The record-union., 1895-02-21

oeotedness for the purposes of new sew
erage system?
But these propositions are far from
satisfactory; they are misleading in part.
ana one is not accompanied by the neces-
sary alternative. They should thus read:
l. Shall the Trustees carry out the
original contract?
Z. Shall the city itself set up a clear,
good water plant and exclude any other
ownership, control or agency?
3. Shall the city settle with the con-
tractors for the dismissal of the pending
suit on the basis stated, namely, the pay
mont of So, 900?
4. Shall the city issue certificates of in
debtedness for the purposes of new sew
erage system and sewage disposal sys-
tenn?
That is to say, the question should be
SO fairly and clearly presented that the
will of the people may be expressed for
or against the purchase of pumps to
pump in more mud and filth, it should
be presented in connection with the prop
osition to procure clear water, either by
the independent act of the city; or if it's
financial complexities will not permit,
then upon the old contract for delivery,
by which the city would retain control of
its water rates and their collection, and
nf itS min inc IcI;
The City of Sacramento is, therefore, to
| recapitulate, in this position: 1t is sued
on the water contract and must answer
in damages because the Trustees have re-
fused to carry out the will of the people.
| If the Trustees will not recede from that
| position it will be wise to settle on the
| basis suggested. We need to have the
water plant reinforced, but in buying
new pumps they should not be bought or
used for the purpose of pumping in more
mud and dirty water, but be procured
for clear water plant.
The RECORD UNIONS position is now
as it always has been, to wit, if the
| financial adjustment can be made the
city should undertake the duty of sup
plying itself with water, but it must be
works machinery is in bad condition
and needs reinforcement, but not to pump
mud and river filth. So long as that sys-
! tenn remains, pending the putting in of q
! better one temporary plant to supply
| the tanks will serve to keep fire risks
down. If by readjustment of the debt
| we con secure the new water, and new
| issue of certificates is necessary to that
end, then it will be wise to incur the OBJ
ligation-far wiser than to get the bond
| holders to suspend interest for year to
| enable us 20 buy for cash new pumps for
river water; besides we hold that it can
not be lawfully done anyhow, since to
suspend interest payment for year is
simply to extend the debt year, and that
| is the exact equivalent of creating new
debt without consulting the people at the
polls.
| 4 sewerage system of better character
| is absolutely necessary, and with it
means for sewage disposal. 1t is wise to
ask the people to order it. We believe
| they will do that, and order the new clear
water supply also, and not make two
| bites Of a cherry.
Let the whole matter therefore go to the
ballot-bo but with all not part Of the
propositions clearly set out, and there LET
/ the people decide whether Sacramento
| is to continue to progress, or to halt and
stand still, which is the equivalent OF
retrogression and decadence.