Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-03-13
THE A. L. |. GAS BILL.
Alexandra, Va, March IL, 1908

Alexandra, va, maIcu IL, l9Vo'
To the Editor OF the Alexandria Gazstte:
Dear Sir: In justice to the officers OF
the Alexandra Light Infantry, we are
compelled to ask the aid of your paper
in explaining to the citizsns OF Alexsn-
dria, to whom an explanation is due, as
it Is for the protection of them that tho
Alexandria Light Infantry exist, and for
which the members record solemn
oath TO stand ready TO give up home,
position and even life If necessary, in the
line of duty, which often falls to the lot
of soldier. Aud for what do these
young men place themselves in this po-
sition for a period of three years!
Aud for what do the officers assume
the risk Of sacrificing their business In
terests, separation from their homes, de-
vote their time and energy in performing
labor that would command good sal
airy in civil life; equip themselves and
annually expend more money indlvld-
uslly than that which the company asks
the city to give, in gas, for purposes for
which the company derives revenue.
Is it for this that the president of
our highest legislative body informs Its
members thst If the petition was granted
the Alexandria Light Infantry would
not be benefited, when the petition
states plainly that the company is re-
sponsible for the gas bill. Where did he
get this information =? Did he get 1t
from idle gossip II so he was very un-
wise in making such statement to the
members Of the body over which he pre-
sided. Did he endosvor to find out the
labor and cost expended by these officers
in operating skating rink, from which
the company derives handsome revP-
nue. Did be acquaint himself with the
many improvements and conveniences
that have been placed 10 the armory in
the last three years Has he ever been
asked, ss the writer has often been asked,
what iuducement there il in belonging
to a military complny with no pay at
tached to 1t? Did the gentleman who
opposed this petition realizs that the cost |
to each consumer would be about 10
cents each?
Did they scqusint themselves with the |
fact that much smaller cities give great
deal more to encourage and maintain
their military companies? If they did,
then the pay of the volunteer soldier is
small indeed, when they refuse to grant
the petition of this company for assist
snce % earn living, for we deny the
statement of the gentleman who claims
that the company would not be benefited
BY being relieved of the gas bill. 1t Ia
true that the captain and the first lieu
tenant rented the srmory from the COM
psny at regular meeting, after all other
offers had been considered. The COM
pany agreed to furnish heat and light and
the above officers to equip and repair
the building suitable for skating rink,
which they did at personal cost of
about $500. Was there anything unfair |
10 this? Or was there doubt OF the |
honesty Of the management of the skst-
ing rink that caused this opposition 1t
30 they can get any Information they de-
sire from the report of the company's |
finance committee, who has audited and |
prepared report which in the hands OF
the printer Any citizen cen obtain a |
copy from any member OF the company.
We cannot believe that the citizens in |
general approve of any such action. III
80 then the spirit OF '76 and 81 is fast
dying out. A sad thing indeed For
the only pay Of q VOLUNTEER soldier is the
knowledge that his services are appre-
cisted by his fellow man.
Ia the name OF the Alexandra Light |
Infantry we sincerely thank the gentle
men who favored the petition of the |
Ompany and greatly regret that the I
othera could not view it in the same |
light.
p. J. MURPHY, Captain,
w. W. DEMAIEE, First Lieut..