The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-07-15

is vital one shall we have sewer
system? 1t is a question that meets
every densely populated community It
is a question that cannot be ignored
or lightly considered if we keep step to
progress of the day.
DE we need the sewer?
rs it practica ble2
Can we afford to build it?
Considering these points we may re-
verse them. We can afford it if the
sewer is necessary and if it is prac-
ticable- We can afford anything that
is economical and necessary.
LAS to the second point, neither this
meeting nor the other can speak with
intelligence We are not. practical en-
gineers nor sewer builders.
Whether or not We need a sewer
divides itself into two parasitic bust
ness feature and the sanitary. OF the
latter we are about as i'll prepared to
talk as of it's practica bility. Physi-
clans, chemists, the board of health, are
experts on this part of the question
They are of one opinion They affirm
that to hesitate is to tamper with life
and health.
THE business view is the one with
which we are competent to deal. The
made in this respect are AinexcusabIe.
The cost is limited to an average not
exceeding $25 a lot. Yet it is told that
it will cost four times as much. Own
ers of lots in outlying portions are told
that it will cost them all their lots are
worth, whereas, when averaged up
their portion would really not be over
five, ten or fifteen dollars, as the case
may be, with ten years to pay it in.
The manifest advantages far offset the
cost
Mr.. Burgenthal said that Jonathan
Thomas had been approached to sign a
remOnstrance and that he pointedly re-
fused with the declaration that he IA
Vors the sewer.
Mr.. Thomas Page of the NGid-Conti-
nent mills said he has been waiting two
or three years to see what would be
done on this side before building him
self a home. If we do not get the
sewer he will go over to the south side
to build.
d. J. Hathaway has lived on Jackson
street near Park for eight years, and
the we'll water is so bad that his wife
is not willing for his horse to drink it.
He wants the sewer.
Peter Smith of the Citizens bank re
moved to the south side a few years
ago, but has property here, and wants
the sewer because his business interests
demand it.
c. L Haywood. a large property
owner, has been opposed and signed the
remonstrance, but now wants more in
formation.
A. v. Heyden has been opposed, but
would like to learn more.
Mr.. Fensky was a trump card at the
opposing meeting because he has a lit
tie sewer south of the railroad to the
river that does not work well. He did
not know but he was in favor of the
sewer. He regretted that he talked as
he did at the opposition meeting. He
did not know why he did it. He did
not mean to oppose the sewer. Then
he said he knew we needed the sewer
but he was not in favor of it, but If
the water company would furnish the
water to flush it. would favor it.
The chair remarked that the water
company IS under contract to do this
and that we are taxed to pay for it,
and receive no benefit.
A. NJ. Baird prefers to live on the
TT1- h
the other side. He has lived in MANY
towns a railroad man and likes
North Topeka best of all. He cannot
understand why men will vote for pave
ments and not for sewers.
Jonas Lukens was strong against the
talk that we are too poor to build a
sewer. We are not all wealthy but we
have no need to plead the poverty act
We are quite able to improve North
Topeka. He was one of a committee
to visit Omaha to inspect their system.
Samuel DOlman was always in favor
of public improvements. He went to
Omaha with Mr.. Lukens. They found
main sewer running mile through
business parts of the city 1t was a IL
inch tile drain with six inch IateraIs
and worked to perfection. A larger
pipe would be better. The cost is in
significant compared with large brick
sewers.
Councilman Skinner is favorable to
sewers but wants to get an intelligent
expression of the people he represents
The First ward is the only one in the
city that has not cOnsiderab BILE sewerage.
He spoke at considerable length show
ing how the ordinance has provided
against increasing the cost over the S25
average per lot. He urged his constitu-
ents not to kick until they knew what
they are kicking about. The city engi-
neer is always ready and willing to ex-
plain, and will give all sides a fair and
impartial hearing.
The meeting did good. Every one felt
it. Both sides agreed that another
meeting should be held and it was de-
cided to hold one next Wednesday
evening.
Engineer Barnes will be asked to at
tend. Both sides ask it, and a COM
mittee consisting of NJ. @. Holman and
Jonas Lukens in favor and EIlinwood
Woodman and c. L. Haywood opposed
was appointed to urge him to be pres
ent.
The meeting adjourned with both par
ties holding each other in greater re-
spect. The meeting next week Will be
a rouser.