The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1886-04-30

Of all towns and cities in this
country where public water works
exist, more than half are owned and
operated by private companies.
When the question of building
water works comes up for considera-
ton, the two methods are discussed
from all points of view. and the fact
that at the present time many more
are being constructed on the fran
chise plan than by bonding, shows
that the argument is in favor of the
former.
Facts and figures tell the story, and
are worth more than theories. Taking
the latest official returns, published
and compiled from "Croes Water
Works Statistics" the recognized
authority on these points, we find
that there are in the United States, 90
towns and cities of less than 20, 900
inhabitants that have built and are
operating their own water works.
Adding the annual interest on cost
TO the annual expenses of operating,
and deducting therefrom the annual
receipts, we find in every case de-
felt. Dividing this deficit by the
number of hydrants, we obtain the
cost per hydrant to the town or city
for fire protection and city buildings.
Taking the list of annual costs so
obtained, and making an average, we
find that the average cost is
about $Io2 per hydrant. In other
words these cities and towns could
better afford to pay an annual rental
of SIoo hydrant, on an average
sum much in excess of the annual
hydrant rental to companies.
The fact is that water works con-
struction and operation has become
systematized business, and can be han.
died best by those who have facilities
and experience in that line. The
question is often asked, "why, if
company can make interest on the
money invested in water works, why
cannot city do the same?' Let any
manufacturer say whether his own
business would succeed if managed
by city. The large number of COM
paratlvely experienced men who must
be consulted, and the frequent
changes in management, unavoidable
through the influence of politics, are
fatal to economy in construction and
operation.
When city reaches point where
gas is called for, company puts in
the works, makes contracts with the
city for such pubic lighting as is de-
sirable, while private consumers
pay for what gas they use. The ques.
ton of water works may properly be
treated in somewhat the same way,
though it is by no means parallel
case. since there is a necessity for
water which does not exist for gas.
To promote public health and
comfort, to advance the general well
being of the city, and to guard it
against the disastrous consequences
of fire, are duties which press upon
every enterprising and growing city.
AS to the best manner of putting
them in-opinions vary-but as shown
above, the argument is in favor of
private ownership. A case in, point
may be of interest. The city of New.
ark, Ohio, had this question under
discussion for several years. 1t was
examined and discussed from every
standpoint and several votes taken.
The final and decisive vote last fall
gave 1888 votes in favor of the fran
chise, to II against, or nearly unan-
imous vote in favor.
The franchise proposition is the
more definite because the voter knows
on the start just what will be furnished
and just what it will cost per year;
while on the other basis, there is a
large element Of uncertainty as to
first cost, cost of repairs, extensions,
ETC., and also to yearly cost of opera
lion. WATER WORKS.
0$