The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1892-08-26

there might be a right violated i'll
compelling a sale, for to carry this
question at the polls virtually
compels sale to save themselves, !
as any one-eyed man can see, of
the works in question. But view
ing the case from my knowledge,
and further belief in the unremu-
nerative quality of the property
known, and the water plant and
electric light plant, | do not be-
lieve that any very substantial
right would be violated if the per-
sons interested got their money
back, and l think they would be
glad to do so. AS two separate
and distinct companies l do not
believe that either will pay ex-
penses and the current interest on
the amount invested. Certainly
not more at the present time. l
have good reasons to believe this.
But as one enterprise under one
management, at one expense, l am
not sure but that, carefully ham
died, it might be remuenrative
enough to pay all expenses, inter
est on the investment Cat 6%),
and admit of a considerable de-
crease in the price of water and
light to the consumer.
Self interest is generally at the
bottom of the interest men take
in matters financial, and | am no
exception to the rule in this case.
l should like to get water and
light considerably cheaper than
the rates l now pay, and | con-
sumo comparatively respectable
amount Of each.
If this movement will afford
light and water at reduced rates,
and not impair our protection
from fire, OF violate the rights OF
those hayIng capital involved,
then | want the city to own its
own works.
It has been suggested that a
steam fre-engine would afford a
better protection from fire than
can be economically had from
water works That question is
not under discussion. But if the
city owns its own water it is GER
tain that by no very considerable
expense any amount of water
necessary could be made available
at any point i'll the city, remote OF
near, at slight additional running
expense. If a supply Of water be
kept constantly on hand the con-
l.. venient hydrant would become a
very great help, to say the least,
in case of fire.
Then for purposes of sewerage,
water is absolutely indispensable,
and if there be no great additional
current expense, that seems to me
to be good reason for the city to
own its own water. With its own
plant the city could afford a great
many times the incandescent
lights now used on the streets at
no perceptible addition to the ex-
Ipense. If desired ,sRre lights could
| be used on streets and the current
expenses not to be materially in
creased.
1t is not the original cost.of the
appliance which furnish the COM
modities that make it wise or not
wise to own the plants, it is the
! current expenses which make it
profitable OF Improbable, and if
by combining the two they can be
run nearly as cheap as either one,
and admit of cheaper water and
light to the city and to the indi-
vidual consumer, it seems plain,
that, from a financial point of
view, it would be a good move to
vote in favor Of them, always with
the proviso that existing invest
ments be not forced to thereby
shrink in value. Then there is the
almost certain increase in the num-
ber of consumers for both water
and light if the rates be reduced.
! This is worthy of consideration,
and were private capital seeking
the investment, it would be care
fully estimated in the future pros
poets of the business. CITIZEN.
childron nrv e.. p;fchnrJc cac4orsa