Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1864-12-02
CONSOLIDATION AGAIN STILL
ANOTHER PROPORTION. q

The Virginia Union, which has kept
rather aloof from the discussion, or the
jaw, or the wrangls or whatever the style
of discourse" between ourself and the
Enterprise on the consolidation question
may be termed. This morning it steps in
as sort of mediator, advising us to
"splt the difference" 1t sums up the
respective ground occupied by the Enter
prise and the News as follows: .-
"The former insists upon complete con-
solidation, which would compel Gold Hill,
Flowery, American Flat and Red Mountain
| 10 aid in sustaining our Fire and Police De-
partments. The latter fayors consolidation,
but wishes Virginia to sustain her own Fire
and Police Departments"
That statement Of the case is very nearly
correct. but is not quite full enough.
The proposition for consolidation, which
we understood would be made, and to
which we entertained no serious objec-
tons, was that each district should retain
its distinctive character and representa-
ton and that, not only in matters Of
Fire and Police, but in all things affecting
or bene6ting but single district, that dis
trict alone should be called upon to bear
the burden of the expense. The Enterprise
is for complete consolidation, and uni
form taxation for the support of all depart
ments and institutions within the county.
Our difference is too wide to admit of the
hope of a complete concession by either.
The middle ground proposed by the Union
is much tairer than that of the Enterprise,
but whether even it would be acceptable
to the taxpayers of Gold HILL is more
than We are able to vouch for at the pres
ent writing.
The Union admits the justice of our OBJ
jections to assuming share OF the ex-
pense of the Virginia Fire Department,
and makes this proposition:
Now we think there can be no reasonable
objection to a consolidation upon the basis
of compromise Of the two points Of differ
ence. Gold Hill needs police as much as
Virginia, but she does not need Fire De-
partnent like ours. Let the consolidation
be effected, including all things except the
Fire Departments, which may be left to the
care Of the Supervisors Of each place respec-
lively. In suggesting this basis, We are in
fiuenced BY the fact that the principal objec-
a. ~ A. Gala u,ll nanpla nnne1efa N o
difference between the two Fire Departments
of Virginia and Gold Hill. They have, BY
means Of hydrants, which enables them to
dispense with engines and engine-houses, a
much cheaper and equally effective protec-
ton against FIRE than our own, which is very
expensive indeed. It is but natural that they
should object in sustaining at an expense Of
$4,000 to $50, 900 year department infe-
rior to their own and entirely useless to them,
though very necessary to US. But this OBJ
lection, we think, will not long continue, as
the impression is fast gaining ground that
change Of our system Of fire protection from
engines to hydrants is desirable on the score Of
economy. This matter can be left with the
Virginia members Of the County Board, with
the power to change TO the hydrant system,
and providing that after such Change is made
it shall no longer be separately maintained.
In this way the reasonable objection Of Gold
Hill to the consolidation will be obyiated, and
provision made for its ultimate removal. ln
connection with this question we respectfully
suggest to our citizens that they investigate
the merits of the hydrant system. To be ef-
fectual, the waterpipes, reservoir, etc., should
be independent Of the water company. The
engines and their houses could be sold, and
the proceeds would go far towards establish
ing the new system.
The importance of the subject, and the
near approach of the time when legisla-
tive relief can be obtained, demand the
speedy action of the citizens of both
places; and we believe that there will be
but little difficulty in coming to some just
and equitable basis upon which we can
divest ourselves of the present useless and
onerous county organization.