Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-05-05
Citizens' Progressive Association.

The following address concerning munich
pal affairs was read at the last meeting OF the
Citizens Progressive Association:
Alexandria, Va, April 80. 1904
To the President and members OF the Citi-
zens' Progressive Association.
Gentlemen Three years ago our city I'M
dertook, seriously, the task Of improving its
streets and of extending its system Of sewers.
Three years is a very small fraction OF time
when measured by the life Of the city, and 1t
is very short time, indeed, when we con-
slider the size and difficulty Of the task under
taken by our city, or when we consider the
great improvement which has actually been
made by our city within that brief period.
Two years ago an issue of $4,000 worth of
bonds was authorized; 81, 200 worth of these
bonds were sold, at premium of S75S.41;
$25, 900 of this sum was temporarily loaned
the city gas works, 70 enable il to make much
needed improvements 10 its plant This $25,-
600, as il isreturned to the city from time to
time by the gas works, will be available for
further street Improvements. $4,000 worth
of the bonds are still in the hands of the city,
and are available for future street and sewer
work.
OF the sum realized from the sale of the
bonds, $4,000, in round numbers, has been
expended upon our streets and sewers. BY
referring to the auditors report for the year
~
numbers, was spent for streets and sewers
during that fiscal year. In 1903, $4,000 was
expended for the same purpose. The auditors
report for the fiscal year 1904 has not
yet been issued, but the sums appr0-
priated from time to time will amount,
approximately, TO $4,000, making a total
expenditure for the three years Of $50, 600.
In 1902 and 1903 1000 was received from
the property owners for street and sewer
work. Up to the present time, the returns this
year from these sources will probably amount
to over 81 600 making total for three years
of about $4,000 From the sale of bonds was
received $4,000; so that $22, 000 only, was
paid out Of the general fund for street and
sewer work during the past three years, an
average of 81 800 per annum.
Within the last three years 15t squares Of
brick pavement has been laid on 6inch con-
crete base and finished with inch granite
curbing, and over mile of gravel streets has
been laid, or money has been appropriated for
the same. This last work has been of more
substantial character than similar work done
in the past, as cohble has been used for feet
from the curb, with vitrifed brick cutters.
The gravel, ALSO has been of excellent quality
so that with ordinary use these streets should
remain in good condition for many years
About $500 feet Of sewers has been construct
ed, varying in size from SO inch brick trunk
sewers, to 10 inch pipe sewers.
This is about Of the entire length of sewers
aow built. Should the present rate of con-
struction be continued, in few years the en-
tire town will be practically, severed.
Our new constitution nullifies the section of
our city charter which permitted us, hereto
fore, to levy upon the adjacent property por-
ton of the cost of improving the street. The
notification Of that section makes it necessary
that a new plan for providing funds for future
street improvements should be devised by our
City Council. The formation of this plan is
a work Of great importance, and this import
ant work should be entrusted, only, TO the
brains and hands of men who are fully per-
suaded that the future welfare Of our city is
bound up in, and largely dependent upon, a
broad and liberal provision for future street
Improvements. In the performance of this
arduoss and important task our new City
Council will need the support, encourage
u1ent and assistance Of all those citizens who
favor Improvements and progress.
viii you help elect, assist, and encourage 4
council pledged to promote public improve
ments?