The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-11-21

a free duck supper.
1t was a most representative gath
ering, too, and fully capable, as events
proved, to ably discuss both of the
leading features of the evening.
The water rate question was present
ed by Secretary Atherton in a resolu-
tion commencing the councils in its
proposed campaign for a cheapening
of the water service to large consum-
ers and pledging the cooperation of
the board of trade in furthering the
movement. The resolution read as fol-
lows:
THE BOARDS RESOLUTION.
Scranton, Pa, Nov. 20, 1899.
To the Officers and Members of the
Scranton Board of Trade.
Gentlemen: Some two years ago the
board OF trade took up the question of
excessive water rates to the manufac-
turers in this city At that time statls-
tics were compiled showing the rates IN
many of the principal cities of the coun-
try. These statistics showed that rates
in Scranton were far In excess of those
Of other cities.
At that time a committee of the board
of trade was appointed to wait upon Mr..
Scranton, of the Scranton Gas and
Water company, to, If possible, have the
rates to manufacturers so adjusted that
the industrial growth of our city would
not be retarded as was the case then,
and is now
Nothing, however, was accomplished,
and we find ourselves today in practically
worse condition than we were at that
time, from the fact that in many of the
places where yearly rate was given,
they have since put on meters, which has
increased the rate three-fOld.
The time has now come when it seems
necessary to take stringent measures in
the direction of having these rates re
duced. The water rates in Scranton are
almost prohibitive to its further develop
ment along industrial lines. Instead of
the water company encouraging the in.
dustrial growth of the city, and thereby
increasing its revenue through domestic
consumption, 1t has erected a barrier,
that if continued, will completely stop
the growth and development Of the city.
What is desired is a low uniform rate
such as manufacturers in Cleveland, Eric,
| Philadelphia and Buffalo enjoy. We do
not object to the meter system, but do
object to the exorbitant rate charged per
thousand gallons.
Understanding that the city councils
are about to take steps, which they
hope will remedy the evil above referred
to, il is believed that the Scranton board
of trade, representing as 1T does, the
industrial and commercial side of the
question, should assist the councils in
every way to bring about the desired
end; therefore be 1t
Resolved, That the Scranton board of
trade recommends to councils the pass
age of such legislation, as in their judg-
| ment will be the means of the adjust
| ment of the water rates to large consum-
ers in the city of Scranton; and be it
| further
Resolved, That the Scranton board of
trade pledges itself to assist the councils
| by every honorable means at it's com
mand to bring about this most desired
| result.
THE DISCUSSION OPENS.
| In opening the discussion on the
resolution, Secretary Atherton made
the startling statement that if it was
not that the manufactures committee
had found sites containing indepen-
dent water supplies the city would
have had to give up all prospects of
having a tin plate plant. and, further,
that a woolen mill which was to EN-
ploy 1,500 hands wanted to locate he.e
recently and was all ready to come
when the owners learned of the water
rates charged here and forthwith
ceased negotiations.
Secretary Atherton said he thought
If the matter was presented to the
gas and water company in a proper
| light concessions could be secured. II
it was shown to the company that by
! discouragng the growth of the CITY
it is hurting its own interests it would
| grant a generous concession, If only
from a selfish motive.
Has the matter ever been present,
ed to Mr.. Scranton in that light?" in.
quired Colonel Boies.
"Yes sir" answered the secretary
"a committee of the board waited up-
on him two years ago and argued with
him along that line, as well as from
various other standpoints."
"And what did he do about it?" in.
quired the colonel.
Handed the committee a rate card
This abrupt description of the char.
acteristic action of the gas and water
companys president was received with
loud laughter and some hand-clap
ping by the half hundred board Of
tradesmen, most of whom knew frory
personal experience that the aggres
sive Mr., Scranton says and does thing,
withal effectively.
THE COMPARATIVE RATES.
A request was made for the statistic,
with which the committee had armed
itself before going to consult Mr.
Scranton, and Secretary Anterior
quoted from his minutes, among othel
things, the following comparisons o.
water rates in large cities
The different columns show a slidin.
scale based on the amount consumed, tn,
smallest rate, Of course, being for tn,
largest consumers. Where one figure Il
given the rate is uniform for all con
sumers.
scranton .......,.... 20 10 10
Detroit .,............ 10 L.
Cleveland ..... .... 51s
Hartford ..... ..... Is 12is ~
BinghamtOn 80, -, 6
Williamsport ...,... 10
| Erie ''',',,.. $3.50.
Rochester ....,..,.,. IA
Philadelphia .,..,...