The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-08-11
THE METER QUESTION.
WHAr 7HE PEOPLE THINK OF IT.
The Result Of n Times Reporters LITTER
views with Many Prominent 9th
zens-onIy Few oppose It.

The question now 20 settle tho difficulty
As 70 the scarcity of the water supply in this
city has been the cause Of good deal of
discussion during the past few days. The
suggestion made by Superintendent Charles
/. Boiling Of the City Water Works as TO
the introduction Of water meters. in order
20 prevent general waste Of water is not
new one, but its recommendation is only
appreciated by those who have given the
matter due consideration.
On my wanderings through the different
parts Of the city yesterday could End but
few people who had any distinct IDEA Of
what was actually intended by the introduce
ton of water meters. Quite number Of
people whom / spoke TO on the subject
seem 20 have 90 idea that the introduction
OF meter would very seriously curtail the
water takers. Business men we're rather
Veticent in giving their opinions, and quite
a number of the city officials were willing 10
inform me of what they thought on the sub
ject but requested all not to divulge their
names.
FREE METEBs.
One prominent merchant told me that ho
was ia favor Of introducing water meters IN
order that the unnecessary waste of water
might be stopped He did not think that
the free usage Of water would be interfered
with by meters on the contrary he had an
idea that the citizens could afford 20 use the
water coming from tho water mains more
freely II they could get Il az a cheaper rate.
lie added that ho was very willing 70 pay
for the amount OF water which no con-
sumed % his home. and that be felt con-
WINGED that every other citizen in Richmond
had the same ideas He only objected 20
che provision which compelled the citizens
60 pay for the water meters, inasmuch as
they we're not compelled to pay for gas
meters.
Councilman James I. Vaughan, WHO'S one
Of the new members Of the City Council,
has not yet bad an opportunity 20 form an
opinion from his personal experience, but
be admits that from what he has heard he
thinks that the introduction of meters
would be q good PLAN both for the city and
for the water takers.
Councilman ". l.. White. when spoken TO
on the subject, said that sooner or later the
city would have 20 introduce water meters
IN order 10 secure a uniform supply 10 the
different parts Of the city. At present the
waste of water was simply enormous, and IT
was urgently required that q stop be made
as soon as possible. The best way TO &C
compHsh this was 10y the way of placing
water meter In every house in this city
Alderman William IS. Gum thinks that
the introduction of water meters would be
ia the interest of the city and would also
benefit the residents of Richmond. Under
the existing rules and regulations water
could be used and sQuandered TO an un-
limited extent, and 1t Is about time TO put
stop 20 this uncAled for waste. In regard
10 the defrayine Of the expense of furnish
ing the meters he did not think that the
citizens should be taxed any more than they
are for the supply of gas meters. On the
contrary, he favored the purchasing OF
water meters by the city.
Councilman CARRIER, who is thoroughly
familiar with the subject, and whom i met
in company with Mr.. Gum, fully conceded
with that gentleman IN every respect.
MANUFACTURING EsTABLIsHMESrs.
Captain F. d. Starke when approached
on the subject. thought that certainly oil
the manufacturing establishments IN this
city should be restricted by meters IN the
unlimited use of water He thought that
ths introduction Of wateT-metGrs IN private
residences would be rather too expensive
however. be felt convinced that If water
meters were in use all over the city, large
amount Of the present waste OF water would
be prevented
A Gentleman who for many years has
been a mem Der of the City Council although
he did not care having his name men
toned. expressed himself decidedly 10 favor
Of introducing water meters all over the
CITY. He told me that he felt convinced
that under existing circumstances GOOD
deal Of water was being used for which no
money was rendered % the city treasury
He himself had for some time been IN favor
OF having a meter placed az bis manutac-
turing establishment in order 70 save money,
but he bad not been able 70 gam his OBJECT
for some slight oversight on his part. not
having submitted his request IN writing.
He mentioned 70 me a number OF instances,
where water had been kept running al
night. especially in winter time, in order TO
prevent the freezing of the pipes.
orHEB OPINIONS.
Mr. W. L. White said no thought we will
come 10 IT, He saw nothing else ahead.
Mr. r. WendenburQ: j am opposed 70
anv change at present. il will be expensive
and there is cost enough now. Let the po-
lice stop the great waste Of water 60
Ing on. .,....-,. .
much about it, but something should oe
done in the matter of the water.
Mr. James T. Tyler IL Is nm excellent
plan and like IT, presuming the city pays
for the meters that are introduced.
Mr. A. Bargamin: IL Is good idea. but
the city should pay for the meters ana not
the people I believe there are twenty
gallons Of water that are wasteu 10 one gal
Mr. Andrew Welsh / am heartily in favor
Of ana scheme. but the city should pay for
the meters. There IS a great waste now,
Mr. Percy Montague II IS a good idea
and a business-lIke one. 3,
Captain Henry T. Miller l am de cldedly
ia favor of it,
Postmaster Russell I have always
Thought it should be adopted. The water
should be measured and paid for Just as gas
is There is too much waste. IL Ienl4os
me of r. story a man told me once SAID ne.
] would rather buy sugar by the pound Al
ten cents than by the barrel at hYe cents q
pound. because with pound IN the mouse
everybody was careful; with barrel every
body was careless and the sugar was
wasted. III. ~.
Blr. J. W. Lakewood ] don't Ike the
EcbAroe IL means more taxes, and We are
taxed enough now. If We have 70 pay l9l
water by the pint [ would rather dig WEI
IT once Stop the waste by the preseh
means Of stopping 1t; ys
Bit. Jacob Cans: ] approve OF II.
man wants 20 see water run let MN pay 10'
in inst as he has to pay TO see wine run.
Sir. w. II. Mccarthy: On general prlncl
Mes I believe in il. ! don't know apou'
any special system ,n. r..
VOr II. ...o..a >,
anv meters. We pay enough Ia WINTER
when a small amount comparatively j. uSou
TO balance any excess OF use II 9uLlili0i
when We need more. Al. o..s4o,, j.,
Dir. W. A. Spott. i favor the system
the cost of introduction Is more IeAsonao io
hear II costs SIS 20 put them IN. AS il
a. now q careful citizen pays AZ much as :