Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-11-16
MIR. JONES' PROPOSITION
submit the 0ucstion OF Meters or No
- .me,ers TO ,hr People. VINO own Tho
Water works.nnd Let thom neolde
1t what mcssrs n. Henry Jonc.
and IL. w. shnislee IInvo TO say,

Several months ago the virginian-
Pilot published n series OF interviews
with prominent real estate dealers and
property owners, giving their views on
the proposition to Introduce q general
water meter system in Norfolk These
interviews were sought without pre-
vious knowledge of the views of those
interviewed, the reporters intrusions
being to get the Views of prominent
citizens pro and con. The result was
that four-flfths Of those interviewed
were strongly opposed to meters
Superintendent Herbert L. Smith, of
the Water Department, who conceived
the idea Of metering the city, was in
tervlewed last of all. He had read the
various expressions Of opinion in this
paper. and said in reply thereto: TT
is for the people to decide whether they
want these meters or not. we are
simply their servants. We will lay the
facts before them and then we will have
done our duty"
Since that time Superintendent Smith,
In the annual report Of the Board OF
Water Commissioners, has Laid the
facts before the people," as he said was
his duty. He made strong argument,
y. Z
port was sent to the Councils last week
by the Board Of Water Commissioners
who urged immediate action on the part
OF this body ito stop the waste of
water. A special committee OF five
from the two branches of Council has
been appointed to consider the matter.
The Virginian-Plot will present other
interviews. irrespective of their tenor,
within the next few days now that the
matter has been raOpannd
MI. Il. Henry Jones, who was among
those interviewed yesterday, Is willing
to meet Superintendent Smith half way
In laying the matter before the people
for settlement, and, as a tangible sug-
gestion along this line. Mr.. Jones offers
this:
''That II the Board of Water Com
missioners Is determined to have meters
ct the question be referred to the voters
of the city. to whom the water works
belong. for ratification or rejection.
MIR. JONES' VIEWS.
God gives the water and the tax
payers pay the expense. The Councils
alone as legal representatives of this
people can say whether or not water
shall be measured to the people, and I
feel that any right minded Councilman
will cast his vote in favor of water at
tho old rate. which Is now higher than
most cities in this country.
"Our daily papers tell us that water
is going to waste at the lakes. If this
Is SO, then what Is the necessity of
measuring it to the people? If we have
an abundance and to spare where Is the
necessity Of purchasing 10000 meters at
s12 per meter-$120, 600? What the nee
essity for paying $3.50 each to connect
these meters-s25, 000-added to the $780,
600, making sl45.00O? What is the nee
essity Of many meter inspectors and
ten men Mt $1,000 each?
Norfolk pays big salaries, Now add up
this sum total and you have meters or,
and all this is done to save n few thous-
and gallons of water that is now being
wasted at the lakes.
"Presuming that some of the poorer
classes are not paying full water rent,
are the people complaining? Suppose
two or three poor families, white or
black, are using from one hydrant,
haven't we an abundance at our lakes
and isn't the cost of additional fuel for
the few extra millions a mere
bagatelle? I favor more free hydrants.
Give the poor more water. reduce the
cost to them. thereby giving them more
money for groceries and other necessi-
ties OF life. Suppose one man does get
q little more water than his neighbor
(and I don't see how he can, as we are
charged according to the number of
rooms contained in the house,; but
suppose he does let him have 1t rather
than tax every other citizen.
when the Little Creek purchase was
In contemplation q mighty cry went IN
from the people. Let the people have n
full and abundant supply of pure and
-