The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-07-23
JUDGE LATHAM HEARD FROM.

JUDGE LATHAM HEARD FROM.
President Latham, of the Memphis
Water Company, said he was glad to
know his friend Mr.. Hill had advanced
sufficiently in his study of hydraulics
to learn that it would require 81 $780,
900 TO build new and ample works
but il surprised him to hear Mr.. Hill,
of all Others, proposing to bring water
from Wolf river, stream which was
being abused by the whole city. He
then read the following:
To the Legislative Council of the Taxing
District OF Shelby County, Tenn;
On the Sth instant the Council APP
pointed conference committee to
conside. the questions:
l. As to the city's ownership Of
water works, and should that he de.
cided in the negative, then
2. How best TO secure an adequate
supply OF clear, wholesome water2
The report Of that committee is be-
fore you.
l. That TIE Council consider q prop.
osition from the water company to sell
its plant to the city.
1t will be remembered that this dis
cuss'on arose three years ago in the
city press, which was undivided in its
advocacy OF city ownership. A later
and more direct expression is seen in
the appointment, one year ago, of the
committee OF ten citizens. Still stronger
evidence is found in the unanimous
report of said committee, made Elk
months ago, and which, 20 far as am
advised, is uneXcepted TO. In oft re-
reated interviews, during the last year,
with members Of the City Council and
OF the Citizens Committee, Il have heard
no other sentiment expressed. Indeed,
II is generally known that the city pro-
poses to ask for the necessary authority
on the assembling OF the Legislature.
But no decisive action having been
taken, l deemed il due alike TO the
public and to the water company, for
reasons stated before you on the 9Th |
inst, to respectfully ask such action
in the premisesla as would secure an
authoritative decision. fully under
stand that the Council must have
additional authority from the Legisla-
tuTe. But "where there's a will,
lIltTo ~ Wftys hcbhtuO BULL
timent to be practically undivided. 1t
is certain that public confidence
in the ability Of the Council
to drive close trades is Justly
unbounded. II the Council, after
the most searching Investigation
into the value of our plant, which we
unreservedly invite, shall agree on
terms with the water company, cannot
a plan be devised for guaranteeing the
action of the Council until the meet
ing OF the Legislature? Isupgest here
no details, but several plans occur to
me. Certainly the public has that
much faith in the city and in the
Council. II the Council agrees with
the Citizens Committee and is salts
fed that public sentiment is in favor
of city ownership, let II seleotiwithout
delay two experts, and th water |
company will select two, the four to |
choose fifth, and we will accept the |
price they fix, as provided in our
charter. 1t is not for me, a party in |
interest, to advise, but il may be per-
United me to add:
l. The people will not in my opin-
ion be satisfied until they own the
water supply.
2. II the works are Profitable to the |
water company, why not more 30 to
the city,
The salary OF q president and per-
haps others could be saved; the city's |
sewer inspector could at same time |
inspect the water service, and with an
authority that would control a waste
greater than the legitimate consump-
ton, thus saving in salaries, pay rolls
and fuel thousands OF dollars annually.
Should the Council decide not to own
water works, the said Conference Com
mittee recommended:
3. That the city and water company
consider a new contract, based on an
abundant supply OF clear, wholesome
water. Such contract we are ready
to make and proceed with without
delay, should the first recommendation
fail. bespeak the speediest action,
consistent with due elaboration, and
a proper regard for the public interest.
Respectfully submitted,
T. j. LATHAM,
President Memphis Water Co.
Both papers were received and flied
and Mr.. Hill was given until August
10Th to have his stock subscription
and proposition ready. Adjourned.