The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-03-14
SUPERVISORS NOT SATISFIED WITH
THE SPRING VALLEYS
FIGURES.
BEN MORGAN'S ARRANGEMENT
He BELIEVES THAT WATER RATES
SHOULD BE REDUCED IS
PER CENT.

Morgan, the attorney, who appeared to
represent the rate-payers. He said:
A number of men who heard that was COM
ing before the committee to-day to speak for
the rate-payers told me that l was wasting
time, while others wished me success. do not
think that my tim Will be wasted for believe
that the members OF this board will act in the
interest OF the people who put them here and
fix rates on just and equitable basis.
This case might we'll be called the Spring
Valley Water Works VS.. the People of the City
and County of San Francisco Even the news
papers have seen from the evidence placed be-
fore this board that the case is all one-Sded
and that thus far the company has had all the
best OF 1t. Mr.. Kellogg, the attorney of the
company, has said that the people have not
appeared here to object 10 existing conditions
This deny, for rate-payers have been on hand
at different times and have asked for better
rates, and you, gentlemen, as their representa-
tlyes, should see that they are fairly dealt with
and should protect them in this case.
Now, TO get down TO the evidence that has
previously been put before you. Mr.. Herman
Schussler, the engineer OF the company, ap-
peared before this board and gave certain tes-
timony. Do you know that his evidence was
more than the merest hearSay? Did he bring
anything to show you that what he said was
true? Mr.. Schussler is the engineer and a
Stockholder OF the company. Are you to pre-
sumo that his statements were correct without
hearing any evidence to corroborate them?
Mr.. Booker also appeared before you with
mass OF resounding figures calculated to show
that the company's plant was worth a certain
amount. Why did he not bring books and
vouchers 20 prove what he said?
What you should have done was to have de-
manded the books and vouchers OF the COM
pany, and said to these men, "Show us that
your evidence is true before we accept it." If
there Is gentleman among you who is salts
fed that he has heard true facts and figures
from these employees of the corporation must
say that he is not hard to please
These people quote their operating expense
account TO show that their present rates or an
increase must prevail in order to enable them
10 live. Such an account may cover multi
tude OF sins. once heard Senator Stanford
refuse 10 tell why certain amounts OF money
were expended by the railroad company, on
the ground that it might convict him. We do
not know but what if this corporations books
and vouchers were brought up in evidence
such answers might be rendered.
think can safely say TO this committee:
"Reduce the water rates by % per cent and the
Spring Valley, Water Company viii not for
choose such course call for their books and
let ali see on what they calculate the valuation
OF their plant and property, on which, of
course their rates must be figured.
They certainly cannot include Lobos Creek
in their estimate for they have admitted that
the unsettled state OF the title to that property
renders their claim unsafe. One of their Off
GERS stated some years ago that within five
years Lake MERGED would be unfit for use as a
source OF supply, so that 1t is out OF the ques-
ton. Pllarcitos Lake cannot be very val ia
bic, though II Is used, for the trout in the lake
are full OF disease, and it is well-known tact
impure water soon kills the animal life which
lnhablts II. The Calaveras property may be
figured as valuable asset OF the company but
in view Of the fact that William H. Lawrence
once an officer OF the company, testified that
the only way TO get water from there to San
Francisco was with a bucket, one would be
led TO suppose that it was not of great adyan-
tage source of supply.
The franchise of the company sets forth that
II must supply san Francisco with pure fresh
water, and that rates must be established on
that basis, and on that understanding should
the rates be fixed. The company should not
be allowed to say TO the people of this commu-
NIFTY Buy Water-nlters, and then your water
will be sure to be fit to drink" 1t should
be compelled to furnish good water and be
allowed fair rate Tor what it sells. The pres
ent rates are too high, Reduce them, and if
the company wishes to contest your right to
90 so bring the matter before the proper court
and let the matter be fully heard. Facts will
be brought out that will be surprise to the
community.
Here is q transcript of the testimony in the
case OF the Spring Valley Water Company vs.
Mary Drinkhouse, in which the CORPORATION
sought TO condemn the land necessary for the
lower crystal Spring Lake. By the testimony
OF their own witnesses the fact that Lake
MERGED would be useless in FIVE wears owing
10 Entertainments on the watershed, and that
Caleveras and Lobos creeks were mpracticable
was shown. Why should the "a te-payers be
taxed for these properties which the company
itself admits to be useless?
These people come here year after wear and
sing the same old song and quote strings of
figures without proving that they are correct
and think II is time such proceedings were
the company, but want it also to remember
that the people are the ones who are paving
the piper and that they are also entitled to ius-
tice. / will wager that If rates are reduced %
per cent they will rest satisfied. If they should
take the matter into the courts nothing wouId
give me greater pleasure than to meet them
there and bring out facts to show that they are
not entitled to more than rs per cent of what
they are receiving.
MI Schussler, who was present called
the attention OF the speaker to the fact
that since the testimony regarding tbe
Calaveras supply source had been given
better ground for dam foundation had
been found down the creek
Supervisor Benjamin then took the floor
and stated that he was not satisfied with
the hgures as presented by the officers of
the company. He thought them incom-
plete and that more explicit information
should be presented to the board before
rates were fixed. He then presented the
following resolutions:
ReSotTed, That the Spring Valley Water Works
De ana is hereby required to furnish a state
ment In writing TO the board showing the dates
OF the purchase of the property owned by the
salo com Pany, the amounts paid therefor and
when paid, also the assessed value of the nron-
erty and the taxes paid thereon.
Resolred, That the said statement must en-
brace the date OF the purchase of each piece of
property and the date or dates OF each payme 1T
made therefor and amount of each such nav
ment, also to report the date OF and the amount
OF edCn QlNlQeHQ PAID.
Rescued, That the object of this board is to
ascertain the property purchased and its ne
cesslty Tor the purposes of the company in sup
plying water TO this city and county and to en-
able the board to fix just and equitable water
rates
This was unanimously adopted.
Supervisor Taylor stated that he under
stood that measure was before the Legis-
lature to disturb the present existing rate
OF street railroad fares and offered the
following resolution in relation to the
matter:
Resolued, That this board deprecates any
action by the Legislature OF the State proyid-
ing for the increase OF the rates of fares to be
charged on the street railroads as the board
believes that the act of 1873 fixing the fares at
8 cents, should not be amended in anv partic-
lar, and any such contemplated action is not
In the opinion OF this board, conducive to the
public interest; and the board desires further
10 earnestly protest against any such contem-
plated action.
The measure was adopted without dis
senting voice and was ordered telegraphed
to the Legislature.
Mayor Sutro sent letter of regret at not
being able to be present at the meeting.
owing to press of business.
SIOUX FALLS FUGITIVE,