Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1895-02-27
CITY COUNCIL.

bate. Several measures of general in
teress, however, were passed, amoni
them an ordinance allowing the cleo
trio railway company to connec
its tracks with those of tn
Southern Railway at Royal ant
Wilkes streets; an ordinance TO
the repairing of one square of Cameron
street, from Fairfax to Lee, an ordi
nance for the building of bulkhea(
on the east side of Union street, be
tween Queen and Princess IAN eyesor,
for many years.; an ordinance for tn,
curbing Of west side of Union stree
from Duke to Wolfe, and resolution
for deed for the American coal wharf
property to the Alexandria Fertilizer
and Chemical Company.
BOARD OF ALDERMEN.
Seven Aldermen were present.
Mr.. Goodrich called up the ordi
nance for the repaving of Cameron
street from Fairfax to Lee, which hao
passed the lower board last December
and their action was concurred in.
Mr.. Leadbeater introduced an order
for the appointment of committee Of
two from each board for the purpose OF
ascertaining at what cost an additional
steam fire engine could be procured.
He referred to the fact that at the last
meeting of Council he had presented
similar paper regarding the engine
civilian A. Smoot," and since that
time he had had conversations with
firemen, engineers and with other peo-
pie, and had become convinced that the
time had arrived in the city's history
when third fire engine was indis-
pensable. He had probably made
mistake in limiting the ne
gotiations in his order at the
last meeting to the civilian A.
Smoot," but the present one left the
city free to purchase any other engine.
He, therefore, withdrew the former,
which had been laid over. He, how
ever, said that III his talks with prac-
teal people he had ascertained that
that engine was in good order and
could be purchased for less than $500.
He urged the necessity of third
engine and showed its utility in large
fire or where two confiagrations should
occur at one time in different parts of
the city. Mr.. Leadbeater also said
that Notwithstanding the fact that the
wheels of fire engine are large and
strong, there is likelihood of them
running off the axles in passing over
rough streets, and should such an &C.
cident occur when the city had three
engines considerable apprehension
would be allayed by bringing out the
reserve engine. Besides the auxiliary
engine need not be pulled to every fire:
it could be used when wanted, or each
engine could be in service three months
at time. He saw no reason why
another company should be formed or
why much additional expense should
be incurred in keeping third engine
Mr.. Burke suggested that the finance
committee year ago had deemed 1t
inadvisable to purchase the William
A. Smoot."
Mr.. Leadbeater showed the tests to
which this engine had been put, but
repeatedly said his order did not limit
negotiations for that engine alone. The
city could purchase any other it pleased
Mr.. Goodrich seconded Mr.. Lead
beater's order and it was adopted, ayes
5, noes 2-Messrs. Burke and Hinken
No other business originated in the
Board of Aldermen, and after concur
ring in all the business sent in from the
Common Council full accounts ofwhich
can be found in the official proceedings)
the board adjourned.
COMMON COUNCIL.
The board began business with q
quorum shortly after the hour for open
ing.
The Mayor by letter advised Coun-
Gil to take measures looking to the es-
tablishment of fire plug on the water
main near the aims house and the stor-
ing of hose at that institution for use
in case of fire. The subject was re-
ferred to the committee on public prop
erty.
The committee on streets reported in
favor of repairing the dockside at the
foot of Queen street the cost to be
charged to the adjacent real estate.
Capt. Mushbach asked what was
meant by charging the work to the adj
jacent property.
The chair said the chairman of the
committee on streets would give infor-
nation.
Mr.. Burke explained that water
lot on the east side of Union street be-
longed to the heirs of r. II. Miller. 1t
was formerly taxed to Mr.. Miller but
has lately not been taxed. The ordi-
nance was adopted-yeas II, nays O.
After some discussion as to the
method of curbing the west side OF
Union street, between Duke and Wolfe,
two thirds of the cost to be levied on
the adjoining real estate, an ordinance
forthat purpose was adopted-yeas IL,
nays 0.
When a resolution providing that a
committee should receive bids for the
lease of the gas works was reported
from the joint committee,
Mr.. Evans inquired if the City Coun-
Gil had determined to get rid of the
gas works.
The chair said that the resolution
seemed to indicate that intention.
Mr.. Evans announced his opposition
to the plan.
Mr.. Fisher favored the resolution.
The chair said that he had expected
report on the proposal of the Atlantic
Gas Construction Company to lease the
works, but instead, this report had
been presented. He did not think the
Council desired to cell the gas works.
AS there was no reason for selling the
works esneciallv at this time. he