The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1898-08-25
TAXPAYERS
TO MEET.
The Meeting In Robbins opera House
Tonight Attracts Attention.
PROTEST AGAINST THE RESERVOIR
The Subject Has Been the Principal Topic
of Discussion For the Past Week,
and the Indications Point to
Large Gathering.

IL ANo'blho 'l'NAh llOu'Ot NJ osN' v 'l'N NJ
1t is called to protest against the erection
Of the proposed dam
The principal topic Of conversation among
the taxpayers of Shenandoah during the past
several days has been the action of the Bor-
ough Council in deciding to erect
30 600, 900 gallon reservoir, just above the
present one at the Brandonyille pumping
station The advocates Of the measure
estimate the total cost to be s16 900, but there
is nothing to show that the completion Of the
dam will not entail an actual expense of
just double that amount In fact, everything
points to an expenditure of $50, 900. at the
least, and the present financial condition Of
the borough does not warrant it.
A representative of the HERALD inter
viewed several Councimen who favored the
PROJECT as to the probable action OF Council
should the meeting of the taxpayers develop
strong opposition to the erection OF the reser-
yOir and the information was vouchsafed
that should the taxpayers object to the ex-
penditure Of the money for the purpose in
dicated there certainly could be no other
course left for Council but to resciud their
former action and abandon the erection of
the reservoir. This seems TO be the views of
the majority of the members of that body,
although Chairman Bell, of the water COM
cerned there will be no stoppage Of the work
until the court issues an injunction, no
matter what action the taxpayers may take
at the meeting tonight.
The sentiments of Mr.. Bell, however are
at variance with those of his colleagues, and
it is safe to say that they will govern them
selves in accordance with the wishes of the
citizens Of the borough, They cannot, in
justice to themselves and the people they
represent do anything else
The HERALD has devoted considerable of
its space to the question, and has given the
announcement Of the call for public meet
ing tonight wide circulation, and in doing 50
we have no other motive than that of secur-
ing the greatest good to the greatest num-
ber." We believe, however, that the senti-
ment of the people is against the erection of
the reservoir at this time, in view Of the
financial condition of the borough Whether
or not that statement is borne out by facts
ought to develop itself at the meeting this
evening. That is one reason why we have
encouraged and given publicity to the call.
This is not the first time the tax
payers Of Shenandoah have assembled
| in Robbins opera house to take
action on public questions that have been
ventilated in Council, and the members Of
that body especially should raise no objec-
tiOns. The people themselves, in gatherings
Of that kind, show commendable spirit in
public affairs which speaks well for the town
and its people. 1t is to be hoped there will
be a full and fair discussion of the project,
and if this is done the meeting cannot but
prove of much benefit in various ways which
is not necessary to enumerate here.
The HERALD columns are always open to a
discussion Of public questions, whether the
views OF the authors are in line with those of
the publishers Of the paper or not. We give
space to communication on the reservoir in
this issue from one who favors the project
but the arguments-if his opinions can be
construed rs such-are 50 inconsistent that it
would seem waste of time and energy to
reply The writer says the people do not
object to an expenditure of "a few
dollars" to increase the water supply,
but if we mistake not the temper Of the
people, they seriously object to adding $3O-
600 to the already large debt of the borough,
and no one familiar with such dam will
venture the prediction that the work un.
der the proposed system, will cost one penny
less than that amount. Furthermore, the
appropriation of $50, 900 for dam or street
paving" was made to be used for that pur-
pose under certain contingencies, and with
the understanding that the full amount due
by the tax collectors and from other sources
would reach the borough treasury. Up to
the present time-One- half of the fiscal year
having expired-the collectors having prac-
tically paid nothing into the treasury, the
two owing the borough about $40, ,OOO Be
Sides practically every committee of Couuci |
has exceeded its appropriation, new
offices have been created and salaries
increased and if the expenditures of the re-
naming six months equal those of the past.
it is likely that the borough will require all
the revenue that it can get from the tax
collectors and other sources, including tn,
SO 900 dam appropriation, to meet the de
mauds that will be made upon them. Tn,
reference to the Dago labor, by the writer
brings to mind that the projectors have fixed
three prices to be paid for work, and amonl
them is Dago labor, so it can be seen tina
home labor" will not lose many sleeples
nights because of overwork. Every poin
advanced by the writer can be successfully
answered and used as an argument agains
the project, if the interests of the taxpayer
are to be considered.
1t is to be hoped that the property owner
will attend the meeting tonight in large
numbers, in Robbins opera house. Tn,
meeting has been called for an expression o.
views on the part of those who pay the taXel
and contribute to the support of the loca
government.
Attend the meeting tonight