Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-01-24
STREET WORK
CAUSES WRAN6LE
Council Again Argues Question of
Paving Streets From the
General Fund.
PRESENT METHOD TO STAY.
Resolution Of Nr. BrOckett to Pay Cost
Of New Paving Without Contributions
Of Property Owners Lost.

Council last night again took up the
question OF street Improvement.
Whether the general fund above should
be used for this work or the abutting
property owners be called on for a por-
ton OF the cost was the question
brought up by resolution intro
duced by Mr.. Brockett directing the
committees on streets and general laws
to have prepared ordinances that would
make the $40, $4,000 appropriated last
summer available without waiting for
contributions amounting to 50. 100000
from property holders.
At first the Chair referred this reso-
luton to the committee on finance and
streets. but on Mr.. Williams moving
that it be passed, the discussion started.
Nearly everything said had been said
many times before when the same mat
ter was under discussion last summer.
Mr.. Brockett, however, stated that IL
! some real determination was sh own to
do this work at once it would probably
have considerable weight with the Judge
who would hear the annexation ques.
ton. o. the other hand MIR. Snowden
thought the work was progressing with
sufficient speed under the plan now
adopted and no change in the plan was
necessary. Three squares have been
paved and the money Of the property
holders is up for fourth square. The
discussion continued for some time,
noarly every member taking part and
many members speaking several times.
Finally on roll call Messrs. Lead
beater, Yates, Williams. Graham.
Monroe, Brockett. Harrison and Chaun-
cey (S) voted aye and Messrs. Burke,
Smith, Birrell, Marshall, Spinks and
Snowden (6J' voted no and it was de-
clared lost as it taiIedto get the vote
necessary to pass on"the night Of its
introduction.
Mr.. Snowdcn then suggested refer
ring it to the proper committee for re
port but Mr.. Williams objected to this
and it was not dine. Under this deci-
sion no change will he made in the
method OF street improvement and no
work will be done until the proDerty
holders have contributed their part.
The resolution appropriattng $1,000
for legal expenses in the annexation
movement came in from the Board OF
Aldermen, having been passed by that
body several days ago. The chair
ruled that this would have to lay over
at least one day before it could be act.
ell upon. Alter considerable discus
sion it was decided to meet at four
o 'clock this afternoon to act upon this
resolution. Mr.. Smith then offered a
resolution directing the commonwealth
attorney to iDform council wnat reso.
lrtions and ordinances could be passed
on the night OF their Introduction, and
what votes would be necessary to pass
them which vas adopted.
Ordinances requesting the State
legislature to amend the city charter,
so that council would have power to
issue bonds and borrow money and
to- abolish the Board OF Fire Wardens,
aud the Board OF Health aud vest the
control OF the health and fire depart
ments in committees OF council were
passed.
The special committee, appointed by
council at its last meeting to confer
with a committee from the CITY School
Board, recommended that $40, 10000
be appropriated at once for the pur-
chase OF a suitable site for q school
building and other public purposes :
this to be expended under the direction
OF the special committee, and the COM
mittee on finance as directed by coun'
Gil. This vas referred to the finance
committee.
Mr.. SuIith, Chairman OF the General
Laws committee reported the health
ordinance. This IVES received and laid
over without discussion.
The committee on light reported that
it would cost 1915 to place gas lights
on the IA corners in the city now not
lighted, but reached by the city gas
mains, and their report was received.
The same committee reported tavora-
bly bill OF s579 from Alexandria
Comfy Lighting Co. for arc and mean
descent lighting provided the proper
reduction be made for the arc lights
that were out during the period covered
by the bill aud for one incandescent
lamp that should not have been charged
for. They also asked that council. re-
quest tue Police Commissioners to see
that the police make proper returns OF
the alc lights not burning, as if is not
believed that they are doing this With
sufficient care at the present. time.
!! A request from Policeman Banner
T. Young for the payment OF the bal
snce OF bic salary for the TINS be was
unable to work on account OF 0 brokea
arm wss referred TO the finance COM
mittee.