The record-union., 1893-08-25
CLEAR WATER DISCUSSED.
a Large Meeting of Citizens at
ArmOry Hall Last Night.
Good Evidence That Large Majority
of the Citizens Prefer to Have
Pure Water.

well attended. There was quite sprink-
ling of noisy, demonstrative opponents
of the plan, but it was evident that the
audience, which probably comprised 700
people, were in favor of it. The audience
was quiet and attentive during the
speeches and applauded the speakers on
both sides.
The meeting was called to order by
George B. Katzenstein, in the absence of
the Chairman of the committee, and he
stated that the meeting had been called
for conference and for a fair free, open
discussion of the question. In order that
it should be so, prominent citizens who
held views on opposite sides of the ques-
ton had been invited to be present and
state their views, and he hoped they
would all appear and speak. He called
Major Weinstock to the chair.
Major WeinstOck in taking the chair
said there were two kinds of patriotism
which should actuate good citizens. Some
only understood one kind-the kind
which led them to be ready to fight their
country's battles, to preserve her liber-
ties and TO lay down their lives for her if
necessary. That is good kind Of patri-
otisnl, but there is another kind-that of
peace.
here this evening, that of dealing with
questions concerning our city; to con-
slider the question OF giving it healthlul,
pure water, not in partisan spirit, but to
listen respectfully to the arguments of
those who do not agree with us and con-
Ter with regard TO the best interests of
the city. He would cali now on those
who had been invited to address the meet
ing.
lie called successively on i. r. Dray,
E. q. Blessing, q. A. Stoddard, w. d.
Comstock, Jabez Turner, William Guten-
berger, n. n. Denton and f. Z. Ray,
none of whom responded.
DR.. Pyburn was the first speaker and
said that if the only question was that of
clear water every one would be for it.
He argued, however, that as the
present Board Of Trustees were
only to hold office about four
months longer, it was not right
that they should take action in this mat
ter that should bind the city for twenty
years. The new charter, presumably
better one than the present, would soon
take effect and we ought to wait for it,
The clear water will always run where it
Is and can wait.
he admitted that the chemical analysis,
as well as the microscopical analysis,
showed the well water to be pure. Still,
we should wait for the new charter
DIR. Laine was next called on and gave
description OF the change wrought in
the river water since the time when the
early pioneers quatfed it with delight as
1t ran clear and pure. He computed the
amount of filth carried from the thou
sand prisoners at Folsom, as well as the
towns along the river and the thousands
OF cattle in the hills. He spoke of the
pollution of the water in the tules by
dead animals, hogs that died with chol-
era and various other causes, until his
hearers VVOn1prp1 hOIv tbau ,.o1,lJ axyor
have tasted the water.
lie then spoke OF the we'll water, which
stood next to that of great lakes in purity
and wholesomeness. The people of Sac
ranento who inherited good constitutions
from the pioneers might stand the river
water, but strangers would not
MURRAY ADVOCATED CITY OWNERSHIP.
George Murray was called upon by the
Chairman, and had to be coaXed to mount
the platform. Mr.. Murray said he was
not very well posted on the question, but
he had his views. While he was a clear
water man to a certain extent he was not
IN favor OF the Fish plan about to be voted
on. If clear water was such good thing
he thought the city should own it itself
He thought it was only the first step to-
ward losing control OF the city's water
works. He believed the advocates of the
plans were acting in good faith, but he
was little suspicious. The plans and
specifications were good, but it would be
an easy matter to fix them. He could
not understand why the city could not 90
into the clear water business as well as
MIR. Fish,
MIR. Murray was applauded loudly by
the anti-clear water folks.
Frank Miller, the well-known banker
was the next speaker. He said he had
bad case OF sickness in his family last
winter and his physician attributed it
largely to the water. The coming propo-
sltlon was an important one. Its success
or failure might decide whether or not he
would continue to live in Sacramento.
He had no doubt others felt the same
way. regarding the suggestion that the
city should go into the clear water busi-
ness, Mr.. Miller said it was not practi-
cal. The city had outstanding all the
bonds 1t could possibly issue under the
law. As there was no money available
or none to borrow, how was the new
plant TO be purchased?
BOIL WAS CONVERTED.
Peter BOIL, who was next called upon.
said there was no doubt that the well
water was eminently fitted for domestic
purposes. lie said he had been preiu-
diced against well water. Years ago
there were great many wells in Sacra-
mentO, but they were only surface wells.
and they were sunk in the same ground
that contained other things. But since
he had inspected the deep well he had
been converted. He was delighted with
it. Aside from the financial argument
made by MIR. Miller, the speaker said it
should not be forgotten that the city's
Water W orks were in a shaky condition
and were liable 10 break down at any
time. New works were needed and new
mains, but the city could not purchase
them. In the Fish contract the city had
no risks to take-fish had to take all the
chances. He would have TO do all the
building. If he failed the city will have
lost nothing, and can cease to do business
with him. The city will still own the
Water Works, and will be no worse off
than she is right now.
THE SPEECH OF THE EVENING.
Chief Engineer Renwick of the Citv
Water Works made an address that was
listened to with marked interest The
city had outgrown its water works. he
said, and they were worn out. Last year
$4,000 were laid out in repairs, but still,
as everybody knew, he could not get
more than thirty pounds pressure TO the
hydrants in case Of fire. lie recalled the
recent experience of the Fire Department
with the Wingard fire. This was due
also to the system of mains. There were
four boilers at the Water Works. three
OF which were put in twenty years ago.
lie asked If there was an engineer in the
world who would not be afraid TO work
near such boilers. He said his hair fairly
stood on end at times when the works
were called upon for extra effort during
Ares, Inc Holly pump, he said, was a
good one, but was not big enough. The
stevens pump was a good one-when it
was not oeing used. Ii was a good orua-
ment, but III operation was a failure and
was the greatest steam eater he ever saw
He challenged any engineer TO lind him
pump mat Would raise less water with
rmf