The record-union., 1893-08-25

correspondence or Interest TO the
General Public.
Under this heading the REcoRD-UN1oN Will
publish short letters from correspondents on
topics Of interest TO the general public. The
matter In these communications will be un-
oerstood TO represent only the views OF the
writers. All communications must be accom-
panied hy the name of the writer, not for
publication unless so desired but as O guaran-
Tee OF good faith.-EDS.
Citizen Felter's Views on Water.
EDS. REcoRD-UNIoN: I much regret
that will not be in Sacramento to cast
my vote for clear and sparkling water
To pair off with some that are halting be-
tween two opinions and are undecided as
to whether they want clear or dirty water,
is the object have in view.
One of the greatest and most valuable
reforms that the people of Sacramento
have ever been called to vote upon since
the days of '49 should receive attention
and thought from every citizen. Yes, 1
may say. every man, woman and child;
and when the votes are counted | trust
that there will be such an overwhelming
majority for the introduction into this
city of new water supply, pure and un-
detiled, that the small minority vote will
at least say: 1.-THE majority shall rule.
and we concur in their wise judgment
Now, just for illustration: 1t was only
a few years ago when our hotels and res
taurants used to serve Sacramento
straight on their tables and in the wash
room. Little by little these people
learned that they must do something to
cleanse the water and satisfy their guests,
and they one by one went to the drag
store and purchased alum, which, if too
much was added, left the water a sky
blue tint.
Well, this got to be a nuisance. Then
came the Cook filter, and 100 or 200 were
put up around the city. l bought one,
and it cost S75, and L have it yet. 1t
takes out the coarse mud and gravel, but
1t costs me as much to keep it in order as
l pay for water by the year.
Later the Pasteur Filter Company es-
tablished branch here, and they, l learn,
have about 200 of their fragile and ex-
pensive filters in this city. They do
fairly well, if the tubes are taken out
every twenty-four hours and scrubbed
OF and cleaned Of the vile matter plas-
tered on them. But this process requires
skill and time, and when one is broken
1t cannot be replaced for less than 81 so,
and for this reason many have already
discarded them.
Now, l think 1 may venture to say
that seven -eighths of the people of Sacra-
mento to-day are drinking the polluted,
AA4NHS 1CoJ OdL1l1uS III IL anu COOh-
ing with it-simply because they can't
get any other, and not from choice.
A horse accustomed to Sacramento water
straight more mud the better will take
1t in preference to clear ater; but, show
the two in clear glass, and where is the
sane man that will drink filth, slickens,
decayed vegetable and animal matter in
preference to sparkling water2 Such
man must be prejudiced against progress
sion, and must think there is "a niger
in the fence" job or some other
imaginary evil that will perchance ruin
him and the best interests of the city.
Citizens Voters! Taxpayers Rest
assured that the ordinance under which
the contract will be let-if you vote for
it's guarded in every way possible for
your interest. We will not abandon our
present system till the new one is an alb
solute established fact.
The Fire Underwriters have seriously
considered the proposition to advance
their rates here, and for the reason that
the water and siickens in the pipes
are so thick and muddy that the engines
can't get water enough in time to stop a
threatened and serious confiagration, as
was demonstrated on two occasions this
month.
Vote early and work, and clear water
Will De yours. JAMES l. FELTER.
AOOh AT Iu9 Mons
EDS. RECoRD-UNcoN: Both sides of
the pure water question are fairly before
us. Let as take a business look at them.
On one side is legal contract, drawn up
by business men, who certainly have
proved themselves capable of conducting
their own affairs successfully. If we cam
not trust matters of great public import
with such body of men. with whom can
we? Voters indorse or reject, giving the
Trustees the power to enter into such
contract. We must trust some one with
these matters. Whom better than those
whose greatest interests are in the city's
prosperity.
What is on the other side? 1t is not so
easy 10 tell. Whatever of merit there
may be, there certainly has been ad-
vanced some of the most absurd and con-
Trajectory statements men were asked to
believe. 1t is easier to take a look at the
men who are on the opposite sides, and
learn what their probable interest is.
especially that OF the peculiar methods of
the opposition. Every question as to
quality and quantity of water, cost, con-
troll, etc., is specified il the contract, and
these arguments and theories of the op-
position have no place in the issue.
1t Is evident there is deeper self-inter-
est pack of it all, that lily attempts to
hide itself in these by no means novel
methods to deceive and misrepresent
facts.
Let US look again to the men in this
issue. Take out of the city the men and
their interests who favor the pure water
movement, and what have you left?
Count off the names and their business.
their property interest, their influence
and financial aid in public affairs, the
taxes they pay-count it all up, and sup
pose 1t were all dropped out, and there will
be left-what? Many good men and busi-
ness places-but the rest! Would it be
good place to make home?
But the city's voting power is large in
this division. So much so, that often the
balance of power is in the hands of those
who have grown careless, or disgusted
with public affairs, and remaining away
from the polls. Self-interest, concerned
at the expense of the public good, is a
sorry investment in the end.
What concerns the city's interest ad-
vances that of any honest business, Shall
the purchasable vote be allowed to de-
eide this question? 1t need not if every
voter will come out.
Independent voter of Sacramento
with which side will you vote? In whose
hands can you most safely trust the pub
lie good? b.
They Won't Do 1t.
EDS. RECoRD-UNIoN: Some of our good
citizens have been heard to express their
fears that the pure water proposition may
be defeated on Saturday,