Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1906-12-21

mon, Superintendent of Gas, having
been requested to take charge OF the
works at Charlottesville at i higher
4alary than he receives In this city. A
communication from Mr.. l.. Il. Uhler,
chairman Of the committee, was present
ed, as was also a resolution approPria-
ting $500 as extra compensation for
Mr.. Hantzmon. The latter resolution
Was referred to the committees on light
and finance.
BOARD OF ALDERMEN.
Five Aldermen were present, and the
board concurred 10 the action of the
Common Council on the two papers SEMI
in. There was no debate, but during
the recess while awaiting communica'
tions from the lower beard there was
some interchange of opinion between
President Sweeney and Messrs. Burke,
Marbury, Simpson and Curtin on the
matter which had been the cause OF the
meeting OF Council.
COMMON COUNCIL.
The board came to order at 7:45
O'Clock. The Chair stAted that the meet
ing had been called at the request OF The
committee on light.
A letter from the chairman of that
committee was read, statinE that Mr..
Hantzmon, superintendent Of the Alex
andria Gas Works, had been offered, 81
Charlottesville, n salary much higher
than he is uow receiving from this city
and requesting council TO consider the
subject OF giving him increased pay.
Mr.. Uhler said a month ago Mr..
Hsn,zmon showed him letter in which
the Charlottesville gas works managers
offered Mr. Hantzmon 81 500 per annum
| il he would 90 there. He il now receig-
ing only 81 900 per annum in Alexan-
dria aud the committee came to the con-
clusion that the best plan would be to
cali the City Council together and rec
ommend that Mr.. Hantzmon be given a
salary of $1,000. Mr.. Uhler stated that
the Alexandria Gas Works, with 300
consumers, had made profit of $25, 600
last year, aud if Charlottesville, with
only about 900 consumers, could sllord
to pag 81 800 or 81 500 per year, Alex
andria could afford to give Mr.. Hantz-
mon az increase Of $500. the amount
necessary to-retain his servieeS
Mr. Williams asked when it was pur-
posed the increased salary should begin.
Mr.. Uhler said on the first Of Decem'
ter
Mr. Williams and Mr.. Spinks said
that the charter forbade the salaries Of
any officer being increased or diminished
during his term OF Office
Mr.. Uhlcr replied that the salary OF
the city engineer had been increased be-
fore the expiration Of his term.
Mr.. Spinks denied that it had, but
said that the city engineer had been al
lowed "extra compensation for extra
work" He said that Mr.. Hantzmon
vas taking advantage Of the needs Of the
city. lie opposed the measure with
yigor aud said that while he did not dis.
parsge Mr.. Hantzmon's ability and ser
vices if be were working for a private cor
poratiou he would have to do more work
than he did now for tina present salary.
Mr.. Strauss urged the increase Of MIR.
Hantzmons salary; it would cost $500 al
once to obtain an examination of any
new candidates and as Mr.. Hantzmon
was familiar with the works bis services
were very valuable.
Mr.. Uhler said that The employees OF
the gas works were not ollicoIs, under the
charter.
Mr.. Williams read from the charter
to show that SIR. Uhler was mistaken.
Mr.. Harrison said the committee had
determined to recommend that $500
yearly be paid Mr.. Hantzmon for extra
work performed.
Mr.. Birrell complimentsd Mr.. Hantz-
mons knowledge and services and favored
an increase OF the salary if 1t could be
made in proper way.
Mr. Harrison said the case WAS one OF
business and it would pay the city to
give Mr.. Hantzmon the increased com
pcnsation asked.
Mr.. Brill said no had urged several
years ago an examination for the posi-
lion of superintendent of gas so as to
have several available candidates for the
Office.
Mr Lcadbeater thought that If the
net increase of the revenue Of the gas
works had been so per cent. be would
favor q so per cent. increase in the sal
airy of the superintendent.
Mr. Spinks said Mr.. Hanizmon's posi-
ton in this matter seemed to be one Of
bulldozing and he would moi submit to
il: If any other officer came 10 Couucil
with The same proposition be would bs
turned down.
The Chair said that the point made by
Messrs. Williams and Spinks that 1t
would be illegal to increase the salary
Of an official during his term was correct
but 40 extra appropriation for extra
work was within the power OF Council.
sIr. Harrison offered resolution that
the committee on light be empowered to
give Mr.. Hantzmon $500 extra conf
pensation for extra work, from Decem-
Der lst. 1906.
The Chair-'Ie.it date from January
1907"
Mr.. Marshall wOu!d not vote for extra
compensation tonight bnt wonld wait
until the regular course WAS pnr-
.ued in a reference TO the proper c)m-
mittce.
The subject was referred to the COM
mittee on light and finance, and having
received notice that the Aldermen had
concurrei, the bolrd adj burned.
Negro Lynchcd.