Asheville daily citizen., 1891-09-21
WATER AND SEWERAGE.

EDITOR hh hopp>hNN w.
be present at meeting OF the city coun-
Gil this afternoon, when the matter OF
water and sewerage was before that
body, and listened with great interest to
the very able remarks OF Capt. Matt At
kinson, which wish he would publish in
your paper. He in substance urged that
the water rates be doubled. The state
ment was made that the amount now
collected for water rates is some $4,000.
He urged, and with great show OF reason,
that the comfort and convenience and
safety to consumers was procured at
rediculously low figures. Ii the rate was
doubled the interest on 100000 would
be secured and that the entire water
rates be placed in separate amount to
credit of interest on these water sew
erage bonds and not used in the gen
eral fund. Thus those who used the
water and enjoyed the benefit OF the sew
erage would pay tor the same. As the
number OF consumers increased, OF course
the amount derived from the water rates
would he greater ana this surplus should
form sinking fund for the extinguish'
ment OF the bonds at maturity, to our
unsophistocated mind. He seemed to
be talking business in business like
way.
Ii was urged that parties holding these
water and sewerage bonds would become
alarmed ii they thought that interest
was to be paid out OF fund which was
not sufficient. In reply the Captain urged
with great good sense the CITY was re.
sponsible for the interest out OF any
funds but under this general obligation
to pay il there was specific tax namely,
the water rates, by law set aside tor the
, special purpose OF paving this interest
aud could be used for nothing else. this
E would enhance the value OF such bonds
q and they would be sought for as an III
vestment. Certainly il the city now gets
one-hali the amount OF interest at very
y low rate for use OF the water, it would
get the whole amount by doubling the
e rates which then would not be onerous,
and the continually increasing number OF
persons taking the water as the city ex-
tends it's mains, and the increased facilities
# for sewerage as they extend their lines
would materially increase the pcome and
4 furnish the surplus tor the 81, king fund
" If misunderstood the Captain in my
imperfect sketch OF his eloquent remark,
d hope he will give the community more
lull and comprehensive sketch through
your columns. 1t IL matter OF great
interest to the public. You are now try
ing to float your bonds recently votet
on, and in every way that you cal
10 give assurances OF the cty's ability Il
In meet its obligations, you strengthen it
as credit. And If you can show that the III
h. terest on these water and scweraS
bonds is absolutely provided tor by thos
~ who derive the benefit from them, yoI
es nave done vast deal to give conhdenc
tn to capitalists and you relieve the anxlet
of of taxpayers.
. Asheviile has sprung into vigorous lis
u to the marvel OF everyone, but 1t is absC
" lutely in its mere infancy. 1t is stupi
In policy to cry: Great is Asheville; ever!
-, body must come to Ashevle tor II
scenery and climate" Both are uusul
;" passed, but unless your financial syster
is is sound, investors in real estate wi
at lNNS DSlolS anu va
he proving. Tue possibilities OF Asheyi
i. are simply bounCiless, but not nnIes
IN those in charge OF its affairs are lont
-ly headed, far sighted, broad in their view
J." and business.ike in their methods.
h. You have got to make our pavement
good, your rUadways good, your sew
We erage as perfect as science can make II
We your water supply plentiful, and 1t WI
take money and great deal OF 1t. lud
ciuuslv expended, and then Tor every do
lar you SO spend ~, 20, yes, 100 per cen
will come back TO you IN the enchance
nc value OF property, IN the improved pro-
lst erty Tor taxation. For one out OF ever
ten visitors who has money will buy
lot here and lot there within a mi
ol off from your court house on every sid
ar tor as you 60 from that center whic
ale ought to be an ornament to your cit
but which is blot now and gives Il
ing visitor the idea OF little country yillaI
,ip, OF fifty years ago, Notwithstanding II
,ad electric cars which meet there, AS the
lad ought not to do, because OF the OK W
gons and mule carts, and loaters, whi
and black, who are permitted to bloC
mo up roadways and pavtmeLts by the
Ke' gathering in groups and loltcring II
oP hours. From every point to which "
the go from that center out on your suburb
any where, everyw mere, every one can hr
Nc some place that strikes his fancy 1t "
wn all come in time, but 1t will come fast
ins if you widen your streets, pave ther
an sewer and water, with finances wise
administered.
An Interested Observer.