Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1879-03-20
Our Representative, Mr.. Gephart,

town council of the borough of Belle
fonte to purchase or contract for such
property or water-power as will render
more efficient our water works and
cheaper the supply to the people. We
see no reason why this bill should not
pass. Under the present arrangement
in the use of steam power, we are
necessarily burdened by very heavy
tax, and yet the expenses are beyond
what can be reasonably raised by taxa
ton, and our debt constantly accumu-
lating. With little expenditure, COM
paratively, and n fair price for the adj
ditional power necessary to operate
the pumps independent of steam, this
power and this economy may be Sc
cured. We hope our citizens will give
this measure their hearty support. We
present copy of the bill.
An AcT 10 authorize the to,cn council of The
borough Of Bellefonte 70 purehadc or acquire
lands, teAeHents, ,cdter polccr. rights Of wdy
or privileges 10 erect additional t0ater tcorkS
for said borough.
SECTION /. BE il enacted, de-, That the
town council of the borough of Belle.
fonte and their successors in office, are
hereby authorized and empowered to
lease or purchase, or take by appropria-
ton, any lands, tenements, or water
power, or rights of way, or privileges
which may be necessary or proper for
the erection of additional water works,
or for the purpose of extending or ell.
larging the present water works of said
borough, so rs to be enabled 10 furnish
a supply Of water adequate TO the wants
of the inhabitants of said borough, and
shall have power to operate and main.
tain the same Provided hopepcr, that the
title to any lands, or tenements. water
power, rights of way. or privileges. &C.
quired by lease, purchase or appropria-
ton, in pursuance of this act, shall be
invested in said borough in its corporate
capacity.
SEC. .. That If said town council can.
not agree with the owner or owners for
the purchase OF any lands. or tene.
menis. water power, rights OF way, or
privileges which may be necessary or
proper in their judgment for the cree
ton Of additional water works for said
borough, or for the extension or en-.
largement Of the present water works
thereof, and for the operation and
ma :ntcnance of such additional water
works, the said town council shall have
the right to take and appropriate the
same in the following manner. to.wit:
They shall prepare n plot and descrip.
ton OF the lands or tenemenis they de
sire 10 appropriate, or through or in
which they desire any rights or privile-
ges; also n description OF any water
power they may desire To appropriate.
aud shall present petition signed by
the said town council or a majority Of
them. accompanied by said plot and
description, To the court OF Common
Pleas of Centre county, setting forth
particularly the lands or tenemcn,s.
water power. or rights aud privileges
desired, and their inability 10 agree with
the owner or owners OF the same,
whereupon the said court shall appoint
three discreet and dIsinterested free.
holders, viewers. who after having FIVE
days notice OF the time and place Of
view TO said owner or owners, and be.
ing first duly sworn 10 perform the du.
ties Of their appointment faithfully and
view the premises, hear the
proofs and allegations Of the parties,
and make their report to the next term
of said court, stating the value of the
lands, water rights or privileges sppro-
pTiatcd, or damages to tie paid saii own.
er or owners. II either party shall not
be satisfied with said report, they may
within four days after the same shall
have been presented TO said court and
file exceptions thereto, and
said court shall have power to hear testi-
mony, modify or confirm said report a.
they may deen right and just, or to ap.
point new viewers to review the premi.
ses, who shall report in like manner as
the original viewers and the said court
tn have like power over their report.
The final confirmation Of report by
the court shall be conclusive upon all
parties, and upon payment or tender Of
tue value or damage allowed, the title
to said lands. water power rights or
privileges so appropriated shall vest in
said borough: Provided Aoteepey that after
a report has been made to court II ex.
ceptions be fled by the owner or own.
ers the town council! upon giving bond
or such other security in the name of
said borough and in such manner as said
court may direct, in double the amount
of compensation allowed by the viewers,
which shall be approved by the court.
shall have the right TO enter upon and
take possession Of said lands, water
power, rights or privileges, without
further delay.
Sac. 3 That the provisions Of this act
shall in nowise limit or abridge the
powers and authority of the corporate
officers of said borough to supply for the
inhabitants Of said borough under the
general borough laws Of the Common.
wealth.
The body of Bayard Taylor was re-
ceiyed at New York. on the steamshin