Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1895-10-23
is experience he was satisfied the


pay; the men expected it; and it was
patent to all that Council couldn't in
crease the force and the pay too, GER
tainly not at the present time. When
men are led to believe they are to re-
ceive an increase in their wages they
should not be deluded. Now the pro-
posed increase in the force means an
expenditure of 50 400, or an increased
assessment of over 100000 worth of
property. In referring to the present
force he said his experience while acting
ss Mayor had been that the rules for
the government of the force had been
framed more for the convenience of the
men than for the good of the city.
Three men, he said, in addition to the
two officers, were detailed for duty at
the station house, which the speaker
thought was entirely unnecessary. 1t
was the duty of either the Captain or
the Lieutenant to be there, and he could
see no reason why two other men
should be on duty during the day. Be-
sides he didn't believe the men really
appreciated what their duties were.
He had told the present force when
they were sworn in on the first of Au-
gust Che acting as Mayor at the time)
that they must not leave their beats
for their meals, and cited the fact that
soldiers on guard were not allowed to
do so, and also that they must not mass
themselves at places of amusement.
An officer had told him that under the
old order of things men often spent
from two to two hours and half at
their meals, which in reality showed
they were on duty four hours and off
from ten to twelve. The duties of au
Alexandria policeman we're not
arduous. Mr.. Snowden then re-
verted to the promised increase
in their pay which. he said,
the men naturally expected, and he be-
lieved the extra pay would stimulate
them to more effective service. The
vicious element in this city was not as
unmanageable now as formerly, and
under the existing circumstances in
this community the present force was
ample to cope with what disorder oc,
ours among US.
Mr.. Greene said he had heard about
the promised increase in pay and he
was in favor of granting it,
Mr.. Snowden again vacated the chair
and gave history of the fight which
occurred on King street on Saturday
night, October 5, during which ex-
Mayor and Police Commissioner Strauss
blew his whistle, together with the sub
sequent action of the Police Commits
soners in appointing readymen to take
the places of the three regular officers
who we're taking their ten days leave
of absence.
Mr.. Uhler said he had nothing to do
with the issue before the board. He
and the other members of the commit
tee had had a conference with the
commissioners, and the committee had
reported favorably on the petition at
their urgent solicitation. Every one
knew it had been the intention of
Council to increase the pay fthe MEM
bers of the police force; of course Coun-
Gil couldn't do this and employ extra
men too. He had every reason, how
ever, to rely on the judgment of the
commissioners in this matter and would
vote for their petition. He showed the
narrow margins on which the finance
committee had to figure.
Mr.. McCuen agreed with Mr.. Uhler.
Council had turned over the police de.
partment of the city to the commits
sioners. 1t would be discourteous to
them to reject their recommendation.
Mr.. Beach was averse to the adoption
of the committees report and favored
an increase in the pay of the
present force. The men, he said, would
then be enabled to live better, pay their
debts, &c. Council could not increase
the force and the pay at the same time.
Mr.. Snowden favored an increase of
pay, now and when it became necessary
an increase in the force could then be
made. He discussed the issue from
financial standpoint, referring to the
present tax rate and to the fact that
people were building houses beyond the
city's limits in order to avoid the taxes.
MIR. McCuen thought more could be
bought for $45 now than few years
ago.
Mr.. Snowden said he wouldn't con-
trovert the assertion, but proceeded to
show the depressing effects of promis-
ing people an increase of pay and fail
ing to make the promise good.
Mr.. Cation said Council had almost
pledged themselves to the increase in
pay; the men had been anxiously look
ing forward to it, some relying on it for
the winters coal. or for some other ar
ticle in the household makeup equally
as important.
Mr.. McCuen renewed his motion, and
upon viva voce vote being taken the
report of the committe was rejected.
It was then concluded to obtain the
ordinance for the increase from the f.
nance committee and pass it. The pa
per was secured and read. 1t provides
for the payment of $3.50 per anrum to
the captain, 500 to the lieutenant and
$500 to the privates of the police force.
The ordinance was read the second and
third times and passed unanimously.
As stated above, it hung fire in the
Board of Aldermen and was laid on the
table.
Mr.. Strider, from the committe on
public property, presented communi-
cation from, Jas. E. Clements, one of
committee appointed by the County
Board of Supervisors, in regard to the
sale of the Columbus street court house
property. Mr.. Strider detailed his and
Messrs. Harlow and Ballenger's expe-
rience with the supervisors yesterday in
reference to the wish Of the city to
build house for the use of the Hy-
draulian Fire Company. His statement
was in substance as published in yes
terdsy's GAZETTE. Mr.. Strider pre-
sented a resolution, which he desired |
To ha referred To the com nittee ON |