Semi=weekly graphic., 1896-01-01
PINE BLUFF. ARK. JAN. l. 'Ss6.
THE WATER WORKS CASE.

THE WATER WORKS CASE.
 The suit of the city of Pine Bluff against the Pine Bluff Water & Light Company in the Federal Court has resulted in what is com monly called a dog-fall. The suit was for the removal of Receiver eff ford, of New York, and the ap. pointment of citizen of Pine Bluff to the position. This action was taken in order to secure for this city more adequate and wholesome wa ter service. But Receiver Clifford was not busted. Thus far the suit was a failure. But a co-Receiver was appointed who is to take charge of the water works plant and see to it personally that the city is fur nished an adequate supply of whole some water. In that contention the city was successful.
 But by the decree of the Federal Court Receiver Clifford retains abso- lute control over the financial affairs and the office of the company, and to all intents and purposes is as auto cratic in his sway and as supreme in his power as ever. Whatever benefits flow to the city and con- sumers from the result of the suit rest with the co-ReeeiYer, MT. Cum ningham. If he should fall under the dominance and dominion of his superior in office, who controls the finances, the benefits to the people of Pine Bluff will not be substantial But if he will exercise the power of his office and see to it that the peo- pie of Pine Bluff are furnished an abundance of pure and wholesome water the suit will not have been in vain. If,however, the people of Pine Bluff are not adequately suppHedwith wholesome water for al purposes they will know the reason why and can readily find the remedy bg ap- plying to the court f0r Ar. Canning hams removal and the appointment of man in his place Wbo wM be loyal to the city. Mr. Cunningham has a great opportunity before him to serve the people of Pine Bluff fl he will arise to the occasion, exercise his own power and refuse to be the subservient tool of those who hold the purse-strings to this corpora tion.
 The suit has also had another re- suit which is not without value. It has demonstrated to this corpora tion that the people of Pine Bluff have rights which it is bound to re- spect. In this it is, at least, a great moral victory for the people as against soulless corporation.
 It is but fitting and proper in dis cussing this case to acknowledge the able and distinguished services of our esteemed fellow citizen, Hon. s. M. Taylor, who represented the people of Pine Bluff in this fight. That the victory is not more com plete is not due to any lack of effort on his part. He has, indeed, ac- quilted himself with great ability and hDnor. He was opposed in this case by some of the most eminent legal talent of this State and St. Louis. Receiver Clifford is also a lawyer of no mean ability and was personally present and aided by ad- vice and suggestion throughout the trial. Opposed to this vast array of eminent counsel Mir. Taylor stood singly and alone and that he should come out in the end victorious is greatly to his credit Pine Bluff is proud of Mir. Taylor and there is not one who would not do him honor. He distinguished himself, and the GRAPHIC glories in his fame. Vel join with his many friends in ex- tending congratulations.