Mexico weekly ledger., 1885-07-30
WHY WE WANT WATER.
To the Editor Of the kedger.

To the Editor OF the ledger.
MEXICO, Mo-, July 27th.-In a few
days the citizens of Mexico will be
called upon to decide by their ballots
a most momentous question: ques-
ton that will be fraught with con-
sequences either for good or evil for
q long time to come, viz: The ques-
ton whether we shall establish a
system of waterworks or not. That
they should decide that question af-
Tentatively there are several very
good and valid reasons, while it is
hardly conceivable how any enlight-
ened man who claims to advance with
the spirit of the age should oppose
the measure. A system of water
works, such as the one proposed, will
furnish us a sufficiency of water for
extinguishing fires, and the reduction
this will effect in the rates of insur-
ance, slnd the feeling of security it
affords are worth more than what the
city pays for rental. 1t will likewise
supply an abundance of water for
nan and beast through the public
~hydrants, and if the farmer, upon
whose support Mexico depends, come
here, neither himself nor team need
famish for water. True, some oppo-
nents will argue, this will only bene-
fit the merchants around the square,
and it is not just and equitable that
we should be taxed for their benefit.
What short sightedness! What ben
eits the public square benefits alike
the whole city. Take the business
houses away from the square and
what would property outside of the
same be worth About 1925 Or $50
per acre, the same as other farming
land, while now a lot of 60 by la
feet is worth $4,000. And is not
property around the square assessed
a great deal higher than the same
would be outside of it, and don't cit
liens around the square therefore
pay a bigger proportion of the taxes
and n consequently entitled to more
benefit? The waterworks will give
us ample water for manufacturing
purposes, and nobody, seeking a To-
cation for manufacturing, need be
turned away on account of want of
water. But won't they have to pay
for their water? Certainly. Every
body has to pay for what he gets.
This point therefore won't work any
hardship, provided the rates are
reasonable enough, and who can as
sert that 2 cents per 100 gallons of
water is not reasonable? Besides,
the company will come among US and
invest their money with us and their
interests will thereby become ident-
ical with those of Mexico. If they
see fit and they consider it to their
interest, they can make special terms
and give still lower rates or even fur
nish it free, what the city, as a cor.
poration, could not do under a pro.
vision of our constitution.
Last, but by no means least, is the
consideration that waterworks will
supply us with pure and wholesome
water and thereby prevent sickness
and promote the general healthful
ness of the city. Although would
not charge this as a motive of thei,
action, still-as there are a number oil
doctors and druggists among the op'
ponents Of the measure the suspicion
presses itself lrresistibly upon ones
mind that this must be the handspring
of their factious opposition.
The arguments OF the insignificant
minority opposing waterworks have
been so often and effectually refuted
that I will not waste space and time
upon their reconsideration.
Mr.. Editor, there never was a ques
ton submitted to the voters of Mex
leo that agitated and swayed the
public mind in such 8 degree as th'
present one The peoples voice i:
Gods voice-Noa popati o del
and a measure where public opinion
is so overwhelmingly in favor OF can
not be wrong; aye, it must be right
the opinions of few wiseacres to thu
contrary Notwithstanding, and on thu
3rd day of next month will RECORD
such an unprecedented majority il
favor of it that the croakers will b
buried out of sight. So mote it be
X. Y. Z.