Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1907-03-13


Agency for 1878 for services rendered in
the Curtin murder cass vas recaiyed hut
no action was taken as the finance com.
mittee had not reported on the matter.
A bill of the Alexandria Electric
Company for 1892 IL for eighty-fve arc
lights, from Febrbary Is until March 1,
after debate was referred to the commit
tee on finance and light. After the re-
ference, Mr.. Hellmuth complained that
some Of the street lights do not burn all
night, and discussion followed In re-
gard to the committee that should look
after the electric lighting. Mr.. Uhler
insisted that the committee on streets
and the city engineer had authority over
the lights and the Chair insisted that such
matters we're clearly in the hands Of
the committee on light aud read from
the rules to sustain his point.
Mr.. Spinks then spoke of the electric
works and said some one should have
authority over them.
Mr.. Lesdbeater explained that the
committee on streets had only been
designated to look after the placing of
poles and the stringing of wires on the
streets and said that an expert had been
employed to aid his committee.
Mr.. Spinks again started to discuss
the electric light question, and the Chair
ruled that such q discussion was out OF
order. He said be had given the debate
much latitude but really there was moth
ing now before the board. Mr.. Spinks
appealed from the ruling, but the chsir
was sustained. The Chair expressed re-
greet at having to take any member from
the floor but said he was only governed
by the rules of Council.
An ordinance providing for the sale OF
the franchise wanted by DR.. A. Lnris, Of
Chicago, president Of compsny that
manufactures a patent bed for hospitals,
was read, debated, and alter being slight
ly amended was adopted. The company
agrees to expend $25, 900 on q factory
and 10 employ not less than City persons.
The franchise embraces two and oue.half
squares of land north OF the old canal
basin, at nominal rental. Mr.. Uhler
thought 1t unnecessary to give the COM
pany all the city property from the river
to Pitt street and some members thought
the matter should 20 over, but after an
explanation by Mr. Marshall tina ordi-
nance was passed.
The board adopted the favorable report
of the committee on streets and general
laws on the petition of the Washington,
Alexandris and Mount Vernon Railway
Company for permission to lay tracks on
Cameron street west of Payne street, to
connect with the King street track, there.
by extending the double-trsck system OF
the line, The measure embodies q num-
Der of concessions and provides for the
maintenance of street car service from
the ferry wharf to the approaches Of the
new union passenger station.
Mr.. Evans opposed the granting OF
any more concessions to the electric road
till that road reduced its rates; he said
the charges we're excessive, and we're
q discrimination against Alexandria.
Mr.. Burke said the city's interest had
been carefully looked after in the matter
and believed the road under the ordi-
nance would pay full price for the fran
chise.
Mr.. Birrell also favored granting the
franchise, saying the company would
certainly. under the provisions Of the
ordinance, pay full value. After q
hearty laugh, Mr. Evans voted for the
ordinance which was passed unani-
mously.
Mr. Marshall submitted report from
the committees on finance and general
lava recommending an appropriation OF
81, 800 to move the Office OF the clerk OF
the courts to the ground floor of the city
hall and provide 6reproof record roon.
Mr.. Evans thought that the matter
might 90 over till the next meeting "a a
large sum of money was involved and
members might want 10 look further Into
the matter.
The Chair also hoped that the matter
would go over to the next meeting. He
had heard that there was q difference OF
opinion concerning the proposed change
of the location of the clerks Office and
that two sets OF plans had been drawn;
several matters should be considered be-
fore final action.
Mr.. Marshall said that all these mat
tiers had been discussed by the comait-
tee which had made their report; as q
rule committee reports we're adopted and
be then asked If the chair had purpose
ly delayed the calling for this report.
The Chair Indignantly resented any
such insinustiou.
After further debate motion to post
pone was lost and the report was adopt
ed by a vote of Is ayes.
Mr.. Spinks then offered resolution
Of inquiry as to the management OF
the electric works, and the Chair stated
that Mr.. ,9pinks then had the floor.
Mr.. Spinks then proceeded to discuss
the light works whereupou 3 member
moved to adjourn.
The Chair held that so long as q
member had the floor an adjournment
motion would not be entertained.
Mr. spinks after stating that any
member who wished TO do 80 could leave
the hall, continued his remarks for q
short time.
Mr. Spinks' resolution with his assent,
then went over.
A petition for a full months pay for
February was received from the formsl
force of the old electric light plant and
referred to the committee on light.
A petition from the Alexandria Free
Rinderoarfen for an anpropriatiOn oil