Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1900-05-22


power under the circumstances with.
out special authority from Council
which the latter bad failed to give, the
lower board adjolDing few meeting
nights since while such resolution
was pending in that board. Now the
committee merely wanted their powers
defined. Council could authorize any
one to act during vacancies which might
occur In the future, and the committee
would be sais6ed; but they wanted t.
know where they stood in the premises
II the committee were to be mere
6gureheads with no powers and entitled
to no courtesies and were not to b.
backed up by Council, be, for one, would
resign.
Mr.. J. T. Sweeney, as an evidence o.
his faith 10 the committee, said he had
recently voted to override the Mayors
action in vetoing resolution giving the
committee power 10 continue certain
street work when Mr.. Dunn had re-
signed the first time. He had Away;
favored giving committees all that BE-
longed to them. The committee or
streets, however, may have erred re-
Gently 10 some particulars, e. g., 10 10
PRODUCING q resolution empowering
them to continue street work after Mr.
Dunn had resigned and then on he
back of that submitting report asking
that their status be defined.
Mr.. Hill replied, "The resolution was
turned down in the Common Council
This rejoinder provoked protracted
debate as to the circumstances in con
nection with the tsbling of the resolu'
ton by the lower board. Some urged
one explation and some others. and the
record was finally produced and all
hands having been set right the discus
sion on the adoption or rejection of the
committed report was renewed.
Mr.. w. II. Sweeney thought an ordi-
nance defining che powers of the com.
mittee superhus at this time, from the
facl that City Engineer had been
chosen and there was plenty of law
now for the latter and the committee ia
work 10 harmony.
Messrs. Hill, Dobie and Ballene Ell
still insisted that a vacancy in the po-
si,ion of City Engineer was likely to
occur at any time and the city in such
an event would fDd itself in the same
position it was in few weeks ago. 1t
would prevent confusion in the future
should the matter be settled by law
and the uncertainty as to who should
act eliminated.
Mr.. Msrbury saw no utility in the
proposed ordinance. Should he City
Engineer resign Council could, as il
had done on another occasion, em
power the committee TO cor tinue street
work.
The debate continued, the speakers
generally reiteratiIg their previous as
sertions or going into more extensive
explanations of their respective stand
points.
Mr.. Hill repeated the statement that
there was no feeling on the part of the
commit tee toward the Mayor.
Mr.. J. T. Sweeney said that while
none may now be apparent, that such
did at one time exist was plain.
Mr.. Hill said il there had been any
the circumstances warranted it. Work
had been prosecuted without consult.
ing the committee.
Mr.. Sweeney expressed in substance
the same opinion given by Mr.. MAJ
bury--that as matters now stand there
ls law enough on the subject, and in
case of vacancy in the office of City
Eogineer Council could, by a simple
resolution, authorize the committee TO
assume his powers.
IL was suggested that resolution
embodying the idea be passed, but sub.
5equeutly vote on the report was de-
manded, and it was rejected for want
of a constitutional IN 'jority. The vote
resulted: Ayes, Mtssrs. Hill, Dobie,
Ballenger and Clark. Noes, Messrs
Curtin, J. Il. Sweeney and Mr.. Pre-!-
dent--3. Mr.. w. Il. Sweeney was not
present when the vote was taken.
Mr.. Hill then asked permission to
withdraw the report together with the
Corporation Attorneys opinion, and
mis- request was granted.
Mr.. ]. 7. Sweeney said be would
favor reconsideration of the vote 10
rider to refer the report 10 the commit
tee on general laws.
Mr.. Hill-"No; let it die in the Board
of Aldermen.
The board subsequently adjourned.
COMMON COUNCIL.
A called meeting of the board design.
ed to be substituted for the regular
meeting oil Tuesday was opened at 8:15
p. m. City Engineer Holcombe, who
mas special seat in the board, was
present, with thirteen member.
The committee on finance reported
an ordinance to allow the w., A. & Mt
Y. BY. to furnish electric motor power
to the citizens on payment of 20 per
cent. of the receipts to the city.
Mr.. Lawler explained that the city
had heretofore granted this franchise
without pay ment. but the company was
now making about $500 per annum.
Mr.. Appich said that he did not know
the company got 5000 per annum. The
work Was a benefit TO the citizens and
was more trouble than use to the cleo
trio company.
Mr.. LAWYER urged that electric power
should be taxed,
Mr.. Smith, don't think if the bill
passes we will have any electric pc yer"
Mr.. Lswler-"I don't care for that.
The company 80 far has paid but
anna, %V