Morning journal and courier., 1881-05-20
Committee on Water.

The Proposed Purchase of the Rights and Franchises of the New Haven Water
 COmpany-The Opinion of Prominent
 Citizens in Regard to the Matter.
 The special committee on water held an adjourned meeting in room 10, City Hall, last evening. Alderman Driscon presiding.
 Alderman Driscol said that the purpose of the Court of Common Council was to give the citizens an opportunity to be heard on the question whether the city shall purchase the rights and franchises of the New Haven Water company at an expense not exceeding $2, 900, ,O0O.
 Julius Twiss, clerk of the committee, read the act as passed by the last Legislature giv- ing the city power to make the purchase.
 Alderman Driscon asked for an expression of opinion of those present.
 Hon. James Gallagher said he had gener al knowledge of the whole matter, and he did not think it advisable or profitable to make a change. He had taken water for many years from the Water company and would like to have it cheaper; yet he thought the company were serving the city and citizens well. The question to be considered was
 
 than a company. He said that such was not the case, and he thought that it was best to let well enough alone. Twenty-Five years ago when this question was agitated he was in favor of the city owning the waterworks but he had since changed his mind. In Providence, R. l., where the city owned the waterworks it costs the city three times as much for water as it does in New Haven While the city is charged for use of the wa ter-while owning the water works-yet there is not money enough collected to pay running expens-s and interest, and there is 8 large loss every year. He said further that such matters engendered rings, and these rings created clubs which were supported by these works that were run in the interest of rings and not in the interest of the taxpayers. There is danger in all such matters. would not mix it up with city affairs. I take this opportunity to say that favored the build ing of the waterworks by the city, and I here publicly acknowledge that those who opposed it were right and I WAS wrong.
 In reply to Alderman Driscon MT. Gala gher said that he thought if the Water com pany should attempt to overtax the city or it's citizens for it's water there was remedy in the Legislature at Hartford. He thought the city should make the best bargain possi ble with the Water company. He said if a vantage of their customers they were very apt to find it losing game.
 In reply to Alderman Baldwin Mir. Galla- gher said he owned $1, ,0OO in stock in the Water company, and he was not aware, con- sidering the amount he paid the Water com pany for water and the interest he received on his stock, that it had much influence over his, opinion.
 Once this thing is fastened upon us ''Good bye, John" There is self interest first to be considered, then the check at Hartford (the Legislature), and these two are sufficient.
 Ruel F. Cowles was next called. He said he did not agree with MT. Gallagher, and saw no reason why with reliable business men as commissioners the water board could not be governed as well and economically as any private institution or company. 1.-the pres ent contract could be continued for ten or twenty years it would make great differ ence in his opinion. He thought it was pos sible that this Water company might become a great monopoly. He said as rule the cit ies in this country owned their waterworks. If such public spirited men as H. M. Welch and others could be induced to act on the water commission the business would be conducted properly. He concluded by say ing that it would be great mistake to let this Opportunity of controlling the water works pass.
 MT. Gallagher replied to MT. oowles. He