Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1867-03-08

: cuet Co.'S property is this The Burlington
Aqueiuct Co. did not commence the negotia-
tons which led to the sale of its property and
franchise but the negotiations we're opened By
the city. member Of the committee appointed
oT the city council called upon the company to
Gno" Ii they would sell their property, and # 50
desired a proposition from the company, stating
the terms upon which they would sell. To this
the company replied that they preferred not to
sell, provided the city would not interfere with
their works or the privileges they claimed under
their charter; but if the city desired it the
company woull make proposition, which il
/ dld, as ioiloEs the company would eel the
property for $4,000 receiving in payment the
water bonds Of the city at par. or II the city
I preferred 10 settle the question Of the value Of
the property by arbitration, the company would
| agree to that, only siipulatiug that the city
should decide which Of the two propositions il
/ preferred, and ii the latter the decision Of the
Referees should be final and binding on both
[ parties In case the city accepted the last pro-
position they were to select one Referee aud the
Burlington Aqueduet Co. smother, these two if
they could not sgree were 10 choose a third.
The Burlington Aaueduct Co. was called upon
for statement in detail Of the different items
Of their property, which they furnished they
we're inquired Of AMI stated that the gross
receipts for the past year were about $4,000.
(Ihe exact amount was 81. .9o5) The Referees
agreed upon the sum Of S24,7 as the fair
value Of the property and franchise, and that
amount was paid the company in water bonds 4
the city.
deem it due to myself and the Burlington
Aqueduet Co. TO give general statement Of the
operations Of the works during the ten years
had charge Of them, and which has never before
been made to any one.
The company derived profit from operating
its works, and this profit steadily improved dur
ing the last eight years. When took charge Of
the works the gross receipts were less than $50
per annum; when | turned over the works to
the city they were nearly $1,000 PER annum, as
before sta'ei.
The company have laid mains in seven streets,
built over their pumps. sc, which were des-
trOyed by fire at the Pioneer shop, at cost Of
over $500, purchased sn engine, built an en-
gine house and two wells, besides paying over
$1,000 Of old debts which were entsiled upon
the works when l took them. They also put the
works in good order at a large expense.
The company had no funds on hand, and
whatever have expended was cut Of the re-
cepts for water rents its affairs are closed and
| an not aware that they owe a dollar in the
world
If LAS" statement Of their operation since
they came into the possession Of the city is cor
rect, the only fair inference is that the city is
not managing them as economically as the Bur
ling;On Aqueiuct Co. did, and as a. seems to
be Of an enquiring turn Of mind | would sug-
gest that be look the matter up and see il there
Is not screw loose somewhere. As before re-
marked, it seems to be an object with "A" TO
create the impression that the officers Of the
Burlington Aqueduct Co. have made improper
exert0ns to effect 4 sale Of their property to the
city. The officers made nc effort Ehsteyer to
bring this about, and as have been for the
past ear a member Of the Board of Aldermen,
] desire 70 say that | have never debated or vo-
ted upon any question in which the Burlington
Aqueduct Co. was either directly or indirectly
interested.
IN thus t7esplssing upon your space, Messrs.
Ei-ors l have endeavore3 70 c0nine myself 70
tha;i Ttion Of "A's'' communication which re-
fleets upon the action Of the Burlington Aque-
duo; Co
Il is well known that an in favor Of taking
water from the Lake, but it is no part Of my
present purpose TO coatrovert As" positions
in regard 70 the general question Of supply of
water.
Tie Is evidently strongly opposed TO the Lake
plan, bat | cannot see that he introduces any
ideas involving questions which have not been
debated aud answered over and over again at
great lengtL fer nearly three years, and as be-
lieve settled 70 the general satisfaction Of the
people by the action Of the city council in
aiorting The plan recommended by the Mayor.
/. W. PECR.