Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-11-23
TWELVE PAGES
THURSDAY. NOVEMBER %, 1899.
AND THUS WE DEF

Inc Hon. Water Board of the City
deserves and Should accept our hum
bic apologies, as we'll as those OF an
indignant, If misguided, people.
In letter published yesterday in
morning paper, the Board. except Hon.
II. L. Smith, Superintendent, makes the
magnanimous announcement that it
has no desire to force the meter sys-
tom upon the citizens of Norfolk against
their consent"
The open-hearted generosity and
magnanlmity displayed in that little
sentence places the good citizens Of
Norfolk under lifelong obligations for
this peculiar and special favor But as
IL to add more TO the cup or bitterness
of the people, to show them what fools
they are, to be entertaining such views
of the Board as they have. and actually
hold INDIGNATION MEETINGS, the
Board tells the people THERE is
EVIDENTLY ~ MISTAKEN IDEA on
the part of n great number of the citi-
zens of Norfolk as to the attitude of
the Board of Water commissioners. in
reference to what is popularity known
as the Meter system OF furnishing
water"
or course. the people were mistaken!
How could they have done these faith
full servants such an Injustice? AL
though the Board recommended the
Meters, and that they should be FUR
NISHED AT ONCE, the peopc ought
to have known you We're just Joking
hnt thnn n
understood the attitude of the Water
Department"
1t is SHINE that mistakes like TINT
should occur and the assembled mass
meeting of citizens who met on Tues
DAY and condemned the Boards urgent
recommendation" will falbdown I'm sor
row at the Infamous act they have com.
mitted.
But why did the Board wait so long
IN explaining its "attitude?" How could
1T remain silent all these days. amidst
n buzz of indignation, and say not n
word until 1t found the city at it's heels?
1t Is such pity that one is constrained
TO weep, but 1t is too late for the Board
TO flop over now,
- /" AoHiilb ~ Tic CITY III
sorrow for It's dreadful mistake, Goals
OF fire are heaDed upon their heads. for
the generosity of the Board. in easing
the minds Of our citizens, deserves
praise and we would be remiss in all
lowing this opportunity to pass without
proper words of commendatlon for that
noble disposition on it's part in assuring
4 The npOtlln hof a
light upon them as possible, and has no
desire ITO FORCE. THE METER sys-
TEN upon them" Good The people of
Norfolk will build monuments to In.
memory of these men. and we really be
l1eye that under the circumstances the
Board should forgive the indignant.
misguided citizens. for so grossly mis-
understanding them! The people know
no better; they are not familiar with
recommendations
There is no doubt that the people of
Norfolk owe the Hon. Water Board both
an apology and debt of gratitude.
The Board assures us that ."thcre IS
no question, at present, as to the
adequacy of the supply; simply tbe
question is with the present NfACIIIN
cry" That seemed to be the opinion
of the mass meeting of citizens!
Again. the Board shows that 1t has
mercy in It's soul, for it magnanimously
assures the people Of Norfolk that the
Board OF Water Commissioners will
most oheerfully adopt my method that
the legislative branch of the City may
determine upon" This Is indeed re-
s. ~ assuring, for many people thought that