The Dallas weekly herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1885, 1881-08-18
MUNICIPAL QUESTIONS.

issue over the signature "P Conniver," on
the present water and gas troubles, needs
but small space for reply, as there is not
single argument in the entire article. There
are some assertions in it, and nearly all these
are simply the reiterations of what has already
become stale for the saying. In the matter of
the press being subsdised. we know of end
suspect not one that has ever been ap-
preached on the subject for any
such purposes. While we appreciate the
compliment paid to this journal, yet the
HERALDs reputation has long since been
made as fixed as adsmant on that subject, ss
it is known that $1,000 per line, or airy
other sum cannot purchase its columns or
its Influence; ii being run entirely and ex-
clusively in the interest Of justice,
fairness, and right, 80 far as it understands
the true meaning ofthese terms and virtues.
Under obligation to no one, it not only can
afford thus to run, but it il its duty so to do.
So much for that matter; now the real matter
in hand. Oar correspondent says: I'VE
know that whole cities were lighted before
gas was invented" (Gss was never invented,
he means manufactured) Why. certainly,
but does that argde that Dallas, taking new
departure toward an old direction, must do
without gas? We know of whole cities that
never knew what railroad or telegraph
was, yet that is no ergo why they should
again betake themselves to the torch light,
the oxcart or the copperas breeches. If
"Conniver" liketh these things,the pampss of
South America will afford him the desiderats
to his hearts content There where the sloth
fndeth his lazy home and "the whang
doodle mourneth for its first born" he may
revel in undisturbed repose without any of
the comforts, conveniencies or elegancies of
modern life. "But" says he. 1--WE read of
new, improved and cheaper methods of ill
Illuminating cities than by gas" Yes, we
read of many things nowadays, anything
from new baby toy to newly "revised
edition. improved and chespened. We
knew of party once called the "greenback
party" which purported to be "a new, cheap
hnd improved method Of making money out
pf paper" 1t was ia new way to pay old
lebts' and had about as much solid foundation
10 it as "Aladdin's new way to clean up old
Lamps" and pictured to its devotees palaces
bf gorgeousness about as unreal. We do |
lot wish TO be cruel, but doesn't "Conniver"
ecollect IL? By little furnishing up like
be aforesaid lamp, it converted "a national
ebt into national blessing! If"Conniver''
indeed knows of such much improved and
hesper method of illuminating cities, his
evelation will make him richer than that
lme Aladdin. The city gas company will
by him handsomely for his contribution to
be science progress of the day, and
ongside of his remarkable discovery
r. Edison's batteries will "pale their inef.
ctual fres". Yea, the great wizard of
enlo Park will himself bow at his feet and
him honor for that which even himself
IS not to this day been enabled TO perfect.
this wise he can outstep even ga newspa-
that by always being on the wrong side
yet growing richer and richer" and per-
ps he can add still further to the volume of
real estate by taking counsel of the sugs
eter of the above laconism. "But"
pceeds our correspondent 'if the city can
lid better works for 1926. 900, a. an annual
It on its bonds of $500. and so furnish :
city at much less expense than the pres
company, II is the duty of the city gov
ment to construct them" Where is the Z
Pof of this duty SO clear to him? He does
indulge In single argument by com.
Fative figures or otherwise, and he dared :
do 1t. The fact is, the Water Supply
hpsny offers to furnish, for $2,400, the
yer the city may ANNUALLY need, to the
ent 10 which this section OF the country =
produce Il. The annual profits
The company are but $4,000. without y
competition; the city's profit with COM :. :
tion, would be eaten up by the expenses y
Rfsary for their works, thus leaving ST., Y
annually to be paid by 1t, as against TIE !,
100 profered charge. And Il may ss y
here and al once be assumed, that "esti- !. !,
ed'' costs and ''aciuAp costs for all such y :,
ks are vers different thipgs. AS for y
ivicusls whining like spoiled caildren !.
use they are not specially protected .
the public against loss" there is no
whining that we woi Of There be most :
Fprising, well-to do, liberal gentlemen con- !,
ed with those companies, who, wherever :,
subscription committees are out seeking =
unds to secure an important enterprise
no individual will undertake, or 10 help :
little one, who are invariably appeal
and ss often respond; but who cannot
much encouragement 10 do much more :.
e psirioiic business under such recent y =
illibsrsl and inconsiderAte. NOT 10 say y
4 treatment, which hss Of late chsrsc- :.
d The wonderfully shOrt-sighted policy "
ne Of the city council Az for the very
pant manner, ssd which 70
correspondent seems 90 coneenisl el
Il pleased 10 sllude % follows: N
y would msks the rough smooth and cc