The San Francisco call., 1897-01-26

ports, and the resolution should have
come up later, when it would not have
been unexpected.
"Its object now is, / think, to sound
public opinion. 1t mentions no amount,
because suppose, there is no data before
the board concerning the cost of sewer
system. The way to proceed is to trst
ascertain, by commission OF engineers,
what the City wants and then provide for
it. / am now in consultation with an emil
nent engineer, and have. learned the
methods of other cities.
Granted that our sewer system is serl-
cusly defective. of which we have abun-
dant evidence in Grunsky's and Manson s
reports, we want scientific plan, and
then decide to build a large section of it
yearly, either out of the tax levy or by
bonds.
Until the magnitude of the work is
known, [ would not decide which method
is the better. The City Hall. now practi-
cally completed, will require no future
levy, and so the builoing of sewers, alter
q comprehensive plan, might take It's
place, and $780, 000 on $300,0O0 annually
might be appropriated for this purpose.
New sewers are urgent. They are not so
urgent, however, but that such an outlay
will not suffice for construction, as Tar as
| can see, at the present time. Or perhaps
a comparatively small bond issue, to-
gether with an annual levy, might be best.
1t all depends on the magnitude OF the
work, its urgency and cost. l will care
fully inquire into these matters and ad-
wise the board, which will, | am sure, act
with care and deliberation when their
vote carries with it the expenditure OF
public moneys"
Ex-Mayor Sutro said: ~ do not think
that it is wise to proceed until this matter
is discussed publicly and the people have
chance to reach a conclusion. l am in
favor of paying up the indebtedness OF
the City. The goods were furnished and
the debt is Justly due. The debt ought to
be paid out of the regular income. Ii is
not exactly legal, but the honor OF the
City and County is concerned.
There is no doubt that sewer system
is necessary, but / do not think that 1t is
wise to attempt so large work in time
of financial depression, when we do not
know what is ahead of US. We should
wait ] am of the opinion that the first
step to be taken should be the appoint
ment of a commission, to be composed of
competent engineers, TO make plans and
give an estimate of the probable cost.
There are things absolutely necessary
for our welfare. We need a sewer system,
but we also need a water works system, TO
be owned by the City and County. If we are
to incur a bonded Indebtedness we should
County's water system included, and the
bond issue should be sufficient to provide
for both of these large enterprises.
AT this time the City IS in wretched
financial condition. We should not go
ahead until we have absolute security that
the money will be actually expended eco
nomically for the purpose in view. The
commission should be appointed to con-
slider both the sewer and the water works
| in fhaf uvni TuQI
two years with advantage. If we have
lived so long with our present sewers we
can live little longer. / would suggest
a commission to include Professor George
David son, Colonel Mendell and Mr.. Grun-
sky or Mr.. Manson. Such a commission
would not entail heavy cost for their SER
vices.
I'VE should have our whole plan well
in hand before We proceed. There will
be no risk in bonding if the thing is prop
erly done and at the right time. But we
must have a perfect system before we
start. In two years we may be prepared
to go on"