The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1893-03-01
Borough Election.

last Tuesdays election in this borough
scored victory for those voters who adEo-
cate municipal ownership Of water works.
The contest was a vigorous one and party
preferences did not enter into the fight The
feeling displayed on the water question ex-
tended 70 ali candidates on both Republican
and Democratic tickets, and 1t is safe 10 say
that not exceeding thirty straight tickets
were voted out Of total poll Of 80 votes
The entire ticket nominated by the Repub-
licans was elected by majonties ranging
from $50 to 5.
The result Of the ballots was awaited By
several crowds, (of opposite political faith,
both friendly to borough ownership of wa
Ter works. and as soon as il was announced
they paraded the streets Of the town, head
ed BY prominent Democratic leader, and
cheert d themselves hOarse over their victory.
The questions which entered into the
election were these Shall the borough Of
Somerset undertake TO construct q system Of
water works at the cost of the municipality,
or shall they give franchise of the streets
and agree TO pay fixed charges for fire pro
lection TO private corporation
Borough authorities are confined by
Act Of Assembly to the expenditure OF linn
tied amounts Cin the case Of Somerset to
about SO Oo0) with which to accomplish
such public improvement as water works.
Not one OF the engineers brought here for
the purpose Of making a survey Of the pro-
posed source Of supply has furnished an es-
innate within the reach Of the borough's re-
sources.
1t was maintained on one side that
the elevation Of Somerset makes il problem
atical as to whether or not it is not preclud-
ed fron FIRE protection such as it is proposed
to give il and from enjoying the luxury ofs
system of water works; that borough own
ership would impose heavy taxes upon those
who could least afford to pay them, and the
proposed works would not be economically
managed. This was the view taken by
large majority Of the property owners of the
borough. upon whom the debt must fall and
whose property must be bonded as security
for its payment
The opposition insisted that borough own
ership of water works meant progress; that
the proposed works would not only be self
sustaining but would prove a source Of rev.
enue TO the tax payers in the shape Of reduc-
ed taxes and fire insurance That interested
parties wished TO secure a franchise in or
der to squeeze shekels out of citizens.
How it was 10 be done unless they took wa
ter wss not explainedl This was the view
taken By q limited number Of property
holders, a msjority Of the single men and
tenants, and by certain politicians, who
thought they saw an opportunity TO punish
a political or personal enemy at the expense
oftheir convictions on this purely local and
business question.
The vote for councilmen was as follows
Thomas Jones, us; John G.. Sanner, 177
L. II Werner, lG5; Valentine Hay. l22;
Jacob d. Swank, l42; H. l. Baer, I'D.
The State Normal School at Indiana, Pa,
opens for the spring term April 4th, 1898.
Its high grade, healthfal location. homeike
surroundings, convenienoes and facilities
for special study, make il the most desirable
school in Western Pennsylvania
Terms as low as al any other school OF
equal advantages. Write for catalogue.
CHAs. w. DEAN,