The times., 1898-06-23

thought that the bill ought to be with
drawn and a carefully considered meas
ure, providing for an equitable system of
street extensions, be substituted. The
proposition was substantially to give
everything to the northwest section of the
city.
Mr.. Babcock suggested that it would
require two or three years to complete
the proposed Improvement. and in that
period the surplus would be replenished.
Mr.. Dockery said it was necessary TO go
ahead with the Improvement of the water
service; that must be done and 1t was i'm
perative. AS TO the cost of the Eleventh
Street extension. he said ii was merely
speculation; that nobody could tell what
the entire cost would be. He particularly
objected to that provision of the bill
that appropriated money to pay for the
land condemned. He would not object to
passing bill authorizing the condemna-
ton of the land, but he would make no
appropriation and would leave that TO
the future action of Congress.
Mr. Babcock stated that two of the
largest property owners had offered to
donate SO much of their land as may be
necessary. He added that the policy Of
street extension ought to be established
now; that five years from now, with the
enhanced value Of property and the erec-
ton of improvements, the property would
cost $780, 900 or more.
What do you propose to do about it2
inquired Mr. Babcock of Mr.. Dockery
Mr.. Dockery replied that he would divide
the surplus equitably between all the sec
tions of the city and not give 1t all 10
a section already too much favored.
Mr. Babceek remarked that as all the
street extensions could not be under
taken at once. he proposed to take them
up in detail, beginning with the most i'm
portant those that would benefit the
largest number of people.
Mr.. Dockery reiterated his opposition to
the bill, and declared that he would fight
its passage unless the appropriation was
eliminated entirely. He wanted Congress
TO retain the power 10 review the awards
and the decisions of the courts in the
premises.
Finally. after comforting with Mr.. Dock
cry Mr.. Babcock withdrew the proyi-
sion for an appropriation and substituted
one appropriating only $1,000, Ito apply
as so much payment on the condemnation
proceedings under the act
After consultation IL was deemed nee
essary to make some appropriation to
manifest the good faith of the Govern
ment in the transaction.
BY this change Mr. Dockery accomplish
ed the object he had in view which was
to retain in the hands of Congress the
power to reject the entire proceeding in
the event that the awards for damages
should be considered excessive.
Mr.. Mudds amendment to include the
eastern end of Pennsylvania Avenue was
rejected
Mr.. Mudd then offered another amend
ment to divide the cost of the extension
of Eleventh Street equally between the
District and the United States. He pro-
tested against saddling the entire cost of
nd cir =,
District and quoted the organic law TO
show that the expense of maintaining the
existing government should be divided
between the General Government and
the District. He said that If that
feature of the organic law could be re-
pealed. or repudiated. In bill to extend
Eleventh Street. ii could be Incorporated
in any other bill. Mr.. Mudd said that If
the whole expense of street improvements
was to be saddled on the District it
would bankrupt the local government. In
that event he insisted that the property of
the United States. which was more than
half, in point of value of all OH the Dis
trict, should be taxed.
He criticised the existing local govern
nent in imposing taxation without rep
resentation and thus denying a funda-
mental principle OF our General Govern
ment.
Mr. King suggested that If Mr.. Mudd
desired to re-estabish a government of
representation in the District he would
find many supporters on the Democratic
side.
Mr.. Mudd's amendment was rejected
and he raised the point of no quorum
against the bill.
At the request of Mr.. Babcock he
offered TO withdraw it. but the chair
ruled that il was too late. A roll call
developed the presence of less than
quorum and the House adjourned.