The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-11-02
A FIGHT FOR WATER.
People in the Dry Districts of
Topeka
Put Up a Strong Plea to the
Council
And Almost Win Their Point-The
Council Stan6s a Tie on the Vote.

There was a dead lock in the council
last night over the proposition to settle
the water company controversy and the
proposition to settle was lost on a tie
vote and likewise the recommendation
TO reject the proposition was lost by
the same vote, five to five. That leaves
the controversy just where il was be-
fore there was any talk of settlement.
This means, however, that the IltlSa-
ton win be continued and City AttOr-
ney Bird Will be urged to push matters
fast as possible in the hope that
something may be done before the
franchise of the company expires which
is in four years.
The fight over the proposition had
really been settled in committee of the
whole and it was conceded that there
was little hope of carrying the meas
ure, COunCilmen Nettels and Warner
still kept up the fight, however, in be-
half OF the dry district" and they Won
over enough votes to prevent the re
lection of the proposition even though
they were not able to carry it.
The question came up on the report
OF the special committee OF three
COuncilmen Drew and PattlsOn, the
majority Of the committee made a re-
port faVOring the rejection of the pro-
position. Councilman Nettels submit
ted minority report recommending
that the proposition be accepted.
Councilman Morgan was the first
member to speak on the proposition TO
ity report. He said that he represented
that portion of the Second ward which
is in the dry district but that he had
secured an expression from his cOnStit-
uents and he was satisfied that they
We're in favor of fighting 1t out to the
bitter end. They did not want COM
promise and he was therefore opposed
to the minority report.
Frank Snyder OF the Fifth ward was
present. He begged the council to ac-
Cept the proposition for a settlement so
that his part of the city might secure
water and fire protection.
d. w. Mulvane said that this propO-
sitlOn offered sure way OF securing
the extensions of the water mains and
Immediate relief for the people who
have been paying water tax without
receiving any benefits.
simon Greenspan who has tried to
start a rival water company in Topeka
read a law passed by the last legisla-
ture requiring water companies to
make reports to the city. 1t is your
duty to demand that they follow this
law" said Greenspan. THAT is all 1
have to say"
J. G. Holland who lives in the dry
district in the Third ward made an eX-
tended plea for settlement. I am sat
ished," said he, that those who favor
this proposition live outside the water
limits and that those who are against
it enjoy all the privileges of an ade-
quate water supply. 1 am unfortunate
enough to live in the dry district and
have tried to build up and beautify a
home but have been hampered by a
lack OF water. 1 have spent $500 within
d radius of 100 feet to secure water but
the difficulty with which I am forced to
contend is pressure which people of the
city receive without extra pay. We
have been promised water for several
years and this is the first time that
anything has been done toward giving
US what has been promised. This com
pany has offered to compromise and it
seems to me that this council owes it
TO the people who pay at least their
proportion of taxes to give US relief
when you have the opportunity"
Councilman Stephenson spoke in IA
vor of the minority report. This is a
good time to settle if we want to set
tie" said he. 1t seems to me that this
proposition is fair and believe we owe
it to the people who have no water
iVilege to accept it. I nave paid wa
ter tax for years and 1 have felt that
It was exOrbitant but there are others
who have paid water tax without re-
ceiving any benefit and I am in favor
Of doing something for them"
Councilman ROundtree-I come from
q ward that is dry. 1 have however,
held out for a 20 per cent reduction.
But il is admitted that we have a right
to reduce the rates at any time so I
am in favor of accepting this PROPOSE
tion and then reduce the rates our
selves. It can be done and by that
means we viii have the rates lower
and have these law suits settled at the
same time.
Councilman Warner-The eyes of the
whole city are upon us, especially those
of the people who live outside the wa
ter privileges. I see no legitimate rea-
son why any one should be against this
proposition.
Councilman Nettels closed the debate