Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1906-05-09
City Council.
The City Council was in session nearly
two hours last night.
BOARD OF ALDERMEN.

BOA RID OF ALDERMEN.
The report of the committees on streets
and finance recommending an apprOpria-
ton of 81 900 for the purchase of steam
roller, received from Common Council
and laid over at the last meeting, was
read
Mr.. Ballenger sad be supposed that
when he recently voted for an appro-
priation for the purchase oi stone
crusher he was also voting for steam
roller.
Mr.. Burke describ' the utility OF
steam roller, and said it would require
the service of eight horses to a contri-
vance of sufficient weight tor certain city
work. Besides the city contemplated
work which would require heavy roll
er, and the committee hsd deemed il
proper to buy suitable one, with the
proper appliances, for future use. The
city had recently been borrowing roll
er from the county, but OF late it could
not be obtained when request was made
for it.
Mr.. Ballenger said he favored street
improvements, but he could not under
stand why the city was always in a cOp-
dition to spend few thousand dollars
here and there for this and that purpose,
but when certain other things were pro-
posed it was alleged that the city had
no money. He cited as an instance the
proposition that the city install an electric
light plant. Every one realized that the
city should be equipped with electric
light, but the depletion OF the city treas
ury was always urged when this subject
WIS brought up. Appropriations seemed
to be in one direction. only.
Mr.. Marbury said it was impossible TO
execute city work without proper ap
planes.
President Sweeney asked Mr.. Mar.
bury the nature of the work now being
done.
Mr.. Msrbnry replied that gravel roads
were being constructed and certain i'm.
provfments were being contemplated at
the head of King street.
President Sweeney said he would like
to hear from City Engineer Dunn before
the Aldermen concurred 10 the action of
the lower board. Ii there was no i'm
mediate use for steam roller, it would
have to be stored away.
Mr. Marbury showed the necessity of a
st0necrusher as well "a the need of
steam roller.
Mr.. Burke referred to several recent
appropriations made at the request Of
the finance and other committees, and
referred to the fact that the license tax
had been increased on insurance COM
psnies with the understan ling that the
city wou d maintain in good condition
three steam fire engines. The old |
Hydraulion apparatus had been pro-
ntunced unserviceable and the COM
mittees had deemed it advisable to pur-
chase an apparatus to take its place. |
While the city could purchase an en-
CINE for SO, 500 il was not in position
to construct an electric plant which
would cost at least $50, 000 II was also
Il well-knowh fact that the present plant
could not be made TO furnish light for
public aud private purposes rs we'll as
power, all of which were urgently need
ell in Alexandria. The speaker believed
the commercial interests of the city
were retarded by the want fthis mOdern
commodity. Mr. Burke also referred 10
certain facts in connection with the city's
financial affairs. its present debt, &c.
Mr.. Ballenger said he Acknowledged
the correctness Of what Mr.. Burke had
said, bri he had his doubts concerning
the cost of an electric plant. He said
the town OF Manassas had recently voted
10 install an electric plant TO cost
$50, 900.
Mr.. Burke said the town Of Manassas
had no debt hanging over It.
Mr.. Ballenger said The electric plant
at The Pcrlner Brewery did not cost
$50, 600, yet il coul furnish electricity
for the city OF Alexandria
Mr.. Marbury said all the electric
wires in the city would have to he r.
newed when another plant sha II have
been constructed.
The debate continued for some time
aud it was finally determined TO lay the
report over.
Mr. Curtin moved that the board re-
consider liz action of the last meeting in
reference to The ordinance providing for
advertising for bids for electric light and
nower and that the ordinance be recon- s
mitled to the committee on light and
finance aud with the understanding that |
the Corporation Attorney be requested |
to be present at The meetings Of the joint
Mr. Simpson introduced resolution
lOosing 10 the utilizing of the Hydrau- q
lion engine house nn north Royal street q
for storing tools used b. street workmen, |
together with certain supplies, &c, be-
longing to the city. The resolution was I
referred TO the committees on public I
property, streets aud light
A report of The finance committee re- /
commenting an appropriation Of 1900 $
for the use OF the Alexandria Kindergar- L
len Association was received from the
lower board. b
Mr.. Simpson said he WAS by no means o
convinced that Council was proceeding n
legally in apprOprafing yearly money c
Tor this institution, although he appre-
,iated the motives and labOrs of those n
the association as much as q
any one. When he was Mayor Of the u
lily OIuncil had voted 5000 to the ssso- Z
,iation. He did not sign the paper and Il
he appropriation was made without rt
lis approval He was then convinced