The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-01-10
TO PROTECT THEIR INTERESTS.
PROPERTY OWNERS TO ORGANIZE
Az ASSOCIATION.

A Committee Appointed 10 Arrange
for Public lIeeting-The Intro
duction Of Water Meters and the
Consequent Cost 90 House Owners
One of the Things objected To-The
Water Commissions Purpose in
Adopting Meters.
A meeting OF prominent real estate own
ers was held al the Office OF Air. a. Minis
on Bryan street yesterday afternoon for
The purpose OF considering the advisable
ity OF forming an association OF real es-
tate owners for the protection OF their
interests.
The sentiment OF the meeting was in
favor Of such an organization and the
following committee was appointed TO
make arrangements for the meeting and
10 issue a call for it at an early day: r.
ID. Guerard. Henry McAlpin. T. Il. McAiil-
Ian, C. H Dorset and A Minis. The
committee was also instructed TO pre-
pare a set Of bylaws TO be submitted 10
There mas been a movement among the
real estate owners for the last two years,
said one OF the committee TO Morning
News reporter. Ito organize such an asso-
citation. but We could never get them
worked up 10 the point where they would
take hold of the matter in earnest. Re
however. has shown them the nece sslty
for such an organization. The intention IS
not - make a mere temporary organlza-
tion, but 20 make il permanent nave
doubt that the meeting when called
u be largely attended and that the as
s~Siation viii be promptly organized
Other gentlemen who were present at
The meeting said that the acton OF the
city authorities most objected TO by the
real estate owners is the decision OF the
water commission TO introduce water me-
hB mr. HfN nTHrf1 10 "
that this viii prove very expensive to them
and they propose 10 fight the meter sys-
TEN. The meeting viii be called within
Mr.. James NJ Dixon. chairman of the
commission, was asked IL he had read
Or. Falligants interview in regard 10
the purpose of the commission TO put IN
water meters.
YES" he said, "I read it with much
interest DR.. Falligants speeches and
writings are always interesting, as wei
as instructive. His suggestions are al
ways worthy Of respectful consdera-
ton, and such consideration the commits
sion viii give them. 1t is proper that l
should say that the doctor did not confer
with us before, or has he since his
interview was published, consequently ne
has not had the opportunity TO ascertain
what was the exact purpose OF the COM
mission. / admit that we are faYOrably
impressed with the meter system, not
because it will increase the receipts of
the city from water rents, Tut because
a will equalize the cost. Each tenant
Will be required 10 pay only LOT what ne
actually uses. This Is not now the case
as you and everybody else know. do
not think that we should discuss this
question through the newspapers; at least
until after those who seek that medium
have first ascertained by conference with
the commission what 1t is they propose
doing, and learned what viii be the erect
OF the policy. For the information of the
public / will be glad If you will say that
we regard the powers conferred upon us
by law as a public trust, and that we Will
NOT eva fca In ID
imperil the health Of Savannah. We ac-
cepted Office with the full knowledge
of the responsibility which II imposes. II
the meter system IS not desired ana q
better one can be offered that VIII as well
eQualize the burdens between all our cit
liens, we will be pleased If those object
ing will suggest It. l do not desire to
say any more at this time on this subject"
IL Is understood that the commissioners
do not desire that the annual receipts from
water rents should 60 over $4,000 for the
purpose of paying all expenses, putting
down necessary mains, and renewing worn
out ones, and for creating a sinking fund
for the purpose of providing for new ma
chinery when in the course of time that
now in use may become worn out and use
less They take the position that the rate
OF 10 cents per 1000 gallons as fXed by
council is the maximum limit theV viii be
allowed to charge, and that they can
make il as much lower than that figure,
as will enable the city TO raise the amount
calculated on as necessary 10 be raised
from that source.
IL Is UNDERSTOOD tnat ABOUT lJ1 houses
have been selected in which meters will
be ordered by the commission. Several
property owners who have called at the
city exchange to pay their water rents
have been notified that they are on the list
and their rents for the next six months
have been refused. The minimum price
of water per month under the meter sys-
TEN, 1t Is understood, will be ~ cents,
or at the rate of $3.50 per year. This will
entitle the consumer to something like g.,
900 gallons of water a year.