St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1892-05-20
THE WATER WORKS SCHEME.
How the Reported Republican
Deal Is Viewed by Citizens.

I0N0O ny
The article in the GLOBE yesterday,
relative TO the scheme for the purchase
of the water works, created consider
able comment in the city. The general
verdict was that the transfer of the
water supply from the city to private
corporation would be an unwise act.
There was an effort Oh the part of in
terested individuals and combinations
of the Republican party to scout the
truthfulness of the article. 1t may, there
fore. be. repeated that the statements
given IN the GLOBE were absolutely true.
This will be clearly demonstrated in the
course OF events. The men interested
in the scheme are not likely to show
their hands before their plans are COM
pleted, and everything has been done
that can be done beforehand to insure
the success of their scheme. Mean
while, tits interesting to know how cit
liens feel on the subject. A number
were interviewed yesterday, and a sum-
mary of the opinions follow:
". G. White-If the water works can be
sold under an agreement whereby the pur-
chaSers will not charge any more for the
water service than we are now paying, it will
be good thing for the city, as Sl0,00o 900, at
4 per cent, would amount to $4,000. which
exceeds the gross earnings OF the water works
about $4,000 per anuum. The franchises
by the way, is no more valuable than the one
that was given to Tom Lowry for nothing.
Bernard Kuhl-I look upon the water
works plant as one of the best paying insti-
buttons possessed by the city. Should it pass
into other hands there would be ali immense
amount of dissatisfaction on all hands.
Gov. Merriam do not know whether it
would be possible 10 make legal sale of the
water works. but it is so palpably inexped-
lent that don think any man who has the
interests of the city at heart would entertain
it for moment
George R. Finch-It is a subject to which a
man should give considerable Thought before
expressing himself positively. as the ar
Engagements for the sale would evolve many
things. l should not, however. ;beSia favor
of anything of the kind Unless the citizens
were to be properly protected
Maj. Libby 1t strikes me chat if proper
precautions were taken to prevent extOrtion-
ate or unreasonable charges for water, and If
the entire city debt could be taken ND in this
way it might not be a BAD plan. Still tits a
very serious matter, and one which should
not be undertaken without great deiibera-
ton.
j. W. Cooper-If I were assured that the
same excellent service would be maintained
that the citizens should control the sources
of supply and that rates would be kept upon
fair basis then l should perhaps be in
favor of the sale.
T. w. Farrar-f we can get what the
waterworks are worth l am i'll favor of sell
ing, as 1t Is adv antageous to have a small
city debt Outside investors take that into
consideration when they think of the hand
some revenue derived.
James Middleton do not think the city
should own gas works. city railways etc. as
it makes large city debt w. ich naturally
looks bad to outside investors The present
system of water works is unjust in one re-
speet, that is the annual taxation of frontage
on streets where water pipes are laid, whether
the water is used or not. 1t is too much Of d
burden on poor property owners
AnSel Oppenheim-The city would never
permit the sale You might as well talk
about selling the very air we breathe.
j. j. McCafferty-The CITY would certainly
private corporation. In case ola sale, should
such come about, S10600,000 is not enough
To sell it and cut off the annual income to
the city which was about 100000 last year,
would certainly work no benefit to the tax
payers.
J. ]. Hill-Cannot the city afford to main
tain its water works: l do not believe we
could sell them to anybody.
T. L. Sehurmeier-It is yet to be learned
whether the purchasers would be willing to
coneede the proper guarantees which such a
step would make imperatiyely necessary.
Let US hear something more comprehensive
before taking any steps in so important a
matter.
Building Inspector Morris-I am opposed
to the sale OF. the waterworks. The Financial
standing of the city would be greatly injured
by such a sale. 1 do not think it advisable
to sell valuable property to discharge any in
debtedness.
R. L. Gorman-It would be folly to place
ourselves in the power OF any corporation,
so far as our water SGDplV is concerned