Evening star., 1899-03-10
Mayor Simpson Announced as Candi-
date for Reelection.
INTEREST IN MUNICIPAL CONTEST
Special Meeting Of City Council
Held Last Night.
LIV ELY DISCU SSION
Evening Star Bureau,
No. 727 King st.
PaI1 tolanhnn No 10R


No. 727 King St
Bell telephone No. 1O6
ALEXANDRIA. Va, March 10, 1899.
The general impression that Mayor Geo.
l.. Simpson would be a candidate for re-
election this spring was verified this morn
ing The mayor stated to a Star reporter
that he was still in the field and proposed
to stand on the same platform which
his canvass two years ago was based and
which has characterized his administration
support of law and order and the best
| interests of the city and in opposition to
political corruption, gambling and similar
elements.
1t has been currently rumored that ex-
Mayor Luther H. Thompson would be a
candidate. Mr.. Thompson this morning. in
conversation with a Star reporter stated
that he had never sought the nomination
and would not do so under any circum-
stances. He would, however, accept 1t If
offered by the people.
A great deal of interest is being mani
Tested in the democratic primary, which
will probably be held some time in April,
as the selection of a candidate practically
decides the issue at the May elections.
The smallpox question has been of
such exceeding interest that it has thor
oughly permeated local politics. Indeed,
Mayor Simpsons opponents are principally
relying upon this agitation. urging that the
mayors position has been reprehensible.
As the smallpox scare is dying out, how
ever. and excitement subsiding, business
men and citizens generally are understood
to be indorsng Mayor Simpsons course in
the matter. 1t is the general impression
that Mayor Simpson will be renominated
by large majority.
Special Meeting of City Council.
A called meeting of the city council was
held last night. The principal, almost the
sole, question considered was that of the
city's finances in relation to the smallpox
stua ton.
AS stated in yesterdays Star, expendi-
lures incurred In handling smallpox up to
the first of this month aggregated more
than 5000, proving a heavy drain on the
city treasury. 1t was, therefore, deemed
necessary by the finance committee to rec
ommend additional appropriations for
meeting expenses in the various branches
of municipal government The sum Of
2,JJ0 was appropriated, to be used between
now and May 81 for regular expenses.
The finance committee reported on the
bills submitted by various doctors WHO were
employed under the health department to
conduct a reinspection and vaccination. 1t
was recommended that the bills should be
paid at One-half their face value. excepting
the bill of DR.. Julian Miller the health Of
hcer i'll which a greater reduction was rec
commended because the rate was higher
than in the others.
Legality and Obligation
Warm discussion followed this reading,
Mr.. Green claiming that if the city owed
the doctors anything, it owed them the
stipulated amount. If it could be shown,
he said, that they had been illegally con-
tracted with, he was opposed to paying
anything. He urged, however, that this
was not the case, and, moreover, that the
charges were not exorbitant.s
Mr.. Birrell took a different view of the
case. He claimed that the health officer
mad power to engage professional assist
ahce only as appropriations for such were
made by council. He said therefore that
the city was not legally bound to pay the
doctors anything; but that, in recognition
OF services rendered. 1t was moral obliga-
ton devolving upon council. He insisted
that the bills should have been presented
as claims, and favored the finance COM
mittees report. This was finally put to a
vote, resulting-aftirmative. g.; negative 8.
To Diminish Expenses.
Mr. Hubert Snowden, president of the
common council, adressed the body, saying
that he had heard much about paying bills
already made. but little in regard to reduc-
ing what he considered the enormous drain
upon the city treasury still going on. He
hoped that some member would offer a
resolution to reduce expenses. Mr.. Snow
den's speech created stir, and Mr. Greene
increased 1t by resolution that the mayor
be directed to pay no more bills after u
O'Clock last night in connection with small
pox. Mr.. Smith suggested that all the
guards detailed to watch smalIpox-infected
houses should be recalled. The resolution
was voted down, only three supporting it.
Mr.. Chler called attention to the act of
council, January "a, authorizing the mayor
and health officer to take all necessary
steps in eradicating smallpox. He said this
blocked the proposed enactments.
The president then formulated a resolu-
non, Whioh was adopted. 1t read, in effect
that the oity auditor be directed to dra "
no more warrants for bills in connection
with smallpox except for bills contracted
under the resolution of January "a: that
the mayor and health officer be request tad
TO use the utmost economy In contra ctina
future bills, and that all obligations so con-
tracted shall be approved by Dr. Julian
Miller, the health officer, and countersigned
by Mayor Simpson.
The council then adjourned
CoIOred Troops Reach Home.
A company of the 10th United States Col
ored lmmunes, recruited from this civ
several months ago, and recently mustered
out OF service at Macon, Ca, arrived here
over the Pennsylvania road at O'clock
this morning, and were given a rousinp re-
ception. The troops were expected last
night, and, notwithstanding the early ho,r
OF arrival, several hundred colored citizens
were awaiting them at the depot, A strone
SQUAD OF poiice was present, but there was
niue or no disorderly conduct. When the
IIaln reached the depot it was boarded by
Dr. Julian Miller, the health officer who
assisted by DR.. Howard, subjected the
troops to close examination for any symp-
tens of contagious disease. The company
then moved down King street. the men
Ilnally dispensing for their homes. Cant.
Wood was in command p'
Lincoln Republican League.
The Lincoln Republican League met, pur-
suant to adjournment, at Banner Hall last
night, with a large attendance Magnus L.
Robinson, the president, was in the chair.
ana VIM. c. Payne, secretary. David Mid