said the committee had
seen the resolution and knew its ma
ture. The river was gradually wash.
ing the street away and its ravages
should be arrested at once.
Mr.. Leadbeater said he was unable
to say who owned the river front, but
he had had his attention called to the
steady encroachments of the river on
this square. He was opposed to hasty
legislation in this or any other matter
and wanted the names of the owners oil
the wharf property ascertained before
any work was commenced. 1t would
be unwise to pass such resolution
without proper inquiry, and suggested
that it be referred.
Mr. Burke agreed with the previous
speaker, but still this was public
thoroughfare and people would get the
use of it were it repaired.
Mr.. Sweeney said the proposed work
would cost in the neighborhood of 50,
600 instead of $500 ss provided in the
resolution. About $50 or 200 feet Of
masonry would be necessary, and an
expensive foundation would have to be
provided. He said Council had
better be careful how it entered
blindly upon such work. It
would be more business-like to
count the cost, and see that there was
no legislation for the benefit of private
parties. His idea was that the owners
of this water front were as liable Tor
the cost of this work as house owner
for the pavement in front of his prop
erty.
Mr.. Davis said he visited the locality
a Sunday or two ago, and found the
roadway about gone. Cayerns had
been formed under the street by the
action of the tides. He moved that
the resolution be amended so as to pro-
vide for the committee ascertaining the
cost of the work and what proportion
the owners of the river front must pay
Mr.. Burke seconded the amendment
and the resolution as amended was
passed.
Mr.. Davis introduced q resolution
which was!adopted providing that the
committee on public property take
steps toward obtaining possession Of
certain lots near the jail belonging to
the city for the purpose of converting
them into storage yards for the use Of
the CITY. He said that often terra cot.
ia pipe, cobble stones and other mate.
rial belonging to the corporation was
thrown about promiscuously in the
city, and were either destroyed or
stolen. Ifsuch yards were established
the members of the chain gang could
be put to work during inclement
| weather in breaking stone for the i'm.
provement of the streets instead oil
lounging in Jail.
The resolution was adopted after
several questions had been asked by
members and answered. 1t seems that
these lots are now occupied by small
houses erected by colored people who
have no better claim to them than that
of squatter sovereignty.
An ordinance providing for the re
paving of Cameron street, between
| Fairfax and Lee, under the 33d section
| of the city charter, which came in from
the Common Council precipitated some
| debate.
Mr.. Burke said he had at the last
meeting voted for the resolution pro
viding for the drawing up of this ordi
nance. but since that time he had hao
good reason for changing his mind re-
larding it. This square was in nc
worse condition than many others IL
the city. 1t was used but little
and should the work be done
the city would have to foot the
bill and wait until the courts decided
whether or not the abutting property
owners were responsible for two-thirds
of the cost.
Mr.. Sweeney thought the ordinance
had better go over; there was plenty OF
time, as it was provided that the work
should not commence before spring.
Mr.. Lindsey spoke to the same effect
but suggested the street was used con
siderably by the wagons of Mr.. BROCK
cit and of Mr.. Hill in their baking busi
ness. At present there was but one
roadway FROM the strand and that was
King street.
| MIR. Sweeney said that people living
IN this square had not asked for the
proposed repaving, and ne doubted the
legitimacy of tearing up the street anc
making them pay two-thirds of the
cost without asking their concurrence
Such work was generally done after 9
majority of property-owners had made
formal petition to Council.
The ordinance was finally laid or
the table.
| A resolution appropriating $3.50 fol
the purpose of enabling the Commits
sioner of the Revenue to employ a dep
uty to aid in making the assessment o
the city property for the year 1895 wa!
received from the Common Council anc
concurred in, as was also their actor
| in confirming the nomination of MIR
Charles Callahan as Deputy Collector
Major Dufey, who was in the cham
her arose and said that Mr.. Edgar
Thompson had been his first caoice
hut that he had position in Washing
ton which he could not afford to relin