The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-02-19
WATER WORKS AND GAS.
Advises the Purchase of the Water
PIant-New Gas Ordinance.

PIant-New Gas Ordinance.
The city should own it's own water works.
BY clause in the contract with the lndi-
annapolis Water Company the city may ac-
quire the conpany's plant by paying the
price fixed by the terms of the contract.
I do not see how the city could raise the
money required to purchase the plant at the
present time. After the half million of Belt
railroad bonds have been paid off, which
will be done two years from now, / do not
see why the purchase may not then be
made. If any means can be devised by
which this can be done sooner, as UNDER
stand some members of your honorable
body claim to be possible, would gladly
encourage any movement in that direc-
ton.
The severe weather of the past month has
demonstrated that indianapolis cannot
longer depend on natural gas for its full
supply under present conditions / have
been assured by representatives of the two
natural-gaS companies that they have
given the consumers all the gas that it is
possible for them to supply through their
present pipe lines Assuming that this Is
true, a very serious condition of affairs
conironts the eompahn ,l;,s amu sn@ i af
erences to gas as permanent 1uei, anu
have no other means of heating their
nished very little gas, and yet must pay the
full ordinance rates or have their supply
entirely discontinued This does not appear
to me to be just. The companies have in
ferentia1ly agreed to furnish full supply
of gas to all the persons accepted by them
each, they should lay other lines to the gas
fields. Something should be done to remedy
the present difficulties before next winter
l suppose the remedies, if any, are with
your honorable body to provide and en-
force. L suggest. therefore, that steps be
taken to bring relief to the citizens before
another winter approaches.
/ had intended to make some recon-
mendations concerning the annexation or
certain territory adjoining the city, but
decision of the Marion Circuit Court, re-
Gently pronounced, holding that Section 49,
of the city charter is in conflict with the
federal Constitution, makes it my duty to
withhold any suggestion on that subject
at this time. An amendment to Section 3S
bly, which, if passed, will cure the objec-
tien referred to, and, in that event. l may
submit a short supplemented message on
the subject next month, in time for action
before April.
1 again call attention to the Importance
of speedy action in the matter of burying
electric wires in the central part of the
city. 1 refer you to my communication of
March 10 and Nov. 10 Of last year for my
occurs in a district where wires are now
strung overhead emphasizes the Importance
of speedy action in this matter.
1 also again respectfully call your atten-
ton to the matter of viaducts, concerning
which L addressed you in two special mes
sages last year. I have not changed my
mind as to the impracticability Of attempt
ing to force track elevation in the near
future, and renew my recommendation
looking to the construction of viaducts at
the four points suggested in my former
communication.
a bridge is badly needed over Fall creek
on North Mississippi street. 1t has long
been DELAYED on account of the condition
of the finances think the present favor
able financial condition will warrant the ex-
pend;ture without increasing the tax levy,
the large saving secured in our interest &C
count being sufficient to meet the cost of
this bridge, as well as the other permanent
improvements likely to be made next year.
T. therefore, recommend that provision be
made in the estimates and appropriations
for next years to construct sub
stantial iron bridge at said point, provided
the street north of the creek is ready for
Improvement by that time.