Evansville daily journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1863-1866, 1864-07-20
The Canal.



No one denies that the canal is nui-
sance, but at the same lime, the whole
manufacturing interests Of the city are
dependent upon it for water to run their
machinery, and hence it ia as nueh a
matter of public interest, that means
be provided for a supply Of water
for manufacturing purposes, and for the
public cisterns, as that the nuisance shall
be sbated. One wonId think from the
tenor of the communication in this morn
ings Journal, to which number Of our
physicians were pleased to lend their
names, that the Inconvenience Of man
ufacturers was matter Of little mo
ment; but any one who will take the
trouble to look round for an hour, will
be surprised at the number Of engines
that are propelled by water from the
canal Indeed every one who is inteili-
gent on the subject knows that prelmin-
airy to filling the canal, some provision
must be made for supply of water 1t
is well known that there are some legal
reasons which have operated to prevent
the filling Of the canal, but If the Trus-
tees waive them / presume no citizen
will interpose any objection, provided
the manufacturing interests are respect
ed; but those who are interested in the
use OF the water from the canal, will not
tamely submit tc the sacrifice Of their
interests upon hue and cry raised by
parties who voluntarily buy property and
settle in the presence Of the nuisance.
But | think there need be no conflict
here; for ten or fifteen thousand doll
Tors works can. be constructed which
with a trihing annual expense, viii sup.
ply the necessary amount Of water both
for manufacturing and for the nses Of
the city.
But the question arises, who is to con-
strust the works p? | answer, the city
should do it, for many reasons first,
because she will be the largest customer,
secondly, because, to enable the city
authorities to command whatever they
need for public use, they ought not TO be
left to the mercy Of private individuals;
thirdly, because it is matter Of public
interest, and affects every property own
er; fourthly, the city charter confers
the power and imposes = corresponding
duty b prouide for the furnishing Of
The city and the Inhabitants thereof With
water;" GfthIy, because zoe hare no Law
authorizing The organization Of a pri-
rate corporation for any such purpose,
a
prudent man would risk his money in
such an enterprise, especially as the city,
having the powerto construct the water
works, the investment might be rendered
vslueless by the Council at any time by
simple vote.
Sixthly. Because as the city has
complete Jurisdiction Of the whole sub
ject, and can therefore have a monopoly,
it will be perfectly competent and
fair for her TO impose such a water
rent to be paid by consumers as will de-
fray current expenses and pay good in
terest on TIE amount invested.
To prevent any misapprehsnsion |
| may say that the estimate ] make has
reference to the plan converting the ca
nal basin into u reservoir and supplying
it from Pidgeon creek by an engine and
pipes.
make these suggestions for the con-
sidcralion Of the Mayor and Council,
who haze The control Of this matter II
they shall see proper to get on foot sons
plan for the sppplyof water which VIII
meet the public wants, every citizen
will cooperate with them IN filling the
canal as fast as it is practicable, other
wise it is useless to hold public meetings.
Il would be difficult to imagine any in
tsrest more vital to the public welfare OF
the city than that Of the manufactures,
and yet the correspondents Of the Jour
nal, including our learned physicians
seem to think it an unimportant matter
to cut of their supply of water.
IA TAX PAYER.