The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1895-07-02
ALL IN EARNEST.
Street and Water Commis
sioDers Express Them
selves in Favor of a
New Water Supply.

Water is once again the all aDSorDlnS
topic of conversation in official circles.
The outlook is that for another month
at least the question of new water
supply will require the undivided atten-
ton of the Mayor, Finance Commits
sioners and the city's law officers. The
ball was started rolling yesterday by
the reception of the bids.
This evening the Finance Commission
ers and the Mayor and probably other
city officials will meet with the Finance
Committee of the Board of Aldermen
of Paterson and discuss the advisability
of the cities securing JOINT supply.
1t is not likely that anything definite
will be accomplished. The Paterson Off
cials, to begin with, are divided on the
question of acting with this city, and
the local officials are opposed to join
ing issue with the Paterson folk.
The reception of bids yesterday for an
Independent supply for this city rather
blocks any movement the Paterson Off
cials may have under consideration.
COMMISSIONER EARDING,S VIEWS.
The presentation of three formal bids
for furnishing a new supply of water
to the Street and Water Commissioners
was gratifying to the members of that
board and also to Mayor Wanser. That
the Street and Water Commissioners
propose acting promptly was announced
this morning.
Commissioner Harding this morning
''are pretty well versed in the question
of new water supply. We are, as a
whole, familiar with IL e sources of sup
ply and when we gave the public hear
ings on the formal and informal bids
last time, we gained much valuable in
formation. The Finance Commissioners
have inspected the Rockaway shed. The
Mayor has studied it and our law officers
are well posted on all points from which
sewage pollution might be expected
Whether we will inspect the various
sources of supply or not this time is in
doubt. 1t occurs to me, however, that
more time will be devoted to careful
study of the plans and prices of the
competing bidders.
1.-THE people of this city want new wa
ter and the sooner we act the better
property owners and residents will be
pleased. The bids submitted yesterday
are reasonable and 1 believe we should
avail ourselves of this opportunity to
procure new supply of water. I can
not at this time discuss the various
plans, because 1 have not given them
the study such important documents re-
quire I believe the members of this
Board will award a contract after careful
study. The whole question will then rest
with the Finance Commissioners and the
Mayor I will feel that 1 have done my
duty when I vote to award a contract
to the bidder having in my mind the
best plant for the city to acquire
PRESIDENT BROWN WON'T TALK.
President Brown declined to discuss
the water bids. He is for water and
will vote for what he considers the best
plant, after he studies the plans.
eve want new water badly said
Commissioner Kaiser. 81 will act as I
can conscientiously and intelhgently. I
want to hear the various plans explained
more fully The one offering the best
water and best plant for the smallest
amount will get my vote. There are
many important questions to be con-
sidered before a contract is made. 1
hope to see all the officials that have
to pass upon this contract. consult and
come to an agreement"
Commissioner Hooker is for new water.
He is an engineer and understands per-
fectly the methods of delivering water
by gravity adopted by the opposing com
panies 1t is his intention to give the
three plans submitted careful considera-
ton before acting.
1t is probable that the Street and
Water Commissioners will agree upon a
plan shortly. The only hitch that is
looked for is in the Board of Finance,
where objections are likely to be raised
by President Jones and Commissioners