The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-02-10

oZIAS ID. TILLINGHAsT.
Albert W. knight. chief of the fire dis
trict Thomas McGuire, Jr.; Edward
Pike, John II. Campbell of the PdlCtuTCt
VALLEY Cleaner, J.; G. Dow of the PRovI-
DENCE NEWS, William Hayden of the
Telegram. Lucian Earle, O. ID. Tilling-
hast, George Waterhouse, III. w. Potter,
William V. Slocum, Joseph Briggs, Is. A.
Whitman, James Gee, superintendent of
the Interlaken Manufacturing Company,
and ;. X. Nicholas.
The meeting was called to order at
precisely ten minutes past o'clock by
Frank Greene, president of the associa-
tion, who called for the records of the last
meeting, which was read by the clerk.
after which the following persons were
unanimously voted TO membership: Pat
rick Mcmahon, John BerdicA, John War
ner, Orrin Holdridge, Albert knight and
Uriah Arnold after which Chairman
Greene, in few well-chosen remarks pre-
sented ID. NJ. Thompson of Providence,
who addressed the large gathering present
as follows;
''For several months past inspections
have been made under the direction of the
department o. public works for the pur-
pose of detecting the nature and charac-
ter of the pollutions within the area OF the
Pawtuxet Valley and the extent of its in
fiuence in the dehlement of the water OF
the pawtuXet river at the Pettaconsett
pumping station, now the source OF sup
ply for the city Of Providence.
"The inspector has rendered his report,
which fffcfuties his notes Of observation.
The commissioner has presented the said
report To the City Council, in connection
with which he recommends that applica-
tion be made to the General Assembly for
the enactment of "a law that shall effectu-
ally prevent further pollution of the
waters of the PawtuXet river or any OF its
tributaries.
''The report was published in full i'm the
daily papers of Providence on the 2lst day
of January for the purpose of securing a
public sentiment which shall demand the
abatement of the evil complained of. A
bill has been presented to the Legislature
which provides ostensibly an accurate and
scientific basis upon which the conditions
of pollution and defilement shall be de-
termined, also the necessary means for the
enforcement and execution Of the pro-
posed law, in the form of severe penalties
of fine aud imprisonment.
"ln view of these conditions, and the
evident purpose so clearly manifest, you
are suddenly brought face To face with
problem which may prove TO be more
grave and serious than ut first appears. 10
threatens the infringement OF vested
rights which you have held to be sacred,
even as against the power OF legislation.
The question is full OF difficulty aud dan
gers which cannot be oyerestimated.-
situation Is therefore, one of vital import
ance rs affecting the healthful conditions,
the value of property, and other material
forces upon which depend the growth and
future prosperity of the PawtuXet Valley.
81 desire To speak upon this subject in
spirit of candor, and with "A conservatism
which admits a simple and truthful state
ment of facts, with the single purpose of
equal and exact justice To all interests.
There are two sides to this question, both
OF which have "a just right To be heard and
most carefully considered prior TO further
action by the Legislature. Public hear
ings and thorough investigation, will
doubtless be given by the COMMITTEES. The
question involves principles which de-
nand most serious consideration. Advan-
tages, however important, If gained ut the
great cost and sacrifice which this pro-
posed action may involve, should not be
permitted without full.-fair and eXhaus
tive discussion before the people. Hasty
legislature is always unwise. and espec-
ially so i'm matter of so great Importance
as in the issue now pending. There is
great danger that the enactment of the
proposed bill, will prove a serious misfor-
tune. AN irreparable injury To the Paw
tuXet Valley.
The City of Providence cannot afford
10 enforce this measure upon the lines
WHICH ndNt lluS ldI Ut'u luulNhlAhs ~
the cxigeucies of the case should prove TO
be so urgent as by some il now supposed,
then other measures OF protection should
be adopted. The PawtuXet Valley IL
destined TO become a most important tri-
butary 10 the business interests of the
City Of Providence, aud factor which
will enter largely into the conditions
which will determine the future prosper
ity of the state.
"In view OF existing conditions and the
possible consequences of undue haste, all
efforts for legislation should be suspended
pending Investigation, for period sufii-
cient 90 determine the utility OF all other
corrective measures. | believe that every
reasonable and proper effort should be
made by the people of the Valley 10 pro
tect the water OF the PawtuXet in the in
tcrcsts of the citizens of Providence IL
is no less the duty Of the City OF Provi-
denec 10 employ all Legitimate means
within it, power, To protect its own inter
ests. Until this has been properly done
il is manifcstly unfair TO press the ques-
ton Of legislation.
The City Of Providence should proceed
at once In the Improvement OF its service,