Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1896-02-12

streets of the city for the purpose of
lavine sewer, water or gas pipes, favor
ably reported by the committt on
streets was nextread. It provides that
deposits shall be made by persons do
ing such work for the purpose OF re-
placing the street, the city to DO Inc
work. -,
Mr.. Cation didn't exactly understand
why the deposits should not be return
ed to those making them.
MIR. Burke said there would be moth
ing to return from the fact that the de-
post would be for the purpose of en-
abling the city to do the work.
On Mr.. Cations motion the further
consideration of the ordinance was dis
pensed with and it went over until the
next meeting.
An ordinance repeating that portion
of the city code authorizing the City
Council to elect ready men for the
police force was introduced by MIR. Ca
ton and passed unanimously.
After the transaction of some other
business which caused no discussion,
on motion the Board of Aldermen were
invited into the chamber for the pur-
pose of listening to statement from
Mr.. E. S. Leadbeater, formerly Chief
Engineer of the Fire Department. The
Aldermen having entered MIR. Lead
beaten came upon the floor and address
ed the Joint meeting in substance as fol-
lows: He thanked the members for the
courtesy extended him and said be ap.
peared before them from a sense OF
duty. He was an old fireman and ever
had the interests of the department on
his mind. Two or three months ago
be had sent a communication to the
Fire Wardens suggesting the purchase
of third steam fire engine. The COM
munication had been sent to the City
Council, but no action has been taken
in the matter. The wardens them
selves, he said, were gentlemen whose
powers were unlimited in the way of
purchasing apparatus or anything else
for the fire department. They could
purchase half q dozen steam engines II
they felt so disposed without asking
the permission of Council. Mr.. Lead
beaten gave history of the two en-
gines now in use in the city, and show
ed how the city was dependent solely
upon them in case of fire. He was ap-
prehensive, however, that two fires OF
SOME magnitude might occur at once,
either of which might demand the at
tention of both engines. At such
time the usefulness of third
engine would be apparent. He also
gave numerous instances where the
extra engine would have proven bepe-
fetal. Mr.. Leadbeater said he at one
time favored the purchase of the will
liam A. Smoot" as an auxiliary engine,
but of late his opinions had undergone
change, and be now believed the
city's interests would be best subserved
by purchasing better apparatus. For
g, 900 or $1,000 suitable engine could
be procured and placed in the Hydrau-
lion house, as that company was likely
TO move their quarters to the north.
western portion of the city. The new
engine could be held in reserve and
only used in cases of emergency. a
man could be employed to render the
limited services required as engineer
for 500 or 5000 year, and consider
able anxiety would thus be allayed
among those who fear the present de-
partment could not cope with anything
ike an extensive confagration. He
closed by saying this matter had
weighed greatly upon his mind OF late,
..nd he hoped Council would take some
speedy action upon the suggestion.
The speaker said he was an old fire.
man and for many years Chief Engi-
neer, and spoke from his own observa.
tons and from practical experience.
He thanked the joint meeting for the
attention they had given him.
The joint meeting then dissolved and
Council adjourned.