The Washington times., 1912-06-26
WASHINGTON TIMES BUREAU.
ALEXANDRIA, VA, JUNE %

Inc 0rSt move on tne part VI HOpeII
s. s.Barrett, to secure the cantosted seat
in the First ward in the city council
met defeat in that body last night, for
by a vote of eleven to four, President
Smiths ruling to the effect that va
cancy existed, was denied
1t is now understood that Barrett will
bring quo warranto proceedings in the
courts to determine his standing. Tie
opposition promises to contest the mat
ter just as strongly to the last, and
there is a possibility Of the matter be-
ing finally referred to the highest court
in the State.
Immediately after council convened
Councilman williams arose and stated
that he knew a certain paper was In
the hands of President Smith, and
asked that officers ruling on the mat
ter. 1t having not yet been read, and
council not being enlightened on the
matter, Smith refused to do so, until
the question should arise.
Ruling Is Defeated.
After some discussion, Smith read the
paper, which was a certificate of cleo
ton Of Robert s. Barrett, signed by
Newell s. Greenaway, clerk OF the
courts. Smith then ruled that a vacan-
cy did exist
Frequent points OF order and ques-
tions of personal privilege were raised
by Councilmen Birrell and Williams
and the whole body was plunged into
heated debate. Finally, when the
vote was taken, the presidents ruling
was lost.
Those voting to sustain the chair were
Messrs. Birrell, Marshall. Spinks and
Smith. and those opposing were Messrs
Leadbeater. Yates, Brumback, Graham,
Brockett, Swan. and Yates.
The seat affected Is that of Council
man Lambert, who was appointed by
council to fll out the unexpired term
the discovery of a law on the matter
later. 1t has been held that Lambert
should serve only until the next general
election. Barrett entered the election
and Lambert not opposing, the former
was elected.
Parallel Case He Says.
A parallel case is that of Councilman
Graham, to whose seat William Des-
mond was elected Desmond did not
present his certificate last night, and
it is understood that he will be guided
by the action in the Barrett case.
After the decision above. a letter was
read from Barrett, setting forth that
having been elected to council he de-
the board Of police commissioners In
view Of their previous action, council
decided to lay the matter on the table.
A report was received from the Joint
committee on police and finance. recon-
mending that the request of the board
OF police commissioners or the appoint
ment Of three sergeants on the police
force, in accordance with a change in
~ Ill 4Ia.
lature. be granted.
This was passed. the salary of the
first sergeant being fixed at $40 per
month. and the remaining two at $65 a
month. The officers from the force to
All these positions will be selected at
the next meeting of the board of police
commissioners.
Funds for Police Chief.
An appropriation OF $50 was made to
cover the expenses of Chief of Police
Charles T. Goods at the convention OF
the International Association OF Police
! Chiefs, when meets in Toronto, Canada,
July Q.
The annual report of City Treasurer
Thomas w Robinson was received.
1t showed that the receipts of the
city for the past year had been $17S,-
$414S
This was followed by the annual
| report of J. B. Waller, clerk of gas.
| Receipts from the sale of gas during
| the year amounted to $47,S75.7O, ex-
penditures, $4751459, with a balance
| of s361.l1. Chairman Harrison, of
the committee on gas. called atten-
tioon to the fact that the gas plant
| cost $4,000 and pays per cent in
terest on the sum of $4,000.
Bid for Franchise.
| A bid was received from the Wash
| lington-Nirginia for a twenty-year
| franchise for the use of the Royal
| street tracks. The sum Of 81. 900 was