The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1907-03-23

that there is more personal property
here now by many thousand dollars
than in 1903. Then the tax rate was
81 20 and the assessment f1.33O. ~.
In 1905 the rate WIS ! 10 and the as
sessment SS,65s.O6. Something rotten
in Denmark or the assessment is not
properly made,
He read letter from Auditor Marye,
which states il Is the duty OF the com
missioner OF revenue 10 make assess
ments in person or by his deputy, and If
the amounts given in are not considered
fair cash value he has a right 10 assess
same himself He said he made these eI
hibits in protection OF those taxpayers
who made a proper accounting Of their
property. he stated that the great
bulk Of taxes are paid by real estate
owners 0hO have homes ranging in
value from $500 to 800 assessed 10
nearer their full value than residences
ranging from $4,000 to $4,000
The bonds OF 5 j. Quinn, superinten-
dent OF water, and b. +. Bullock. super
intendent OF gas. were reported as ex-
anined by city attorney, found satisiac-
tory and placed IN National Bank.
Mr. Embrey, OF Streets, reported that
city attorney, owing topress Of business,
had not given his committee an opinion
as 70 who was responsible for renewing
cellar doors on sidewalks, which are 10
bad order; that repair work was pro-
gressin9On streets that owing 10 absence
OF certain party interested in land on
proposed new street no action could be
taken. Mr.. Somervile at this point pre-
eented apetltion from Messrs A. B. Bolts
Terence McCracken, j. W. Masters and
Mrs. Ella st. John asking for privilege OF
planting trees in front Of their residences.
This provoked discussion, IN " hch Mr.
Embrey stated that he was opposed TO
planting trees on Main street, and would
never grant . permit for same. He said
II was q business street and there should
be no trees to obstruct the view; that II
the other two members OF the committee
were willing 10 grant said permit he
would be powerless, but so far as be was
concerned there would be no permits
granted. 1t was contended that the or
dinance passed in August, 1906, gave
the committee only right to designate
the kind OF tree and could not prevent
satisfactory trees being planted. The
petition was referred to the Street Com
mittee.
Mr.. Young, OF Light reported gas
works working smoothly. Electric
light plant is not in satisfactory condi-
ton, and new wheel wanted which
will cost between 81 800 and 81 800.
As chairman OF joint committee on
Light and Finance in regard to getting
data on cost Of an incandescent light
plant for city, Mr. Young reported cor
respondence with an electric expert.
He said under existing conditions
his committee favored postponement OF
action which would necessitate spending
any money until next meeting ofCouncil.
This was caused by the expected propo-
sitior from The Fredericksburg Power
Co. for q franchise TO furnish power, arc
and electric lights to the city. A engthy
discussion ensued. Mr. Warden presented
letters from several electrical manuiac-
turing companies Offering to give estI-
mates OF cost OF plant Tree. NJ T. Mills
argued for paid expeXt, who had no
connection with any electrical company:
Mr.. Dannehl wanted information and
the committee to be in position to get
the necessary data il they had to pay Tor
it, but preferred having it free. Messrs.
Cole and Embrey opposed any appropria-
ton. 1t resulted in an appropriation OF
1850 or so much as is necessary to get
the information, Messrs. Embrey and
Cole voting no.
Mr.. Warden, of Health, reported dis
injecting apparatus purchased at cost
$24.4 bill ordered paid.
Mr.. Somerville, OF Schools, reported
progress as to new school building. He
stated that the city had only 8 scholars
at the college, and that be would make
application to the superintendent ofpub-
lie schools for the 10th scholar.
Mr.. Cole gave notice that he would ask
for an ordinance creating street COM
missioner.
Mr.. Warden presented a resolution re-
1uestiDg the r. +. 4 P. r. h. to have
paved or planked the crossings on Main
and Princess AnEe Streets passed. he
also offered a resolution creating an or
dinance in regard to regulating, con-
structing and governing surface privies.
Laid over.
The Council adjourned.