The record-union., 1899-07-24
DAILY RECORD-UNION
ISSUED BY THE
SACRAMENTO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Oface: Third Street. between and K.
THE WATER DEBATE.

e.
The. Record Union is undisturbed
by anything that may be said of it in
relation to the water question now be-
fore the people. 1t is trustful that
thoughtful and fair-minded citizens
read its columns understandingly and
thoroughly appreciate it's position upon
this important question.
The present expression is inspired by
these facts: First that certain people
who expose themselves to the sus-
picion that they are incapable OF cred
iting another with sincerity of purpose,
have indulged in unworthy expressions
concerning the water debate by this
paper. g Second, that in official quar-
ters there has been explicit and Stub
born declaration that not all the water
propositions shall have fair inquiry.
but that at least one shall not be
given a test. Third, because before
and in the advisory committee there
has unhappily been preiadgment by
one or more Of the members; u fInd-
ing Of the verdict before the proofs
are In; descent fr III tile ju iieial asti-
tl.de to that of the advocate.
The water question, in nutshell, is
just this. The authorities have, in re-
sponse to a general demand, directed
that an investigation be made of all
proposed sources for a clear water
supply. In aid Of that investigation
they have the assistance of citizens
advisory committee, by way of popu-
larizing and broadening the inquiry.
That advisory body has gone to work
intelligently. 1t is believed it will so
continue it's labors. But before that
body expression has been voiced that
sounds in prejudgment, that seems to
be the pronouncing of verdict be-
fore the facts are in concerning one or
more of the propositions
Against such pronouncement The
Record Union has entered its pro-
test, and pointed out that opinions diff
fer and that theories prove nothing;
that facts are the essential elements
in the investigation; that If one can as
.sert with emphatic conviction that the
valley is underlaid with loose material,
another has equal warrant for assert
ing belief that the valley fill is rich in
layers of impervious material through
which percolation is impossible and
that repeated borfngs prove. this to
be fact That IL one in or out of the
board sor the advisory committee, as
sents. that the east side water is not
potable, it is equally legitimate to an
afhalf century by a people blessed with
exceptional high health.
In short, this whole contention on the
part of friends of this, that or the
other scheme for getting a good sup
ply of clear pure water for Sacrament
TO-, is profitless, if it proceeds upon
theory and acceptance Of dogmatic
theoretical statement as fact
Against all such treatment this jour-
nal has protested in the name of corn
mon justice, and twill SO continue to
protest. It demands only the rule of
reason. based on facts ascertained as
are all truths. 1t insists upon a full,
fair and impartial inquiry into every
source and means of supply and ALL
schemes and plans for attaining the
desired end.
When, therefore, a single worthy
proposition among many is picked out
for specific assault or to be theorized
aside in the interest of advocacy of a
rival scheme, the "Record-Union"
voices common Indignation. 1t holds
that the people demand with it fair
play in all this matter for mountain.
filter, river, spring and subterranean
sources, no more, no less for one than
the other 1t protests against pre-
Judgment by the Jurors. 1t demands
for the people advocating each and ev-
cry scheme fair play and full oportun-
ity equally for one as for the other.
With this clear, unambigious state
ment. of the question of the Record
Union and it's advocacy of the rights
Of the people, it's opponents and those
who delight In misrepresenting it and
substituting mendacity for truth, are
welcome to discuss it to their hearts
content