Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1911-03-01
CITY COUNCIL

three hours last night. but the volume
of business transacted was compare
lively small Most OF the time WAS
consumed in the lower board where
the report of tue finance committee
on the ordinance imposing taxes on
persons. property, ETC., Was discussed,
nearly every member speaking on the
report. The report was finally re-
iected and an amendment adopted
providing for 9 fiat rate OF S1.75 on
the one hundred dollars with six per
cent. penalty upon such persons as
fail to pay their assessments by July
l, 1911.
BOARD OF ALDERMEN.
Ali the members were present in the
Board OF Aldermen.
Mr.. Field introduced resolution
which was referred to the finance COM
mittee, authorizing that committee
to borrow - thousand dollars TO
meet the obligations of the city,
Mr.. Field also submitted a report
OF the finance committee recommend
ing an appropriation Of $3.50 for the
use OF the Associated Charities As
ISOLATION. The organization in their
communication had asked for $500.
Mr.. Brill introduced 4 resolution
providing for placing modern gas
burner on the post at the northwest
corner of King street and the Strand.
He asked that it be made an all-night
lamp. as during the next few days
the ferry service between Alexandria
and Washington would be renewed.
The resolution was adopted.
After an intermission OF two and
half hours waiting for the receipt
OF papers from the Common Council
several we're received, among them the
ordinance imposing taxes on persons.
property, etc. Under the rules it will
lie over.
The Aldermen subsequently, ad.
journed to meet again on Friday next
at p. m.
COMMON COUNCIL.
Council came to order at 80 o'clock
with fifteen members present.
Mr.. Smith moved tina. the reading
OF the minutes be dispensed with
and this was done.
Mr.. Brumback moved that Council
go into the election of member to fl
the vacancy from the Second ward,
caused by the death OF Mr.. Loui:
Brill This was agreed to. Mr.. Brum
back nominated Mr. R. M Graham.
This nomination was seconded by Mr.
Williams and on molten Of Mr.. Brock.
cit the nominations were closed.
On roll call Mr.. Graham was unan-
imously elected, and on motion .!
Mr.. Williams, committee WIS ap'
pointed to notify Mr. Graham vi hi:
electico. The Chair named Mes.
srs. Williams and Smith as the com.
mittee.
When the committee returned Mr..
Graham was introduced by Mr.. Will
liams and acknowledged the honor
conferred upon him 10 appropriate re-
marks.
He then took the oath Of Office
The tax bill as reported by the
finance committee was taken up on its
second reading. This bill provided for
rate OF S1.75 on each 500 of assessed
valuation with a discount of 8 per cent
If the bills arc paid by July 1st, aud q
penalty of ) per cent if they are not
paid by that time. After the compile
ton of the reading Mr.. Leadbeater rose
to offer an amendment. Mr.. Spinks
objected on point OF order to any
amendment after the second reading
was completed After some general
discussion Mr. Spinks Withdrew his
point OF order and re-reading OF the
bill was agreed upon. After further
discussion it was decided that after the
re-rsadiug the entire bill would be open
to amendment.
Mr.. Leadbeater, after the reading,
offered hts amendment striking out the
discount and leaving the rate at $40
with q penalty Of 6 per cent. Mr..
Brockett seconded this.
Mr.. Smith offered as substitute
that the rate be fixed at S1.65 with a
penalty OF per cent.
Mr.. Burke spoke OF the advantages
to the city of combined discount and
penalty. The state law permits pen
atty OF not more than 6 per cent and
this he said is not great enough to cause
prompt payment.
Mr.. Marshall said that Mr.. Lead
beater's proposition decreased the rate
per thousand from $l7.S6 to $3.50
while Mr.. Smiths amendment reduced
this to $3.50. The assessment had
been increased 81 900, 900 and the rate
shonld be reduced in some substantial
degree.
The finance committee had gone
into the figures very carefully
and their recommendation would
increase the city's revenue over Sc, 900.
He hoped the committees recon-
mendation would be passed. If the rate
was not lessened the small property
owners would be burdened,
Nj Brockett objected to the con
slant statements that the poor man
must be looked out for without re-
gard the welfare of the rich man or OF
the city at large. His assessment had
been increased more than that Of any
other man in council; he had also
paid his proportion for the paving OF
the street in front OF bis residence. He
thought the proper thing to do for the
much talked OF poor man was to adopt
a systematic plan for street improve
rnent in order that the streets in front