The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-18

That there was more than passive
foundation for the reported prospective as
sault by citizens upon the city's contract
with the Artesian Water Company is estab-
lished by the conversation an APPEAL re-
porter had with an influential gentleman
yesterday.
1t win be remembered that The APPEAL
referred few weeks since to the reports in
circulation to that effect, the basis of the
reports being an alleged exhorbitant an
nual outlay fixed in the contract.
The gentleman in question, whose name
is withheld because of his connection with
the Committee Of Fifteen who brought the
Taxing District rate OF taxation down to
500, is universally recognized as being
formidable antagonist for even the Tycoon
oil the District, man OF excellent judg-
ment and q mind stored with facts and
figures, and an ability TO present them
with broadside effect. Said he, in response
to Q question from the reporter as to what
ne knew oil the reports recently in circu-
lation about the contract:
II do not care TO discuss secret reports,
but can tell you this, il | had not been
identified with the meeting out OF which
grew the Committee OF Fifteen that went 10
Nashville against the Fire and Police Com
mlssloners' budget, and, in fact was a
member OF that committee, would make
persistent effort 10 smash that contract.
The reason why / cannot do 30 now
is plain. A rate has been pre-
pared and introduced, the apportion-
ment arranged, and the contract sum for
water included. 1t would be an act of
bad iaith for me TO jeopardize the passage
OF the bill by attacking it, especially when
II stands recommended by the men dele
gated by our committee 10 sign il on be-
half Of the citizens committee Thirty
thousand dollars and more per year to DO
increased with the growth Of the city I'M
al We may ultimately be paying $780,
OOO is enormous. Just look for a
moment at what a regular and constantly
growing diamond field the Water Com
pany has. Its annual income now amounts
TO little II any less than 1925, 600 exclusive
OF the pin money from the city. When
the city has expanded until sos, 900
or SlOO,OOO is required 10 be paid over
under the present contract, what will DO
the extent OF the companys income2 Ora.
ciousl It'll own or be able 10 buy the
city in a few years"
What should be changed in the con-
tract2"
let me answer by asking you a ques-
ton: WHAT does the company pay the
city Tor its iranchse2 You don't know2
Well, I'll tell you; virtually nothing.
When the Taxing District form OF govern
ment was first established the city got its
water Tor nothing, MS recompense for the
valuable franchise. Aiterward, when DIR.
Porter, Col. John Overton, Jr., and tho
council brought the sewer system into cx-
istence, this question was presented
and proper TO demand OF the
water company TO endure the additional
strain on its capacity to flush the sewers
for nothing? II was decided not 20 be, and
the sum OF $500 per year paid for that
particular service. Fire plugs and other
public consumers were supplied for moth
ing. Later this was increased 60 q 500.
and that was the highest paid the COM
pany by the Porter administration. Since
then the increase to 5000 has been made,
and still later the advance. at one fell
swoop, 10 81, 900. with an elasticity ofcon--,
tract that will speedily carry II far beyond
that sum. Isn't the franchise far more
valuable now than ever before? II 40.
why should Il be necessary to pay the
company for service which it formerly per.
formed for nothing gladly, and yet made
plenty OF money! The city Is hot sU-tiij-
eral with the street car companies, rail-
road companies or other corporations
TO which franchises are disposed OF. In
every case they are compelled 10 plank
down n handsome bundle for improve
ments Of one kind or another, and their
privileges and powers are held down TO
the very lowest notch. Not 30 with the
water company. IL enjoys monopoly
absolutely secure against disturbance.
patronage Ia made compulsory by the city,
everybody uses the water for general pur-
poses bocause-and | cheeriully con-
cedo the pOint-it is good, and the
city loses everything material that II
once had, and still has with all
other corporations. DO you see anything
OF public importance In the consolidation
resolutions before. the council at iis last
meciing2 Not Well, the object sought to
be obtained in thus hastily rushing It
through is 10 obliterate every trace OF all
former contracts, the last one Of which, for
5000 per year, has lsevenl years yet 10
run, 80 that the only one extant will DO
that entered into with the Consolidated
Ancsian Water Company. tell you one
thing, said the gentleman, In conclusion,
unless these corporations are watched
with housekeeping eyes and well.in-
formed, alert minds, they'll feast on tho
city and YOU and ! and every other citizen
will be paying tribute 10 them"
And yet, entertaining these positive
convictions on the Water Company con-
tract, you propose TO let things take their
course without raising hand 10 stop
them, when you are largely intercsted2'
81 dou't gay ! shall remain inactive in