The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-02-11
THE WATER RATES.
Supervisors Consider Their
Adjustment.
SOMETHING ABOUT CHARGES
Complaints Heard Against the Spring
Valley and a Rebuttai Of
fered by Them.

The Board Of Supervisors met in COM
mittee of the whole yesterday afternoon,
Supervisor Denman acting as chairman.
The business of the day was a considera-
ton of the readjustment of water rates.
Upon the converting of the board the
sergeant-at-arms was instructed TO announce
an opportunity for the hearing of any COM
plants against the present rates. Promptly
upon the announcement the crowd that had
been waiting In the corridors filed into the
committee room and lined up along the
walls.
The first man to speak was S. A. Kusel of
SOC Valencia street. He stated that he was
now forced by the water ordinance to pay
Sc per month for his supply, whereas ac-
cordng TO his meter he was only chargeable
with 81 12. He wished to record his pro-
test against this imposition and to urge the
adoption Of universal meter rates
Dir. Kusel was closely questioned by the
board and by Attorney Herrin, who was
representing the Spring Valley Company,
ami the next complainant was called
lie gave his name as j. LOWING, resd-
ing at 426 Ninth street. He SAID that he
pays So 30 per month for water, where but
a short time since be had paid but 50 90,
and previous to that only 81. In that time lie
could possibly affect the wafer, and c0nse-
quently he was at loss to understand why
he had teen charged extra.
Thomas Floyd. of 1902 Treat avenue. next
took the floor. he said II favor water
rates, and further. that when We have
meters we abide by their figures Since
last June | have consumed 100 cubic feet
OF water. which, at 80 cents per hundred.
should have cost me but So 10. Instead of
this l have been forced to pay IS. Now,
am not complaining so much Of the rate as
that the company does not charge as the
dial OF their meters Indicate they should.
Next came James Miner OF Ills Church
street. He said Il protest against being
forced 10 pay 81 50 amonth for water enough
10 supply myself and wife, and we away
most of the time. | should be content with
house rates if they were only made lower"
John Grace of 423 Ninth street said he
naturally advocated water rates from the
fact that he had been using the same
amount Of water for years past, and had
gradually been charged additional rates
until from paying 81 90 per month he had
come to pay 81 45.
At the conclusion Of Mr. Grace's remarks
DR.. c. c. o Donnell entered the room, and
he was asked if he had any complaint TO
make. Nothing in particular" said the
doctor, only think You are adopting the
wrong methods of investigation. These
cOmplanants should be sworn"
''Do you think they would be more apt
10 tell the truth il they were under oath Y'
asked Chairman Denman.
II do That's the only way 10 get at it.
| am opposed 10 both house rates and water
rates. Both are exorbtant."
Ferdinand FarnhOls of 600 Dupont street
then made his objections to the resent
system Of adjusting rates as praeticed by
the Spring Valley Company. He asked il
an attorney could represent citizens before
the board. When an Affirmative answer
was received be took his seat, and ClituS
Barbour arose and spoke in his behalf,
All complaints having been heard the
Spring Valley Company was given chance
10 yindicate Itself.
Peter y. Quinlan. the comnany's adj uster
took the stand and was sharply questioned
by Mr. Herrn as 10 his duties and the
general conduct OF his business.
Said Mr.. Quinlan: premises are always
carefully inspected after an application is
made before q meter is put in or the rate Is
fixed. We place meters where we have
reason to believe there is a waste going on,
such as comes from leaks, etc. Not one
person in 400 of our regular rate-payers
complains-lt Is always the tenant.
an tenements there is no extra charge
unless tile families are living cooking etc,
entirely separate. Then they become dis
tinct houses. In boaTding-bouses an addi-
tiona rate IS charged for each person."
Mr.. Barbour crOSS-eXamiued Mr. Quinlan
sharply. He asked him ii charge of S57
had not been preferred and collected from
tile Kentucky stables for a leak that had
been caused by recent storm. Also
whether bills had not been repeatedly pre-
scented to new tenants for their predecessors
arrears in water accounts and all supply
refused until those bills were paid.
Mr.. Qunlan denied knowledge of either
transaction.
Mr.. Barbour then took his seat after in
ferring that it might not be q bad idea for
the Spring Valley Company to investigate
the methods OF water-rate fixing in other
cities.
Mr.. Kusel took exception TO certain of
Mr.. Qaln!an's statements, and an expana-
ton followed by Mr.. Qliulan.
Chairman Denman then informed the
board that il was halt-past O'Clock, and an
adjournment was taken until 10 A. NJ. on
Tuesday