Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-12-21

dooPtion oI tile ordnance. DO not be-
lleve there can be any good ones. The
people do not take enough interest in
the affairs of this kind. Very few knew
that such an ordinance was passed and
consequently no halt is called on the
Councilman"
MR. RUSSELL S. DAWSON.
Il have not looked into the matter,
but If the ordinance is what gather
from what 1 have read, 1t Is not in
Keeping with the spirit of democratic
governmental is entirely too wide-open,
and If 1T doesn't provoke criticism, it
ought to. There should be a check upon
all departments. The people who pay
the taxes ought to know how the mon
ely is spent do not mean by this that
every trfling amount spent for stamps
or anything like that-in short any
small items-should be audited so care
fully but what 1 mean Is this-that
anything Of importance done by any OF
the boards should be subject to the
approval of the direct representa- ives
of the people,"
JUDGE NJ. L. EURE.
I'm my opinion it is a very unwise
policy to withdraw the Water Board
from the supervision and control Of
the Councils. This opinion is expressed
Ill nc feeling of opposit on to those who
control the Water Department There
are grave reasons why the supervision
OF all departments should be vested In
the Councils"
GENERAL Z. NJ HENRY.
Il am ignorant of what powers are
delegated in the ordinance and there
fore cannot discuss this particular act.
can only say that on general princi-
pies am opposed to giving any boards
authority that belong to the Coun-
ellis"
COLONEL GEORGE w. TAYLOR.
The ordinance was passed while T
was in Cuba and I knew nothing OF IT
until recently. I haven't had time to
pay close attention to 1t, but, speaking
on general principles, will say that
all boards ought to be under the Coun-
CHS and. If plausible, there should be
a bonded commission OF good citizens
70 supervise the expenditures of the
oliferent departments. While it is not
relevant to the question under discus
sion, l want to add my endorsement TO
me suggestion that a new water main
De put In. We need better PRESSURE"
MR. c. o. DEAL
think Just about as those you have
previously interviewed on this ordi-
nance. 1t invests too much power in
the Water Board
MIR. A. b. SELDNER.
1 think 1t is q mistake to allow any
subordinate body too great a latitude
IN the expenditure of the city's money.
The Councils, upon whom this duty wa
more particularly imposed by the char.
ter of the city, should have complete
control OF all expenditures so far as
the amount and character of these ex-
penditures are concerned.
Unless there are very good reasons
tor allowing this extraordinary power
10 one board over the other boards.
see no cause why it should have been
granted"
THE ORDINANCE IN QUESTION.
Amending and Re-enacting Section
q Chapter 46. of ordinance of 1894.
Passed by Common Council February
7th, 1899.
Passed by Select Council February
14th, 1899.
Section l. Be IT ordained by the Com
mon and Select Councils of the city of
Norfolk that section Z of chapter XLVI.
CITY Ordinances. 1894. entitled Water
Department. which was amended and
re-enacted so as to read as follows 1t
shall be the duty of the Board of
Water Commissioners to conduct and
manage the affairs of the water depart
ment of the city in such a manner as
will best subserve the cttys interest;
and to that end they are hereby AJJ-
THOTeIZED AND EMPOWERED TO
Make CONTRACTS FOR THE PUR-
CHASE OF THE SUPPLIES necessary
for the daily operation of the Works
and for such ordinary repairs to the
machinery as may from time to time,
be needed: to ener into contract for
permanent improvements to the works,
subject to the approval of the Councils;
to employ laborers necessary to the
efficient working of the plant to use
the ground or soil under any street,
road or highway within the county or
city of Norfolk for the purpose of re-
pairing or laying water pipes, erecting
hydrants and making connections with
the water mains for private or public
use: but with the express stipulation
that they are to restore the surface of
such street. road or highway as near
as may be to Its original condition
and repair all damages caused by
such use thereof; to appoint superin-
tendent, Il registrar, one or more in
spectors, a lineman, a chief engineer.
six assistant engineers. and SUCH
OTII Err OFFICERS AND employees
AS MAY BE NECESSARY: TO DE-
FINE THEIR DUTIES AND TO FIX
THEIR COMPENSATION; TO ES-
TABLISH RATES FOR WATER: TO
make rules and regulations governing
the plumbing and Introduction of water
into private or public promises and
for the general conduct of the wat err
department not in conflict with these
general ordinances.