Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-11-13

company, "iiSii Aet'' - 49,
terests of the Southern Bell Tele-
phone and Telegraph Company IN Al
eyandria. Mr.. Boothe stated that it
was the intention Of the Telephone
Company to spend between $4,000
and $50. 900 in the improvement OF
its lines in Alexandria and desired a
franchise for 80 days in accordance
with the laws of the State. He en-
closed copy of an ordinance which
the company wished the city to pass
advertising for bids for the use of the
streets for their poles and wires.
The President referred the matter
to the General Laws, Streets and FL
nance Committees, but Mr.. Spinks
objected and desired to refer the Or
dinance to the Corporation Attorney.
Messrs. Marshall and Birrell thoghT
that a committee from Council were
fully competent to deal with the sub
ject. Mr.. Marshall put Council on no.
tice that no franchise would be grant
ed to erect poles in an indiscriminate
manner without fight on his part.
In this connection Mr.. Brrell intro
duced a resolution that the Commit
tees on General Laws, Finance and
Streets, be requested to consider the
proposition of compelling the street
railway company, the electric light
company and the telephone and teie-
graph companies to place all their
wires on the same poles. The reso-
luton was referred.
Mr.. Spinks offered a resolution to
compel the NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Rail
way to remove Immediately from King
street the cable carrying its high
voltage current. Mr.. Spinks made an
impassioned speech in favor of his res
olution during which he stated that
the cable was highly dangerous to the
firemen of Alexandria. Mr.. Harrison
moved that the resolution be referred
to the General Laws and Streets Com
mittee which was carried.
Mr.. Chauncey introduced a resolu-
ton calling for an appropriation Of
$500 to purchase pair of horses for
the Reliance Engine Company, which
was unanimously adopted.
A resolution was passed requesting
the attendance of the Corporation At
torney at a joint meeting of the FL
nance and Lgiht Committees to be
held on next Tuesday night for the
purpose of considering the placing OF
improved lights on Washington street.
A petitior from property owners on
PAYNE street between Cameron and
Queen asking for Gift. macadam
roadway with 5-foot cement sidewalks
and agreeing to contribute S1.35 per
front foot was referred to the Com
mittee on streets and Finance.
Mr.. Spinks offered resolution ask
ing the Corporation Attorney to in
form City Council if it is possible to
compel the Washington-Virginia Rail
way Company to pay for the use OF
King, Columbus and Cameron streets
The Corporation Attorney was author
lied to employ additional counsel. MI
Spinks spoke at length on the resolu'
ton and scored the proposed merger
of the electric line interest. Mr.. Mar
shalPs motion to lay on the table was
carried by recorded vote of II tt
8. Messrs. Spinks, Smith and Birrel
voting in the negative.
Mr.. Birrell, in explaining his vott
against the motion to lay on the table
made an eloquent defense of the righ
of the people against the encroach
ments of corporations in Alexandra
He upbraided the members of Councl
who voted to table the inquiry and
paid a high compliment to Mr.. Spinks
whom he declared, was always watch
full to the interests of the people.
Mr.. Williams, in explaining his
vote in the affirmative, said that M
entire objection to Mr.. Spinks' meas
ure was that it was not sanely drawn
On the report from the Board o
Aldermen that it was undesirable t.
take up the Interpretation Of tn
building laws in reference to section
of the building laws referring to tn
building of frame sheds in the fir
limits, MeSsrs. Birrel land Brocket
locked horns in lengthy debate an
the former moved to non-concur in tn
action of the Board of Aldermen. Hi
motion was lost and Council agree
to take action of the upper board. MI
Harrison explained his vote in sustain
ing Mr.. Birrell's motion.
Capt. Bryan gave notice that at tn
next meeting of Council, he would as
! fo ;o;nt session of the two boa re