The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-08-23
SOUAK SLOUGH DITCH.
Mr.. Kelsey Tells the Benefits and An
swers Objections.

Seattle. Wash, Aug. 49, 1895.
To the Editor: In your report of the
hearing on the Squak Slough drainage
ditch, you speak of many" who ''enter
protests" but not OF the many who,
though less noisy. were more deeply in
terested, as a few figures. the approx
mate accuracy of which / Will vouch for,
will demonstrate.
Acreage owned by directors ] ,433 of
which only 90 would receive full benefit
and $50 a partial benefit. OF this acreage
1893 acres were represented on my petition.
In obtaining signatures l stated facts as
facts and beliefs as beliefs. And 1 state
most emphaticaily that no person who
wishes 10 bear his just burden and no
more has cause TO oppose this needed
work.
Acreage owned by those still in favor of
the drainage. 2,47i of which 2sS would
receive full benefit and 200 partial bene-
fit. IL is easily seen that those who
would be benefited want the drainage and
want 10 pay for ii. but they do not want
10 pay for draining the directors land,
even though ii is small in area. A large
acreage is owned by non-residents who
have not spoken either for or against
drainage. The directors have six sigma
lures OF outsiders. two at least living on
SQuak lake where the meander line is
the boundary one director was very Vo-
land is restricted TO the river banks and
there is absolutely no chance 10 tax him
anything In view Of the above .acts il
would not have been strange If / had
manifested impotence. AS | had been
attacked IL was right that I should speak
and the commissioners willingly granted
my request. No mention IS made OF
George +. Cotterilis address nor the sup
port Of such men as kinnear. Neon
naughy. Meacham. Adam and Robert
Tosh. Evans et al. nor of Charles Bruhn.
whose eighty acres once entirely cleared
and grubbed has gone hack to willow and
bareback because IL is too wet for use.
Finding that there is much desire 10
know the provisions Of the law I believe
the following viii be Of general interest.
The drainage law provides:
rst-Petitlon signed by owners OF ma
toritv Of acreage
second-Hearlug At which commission
ers establish boundary.
Third Election. ANY voter living in the
district has a vote. Majority establishes
or defeats district A defeat throws costs
on petitioners. Three drainage district
commissioners are elected az the same
time.
Fourth-DistrtCt commissioners ernrlo,-
surveyor 70 make plans and speciaca lions
Of ditch. with estimate Of cost, also man
OF the Land showing benefits In each nor
ton OK ABOUT =, lU acres IN the district
about 1000 viii receive more. or less bene-
IT The benefit assessed is not the tax
Example: Mr.. --- has land incfusfnx
both hill and bottom: the lowest might h.
assessed 50 per acre. the next higher Sl5
$40 or 5. and the upland nothing. Tho
tax might be 81 cents more or less on each
dollar Of assessment. Damages are also
estimated ON land needed FOR right Of uav
Fifth-The district commissioners file a
petition in che superior court with mans
estimates. assessments. etc. naming as
defendants all persons interested. incIud
inC mortgages
xth-pefendants may appear and aS
init or deny the aiieg tons OF the pettftop
at the time Of hearing
Seventh-The court. II satisfied the i'm
prcvement II practicable. etc. causes n
jury 10 b. iupa ueled 20 assess herefits ~
allow damages The Jury NAV he les
than twelve II the parties consent. There
fore no one need fear assessment q hAraF.
where no benefit IS received II damages
and costs amount 20 more than hena3ta
the district - dissolved by decree OF oo,,-t
and cost levied on district
EiEhth-Cierk az court files .rarzo-5,,,
Of lands with auditor. who enters sar,s
on tax rolls.
Nlnth-N &rTauts may be issued ny ths
district. THE issue % bonds i r,rovt9es
Tor. payable 81 not more than ten nor les
than nve years from date Of issue. a. NOT
exceeding per cent. interest
Tenth--DiStr9ct com rnissiorerx are sie..,-
e each December 10 look after the AZ