The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25
THE CITY BONDS.

We should be very slow to discounte-
nance any proposition, no matter how
great the expense involved, which tended
directly to benefit this city. We must,
however, express the doubt which we feel
as to the advisablity of adopting the
measure which will be submitted to the
voters of Benton on the 25th instant. We
are not so fully informed as we could wish
to be concerning the proposed SYSTEM of
sewers. Our understanding, however, is,
that the Object OF the proposed loan is to
construct system of drains for surface
drainage only: that to attain this objec
sewers will be built on either side Of the
principal streets, and that such streets will
be so graded by raising them in the mid
die as to facilitate the drainage of surface
water into hem. The construction of
such surface drains, together with proper
street crossings, grades and public side
walks, is the reason, as we understand, for
proposing this loan. The measure is a
wise one so far as it goes. but 1t does not
seem to us to go far enough. 1t is well
that surface drainage should be provi-
ded which will enable a lady to walk our
streets with comfort tWenty-four hours
after rainstorm. We must not overlook
the fact, however, that something more
than a system of surface drainage is need
ed. The almost universal prevalence in
our midst Of bowel complaints Fortunate
y Of mild types should lead every think
ing man to reflect upon the character of
the we'll water which we drink. There
can be no doubt that, owing to the want of
most of the wells upon the fiat is far from
pure. This is so well known a tact that
many citizens prefer to have water daily
brought from the river rather than use
well water. But no system Of surface
drainage can remedy this state of affairs.
Nothing but complete and elaborate
system of sewers can correct it. No sys-
tenn of sewers, however, can be complete
withouta system of water works by which
a constant stream of water can be supplied
TO the sewers to carry away the filth as it
accumulates. Such a system of water
works Fort Benton lacks, and until one is
secured it is impossible to have effee-
tive sewers. It is not improbable that the
proposed sewers for surface drainage can
in the future be utilized as component
parts of a complete series of sewers. This
surface drainage can, however, be accom-
plished at little cost by the labor of two or
three men with teams and ploughs, not SO
we'll, of course, as by the proposed system,
but well enough, and at tiftieth part of
the cost. A proposition to construct water
works would meet with our hearty appro-
val. Such measure would not only be
conducive to the public health and COM
fort, but would afford the necessary pro-
lection from fire which the outskirts of the
city do not even now enjoy. The con-
struction of sewers, however, which can
never be thoroughly effective until water
works are provided, seems to us not to be
advisable. We can afford to put Ola oul
rubber boots once in while and stalk like
herons through the mire of our streets.
We cannot afford to drink impure water
and inhale tainted atmosphere. A sys-
tenn of water works would give ms pure
water and security from fire. The pro.
posed sewers would provide neither
| These views are not presented as authori-
tative. We regret that the absence of the
City Engineer, Mr.. Griffith, prevents us
from securing and presenting his opinion
The nearness Of the day when this meas.
ure will be passed upon, however, make:
| it desirable that the matter should be thor.
oughly discussed without further delay
Our columns are open to communications
pro and con, and we hope that a measure
of SO much Importance to Fort Benton viii
be thoroughly and intelligently debated
before it is finally passed upon.