The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-10-05
.C|TYOWNERSH|P OF WATER
Prominent Mem bers of the
Union League Indorse
the Scheme.
The Opposition Comes Only From
Those Who Are Seeking
InVeStm entS.

The question of the municipal owner
ship of water gas and electricity is being
considered by many of the leading INDUS
trial and political organizations of this
City. In the past few weeks the petition
to this end has been largely circulated by
the Union for Practical Progress of San
Francisco, and almost invariably the SUBJ
ject has been considered in most favor
able light. The petition looking to mu-
nicipal ownership, as above suggested has
received the signatures of thousands OF
our citizens, and it has been Endorsed by
many strong organizations. The Union
League Club will consider the question at
its next meeting. A petition seeking the
favorable action of that body accompan led
the following letter addressed TO the secre-
tary OF that organization:
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. %, 1895.
Union League Club, San Francisco, George Fl.
Rtppey Esq, Secretdry-GENTLEMEN Enclosed is
petition for which we ask your approval In
its favor can be said that the public generally
Endorses the proposition; that such proposi-
uons have invariably been successful when
voted upon by the citizens OF other large cities:
that the results have always been a great saw
ing TO the municipality and its inhabitants;
that out of thirty-four cities in the United
states tWenty-nine own their water sys-
tens, San Francisco, New Orleans Omaha
that of these in Omaha and Denver there are
indications OF similar action to our petition,
and that our petition has been Endorsed by
every organization in San Francisco into
which it has been thus far introduced No
good government can be sustained against the
proposition, because public ownership ALWAYS
has resulted in reduction OF rates to the con-
sumers. We hope for your early and favorable
action. Yours very sincerely,
JOHN NJ. REYNOLDS.
Chairman Committee on Public Ownership.
Union for Practical Progress.
In speaking of this matter George H.
PipPy said;
municipal ownership of the water and
light plants. | am fully convinced that
this Is one of the first steps necessary to
the proper Improvement and development
of every municipality. Il is essential that
San Francisco act in this matter with as
little delay as possible, for it is q fact that
there are but two reservoir sites near this
city which have not already been secured
by the present water company. Prompt
action should be taken by the City to Sc
cure such sites as yet remain open and
suitable for such purposes.
Il cannot, OF course, anticipate what ac-
ton the Union League will take upon this
petition, but [ know that MANY of its lead
ing members favor the subject, generally
speaking. 1t will take time to consum-
mate whatever plan of action might be
cord with an onward movement looking to
the ownership by the City of San Fran
cisco OF water, gas and electric-light
works"
Judge NJ. Cooney. prominent member
OF the Union League, gave expression to
the following: 81 am and for years have
been in favor of the municipal ownership,
in the broad sense, of all those classes of in
dustries for which the separate munich
palitles create and suggest investment and
remuneration.
"This includes not only the water, gas
and electric light works, but streetcars
and probably some other features of mu-
nicipal industry as well.
Il believe that municipal ownership
would be the means of reducing the cost
in all lines suggested nearly one-half.
The people should reap the benefit of that
which they, as community, create, or at
least render valuable.
The corporations are not to be blamed
for stepping in and occupying the oppor-
tunitles thus created, but the people have
the right to, and undoubtedly should, own
and exercise for their own benefit, these
broad and primary roperty interests,
made valuable as they are by association
only.
81 am of the opinion that in order for
this City to proper y approach this matter
the question of bonding the City to a
sufficient amount to carry out these pro-
jects should also be considered. 1t is but
a question of time when it will all be
brought about"