Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-11-07
The Bond Issue in Allegheny-Reasons
Given in Opposition.

To the Editor of The Dispatch:
The question about to be cons fdered by
the citizens of Allegheny, viz, the issuing
of over 100000 OF bonds, is one worthy of
considerably more explanation than has yet
been given by any of the advocates of the
scheme. As the matter now stands, they
say, "Give US the bonds, and we will expend
the money on water, sewers, streets and
light" No detail is given as to how any of
these improvements are to be carried out
Before any intelligent person can vote on
the proposition, this information should be
furnished. AS an example, we should know
how the water supply is to be made better
Is it by a system of filters? If so, where are
they to be placed, and what will be the cost
and by what authority is the estimate made,
and is the authority fully competent to
make su CHI an estimate? And, again, what
evidence have we that the filter system will
do the work required? If an extension of
the influent pipe is proposed, how far is it to
be extended-to Willow Grove, Six-Mile or
Nine-Mi,e Island? What estimate has been
made of this, and who made the estimate?
Are they competent to make such an esti-
mate, and what evidence have we that this
plan Is the correct One7
. The construction or water works is a
branch of mechanical engineering that is
well understood and there should be no
trouble about getting the information de-
sired. 1t is doubtful, however, If such in-
petent engineers who make a specially OF
the WORK. At all events. it is only proper
that this information and proper plan OF
the work intended should have been SUBJ
m1tted to the citizens, and to me it is sur
prising that Mayor Kennedy would submit
such proposition as we now have before
us without any plan or information, except
that the money will be expended.
This same inquiry will apply to all the
other items of the proposed expenditure,
and until this is supplied it should not, as
business measure, be entertained. The
present Council may be honest. AT all
events it is very incompetent, and if they
have not been able to conduct the affairs OF
the city in the past as they should have
been is it proper to entrust them with a re-
sponsibility such as is proposed? l think
not, and will so vote.
1t is said a new Council will be elected in
February that will be competent. II these
bonds are authorized, it will simply be an
inducement for the ring that has controlled
our government for so long to redouble their
efforts in February and retain control of
our City Councils and the heads of depart
make such a canvass and man the polls so
effectually in February that the gentlemen
who wish q new Council will not 'be in it"
and the same old gang will be III COM
mand with a fund of 81, ,0OO. 600 at
their disposal. And if we are to judge
the attempted purchase OF fire engine as
a sample or their methods, am AFRAID the
So, 100000 will fall short of what is needed
and duplicate of the amount will be re-
quired.
The proposition as it now stands should
be voted down. At the February election,
it will then be possible to have sufficlent
number of new Councilmen elected who
have not been identified with the ring, and
who will be competent to conduct the affairs
OF the city in an honest and satisfactory
manner. Then it will be time enough to
authorize the issue of the bonds needed for
the requirements of the city. ALLEGHENY.
ALLEGHENY, Novemberk