Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1896-04-29

several pieces of property in the Sec
ond ward. One, however, had been
partially selected which was deemed
favorable for the purposes of the COM
mittee. Council had originally appro-
priated Sc, 900 for the erection of an en-
CINE house on the Columbus street
court house lot, but there being some
friction with the county authorities con-
corning this property and merchants in
the Second ward having protested
against the removal of the engine house,
it had been deemed advisable to make
selection in the neighborhood of the
present engine house. He suggested
that some money would be realized
from the sale of the old house.
Mr.. Snowden thought Council should
know what lot was being purchased be-
fore final action was taken.
Mr.. Strider said he had no objection
| to imparting the information, and said
the lot fixed upon was on the north OF
that occupied by the present engine
house.
MIR. Mushbach asked if the city
could acquire right of way over the
alley.
Mr.. Strider was satisfied it could, but
if it could not the purchase would not
be consummated. The lot was 2S feet
front and over one hundred deep.
Mr.. Latham moved the adoption OF
the resolution.
Mr.. Snowden asked how much the
new house would cost.
Mr.. Strider said about $1,000.
Mr.. Uhler remarked that that sum
had been appropriated as the partial
cost. He proceeded to the Auditors
office for the purpose of ascertaining the
assessed value of the lot which had
been offered to Council and found the
assessment was commensurate with the
price asked.
The resolution was adopted.
MIR. Uhler presented q petition from
Mr.. E. S. Leadbeater requesting Coun-
Gil to direct the Corporation Attorney
to postpone the motion for dissolving
the injunction recently procured by
certain persons who have tapped the
city sewers until after the next regular
meeting of Council.
Mr.. Uhler opposed the suggestion
and thought the matter should be al
| lowed to go on.
Mr.. Snowden, however. thought the
request modest one. He had talked
with several gentlemen who had tap
ped the sewers, and they were averse
to any further litigation in the matter.
He believed they would all pay fair
assessment for the privilege they ell
oyed if Council showed conciliatory
spirit.
Mr.. McCuen said all had signifed
a willingness to pay reasonable sum,
bat he saw no reason for postponing
the case in the court. The object was
merely to substantiate the city's right
to charge for tapping the sewers. Coun-
Gil could made modified terms later.
Mr.. Mushbach agreed with Mr..
Snowden. The present charges for
tapping sewers was excessive, and he
believed all interested were willing to
pay a reasonable amount for the use of
these conduits. He also said the pres
ent charges were not equitable. Two
offices, for instance, were charged sS5,
| while the Portner Brewery and the
railway depots were assessed at SIS
each. Those who have tapped the
sewers naturally desired an opportuni,
ty to have conference with the au-
thorities in order to have the assess
ments made more equal.
Mr.. Greene adopted the views eX-
pressed by Mr.. Mushbach.
Mr.. Burke was opposed to any delay
in the pending legal proceedings. The
question had been agitatod for the past
year, and was one which should be set
tied speedily, once and for all. When
once settled and the city's right to levy
the sewer tax was maintained q revised
schedule of rates could then be prepar-
ed if deemed advisable. Everything
being ready, he was in favor of pro-
ceeding.
III. Mushbach said the granting of
the petition would not delay matters in
the court. The witnesses could file
their afidsvits in the meantime and
there would be no inconvenience to
any one. During a colloquy between
him and Mr.. Burke the former took the
ground that citizen who tapped
sewer abated nuisance and was there
fore a public benefactor. and should
not be taxed in consequence,
Mr.. Uhler thought the present
charges were excessive, but the city
had been driven into this litigation and
been forced to attempt to disconnect
taps made by private citizens. When
the legality of the city's right is estab.
lished he would vote to lessen the
charges and refund any excess which
had been paid. He still opposed delay
in the court.
Mr.. Mushbach again argued that the
granting of the petition would not ma
terially delay matters. Should the
matter be taken to the Court of APP
peals, where it would likely 60 if the
city was victorious, the case would not
come up until next winter.
The petition was finally granted.
Mr.. Klaus asked if q Police Commits
sioner who had been elected to repre-.
sent the Second ward could remove
from that ward and hold his position
on the board.
The chair said he could not answer
the question at present, but the Corpo-
ration Attorney now had the matter
under consideration.
Nothing further appearing Mr..
Greene was requested to notify the
Board of Aldermen that the Common
Council was ready to adjourn. He
soon returned and after making his re- |