The record-union., 1898-04-25
SUBMIT THEM TO THE PEOPLE.

The Board of Directors of the Sacra-
mento Chamber of Commerce has
adopted a report of a subcommittee on
public Improvements, which is of the
highest Importance. The memorial Of
the board will go before the City Trus-
tees this evening.
It is a proposition TO call a special
election to submit to the people the
question whether the city shall incur
an Indebtedness of $3.50, 900 for three
distinct purposes: For erection of a
suitable High School building to cost
100000 We assume that this in
cludes cost of ground; if not the sum
is insufficient. If, however, the old
Seminary ground is available, 100000
will give US a good, not over preten-
tious building.
Second $4,000 for extension of the
water pipe system by placing a 80
inch main along Front street to O,
and out o to Thirty-frst street. That
this Is a pressing need no one familiar
with the situation can deny. The
south and east portion of the city and
all the valuable property possessions
along Front street are insufficiently
protected. If by mischance the L
street main should be disabled the
whole city would be at the mercy Of
flames in case of fire. subject only by
such water supply as could be forced
through small pipes, inadequate to the
present demand upon them.
These pipes also as well as the L
street main are laid upon a fatally de-
fective plan, they diminish as they ex-
tend eastward, thus increasing the cost
of forcing water through them, as we'll
as diminishing the supply and pressure.
The new proposition is to have main
of uniform size to the city limits, that
one section may be just as well sup
piled and protected as another.
1t is set forth in the report that the
pipes are to be so laid that they can
be adapted to use for a new water sys-
TEN, if we are so fortunate as to Sc
cure adoption of a clear water sup
ply. Unless that provision is strictly
adhered to, it would be folly to adopt
the suggestion of the board We as
suredly need the new or additional
main, but no main must be so laid that
viii forever mortgage the city to the
present source of supply. The truth
is, that the question to be submitted
should also include a 100000 for the
setting up of a clearwater system
which can be done for that sum and the
whole thing installed within a year
The third clause of the proposition is
one calling for S120,00 for sewer con-
struction upon the plans of the pres
ent City Surveyor. That the exten-
sion and Improvement of the sewer
system is greatly needed, to the end
that the abominable cesspool system
may be abolished, goes without say
ing. The Record Union" has for
years urged such improvement. But
as to whether the City Surveyors
plans fully meets the need or not we re-
serve opinion until careful examination
can be made of the details of the
scheme. as it is some time since they
were laid before the public. But that
the money asked for is sorely needed
for expenditure, in sewer improvement
is undeniable.
on the whole, therefore, the plan 20
submit the propositions to the vote of
the people is wise. The people can be
trusted and must be trusted in these
matters. It is always safe to lay be
fore them the question of incurring in I