The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1883-10-18
THE WATER WORKS.

bhity VI iSSuIuR iTduCuiSS W, dDu ell
tering into contract with, corporation
for the establishment of water-wo at
this place. The city council felt that in
a matter of such Importance it would be
proper not to act before having an ex-
preston of opinion from the people in
terested.
Mayor Sch1ette offered full expla-
nation of the proposed scheme, present
ing its advantages and disadvantages
quite fully. His advocacy of the matter
certainly comes from deep conviction
that the water-w works would prove highly
advantageous to the city. Before COM
hitting himself in their favor he made a
thorough examination of the subject and
has had extensive correspondence with
cities which have water-works.
The contract is substantially as follows:
A franchise is to be given the company
which in turn offers to lay seven miles of
water main, and put in 80 hydrants for
which the city is to pay annually $50
each, making an annual payment of
S6, 400. The charter is to be for period
of 80 years, after the expiration of which
it may be extended for 20 years. After
20 years from the establishment of the
work, the city has the option to purchase,
proper provision being made for ap-
praisal. The advantages claimed, are
% a supply of pure fresh water, CD in
creased protection from fire, and 60
ability to dispense with the present fire
engines. Mayor Schuette spoke over
an hour upon the subject and then in
vited discussion. T. G. Shove, in quite
lengthy speech opposed the plan as
did also a number of others.
There oan be no question that Mayor
Schuette's advocacy of the system has
made it many friends which it otherwise
would not have. The high character he
bears as thorough business man and a
conscientious officer, together with the
fact that he is by no means man who
entertains extravagant ideas, have led
many to coincide with him in this mat
ter, when their judgment would dictate
otherwise. He has given thought to
this matter and he advocates the water
works because he honestly believes they
would prove benefit to the city.
The Pilot has been silent on this sub
ject for the reason that it had supposed
the vmatter was practically settled, and
knowing that the council acted for what
was though to be the best, it did not
seem proper to express disapproval when
the matter was beyond remedy. But
there are many good reasons why water
works in this city are an unnecessary
burden.
"a There is no need for their estab-
lishment. No extraordinary expense
should be incurred unless the need is
pressing; indeed, so great that serious
inconvenience might result if provision
is not made for supplying the want
There has been no demand for better
water supply; there has been 20 suffer
ing, no complaints and not the slightest
inconvenience. Even if there were it
is proper that individual efforts should
first be made before the city incur the
expense requisite to supply individual
wants.
(2) The water would not be SO good
as what comes from the wells now in the
city. There are but comparatively few
who could or who would use the water
thus furnished; while the tax would be
general.
(3) The taxes would be considerably
increased with no corresponding benefit
further than a convenience, if it should
prove such. The city of Manitowoc is
now so heavily in debt, its taxes are so
high, that no additional expense should
be incurred unless it promises something
in return which will build up the city
and increase its prosperity or at least
operate so as to lessen expenses. 1t is
only for cities of an assured future and
growing prosperity to incur expenses for
Injuries or anything which is not pro-
ductive. Manitowoc should tax itself for
nothing that is not an urgent necessity
or that does not yield a revenue directly
or indirectly.
az The expense of such things is al
ways above the estimate, and it would
soon be found that more main and
hydrants would be needed by the city.
The advantages are not always what they
appear to be. The city thought when
it voted railroad aid that it had secured
the future. But the railroad has simply
proved convenience which might be
very easily dispensed with. To say as
much when the debt was incurred was
about as dangerous as to hint that Gar
field was not saint when Guiteau's
bullet had done its fatal work.
CHARLEY FIGHTER has engaged Walker
as tutor. He wants to learn a few
notes which it would be proper to
MARBLE to new son. He sings Baby
Mine now with great vigor but ''not
with that degree of sweetness which the
sentiment and occasion demand" Walk
er remarks as he lays aside the baton
which he has been fourishing during
Charley's performance to take a cigar
from the box labeled ''Take One." 1t
seems there's nothing like baby.
BROAD street, n. Y, is now noted for
its women BARRIERS. Should the woman
barber custom spread, full boards would
soon be things of the past. Bald heads
would be constantly testing the efficacy
of hair tonics, and dudes experimenting
with pomades. Our friend Carl wo11Id