The daily sentinel., 1899-03-22
MAYOR ELIAS REPLY
MAYOR Ella HEARTILY SEQ
ONDS SENTINELS EFFORT
FOR SEWERAGE.

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. March %.
To The Daily Sentinel. and the Women
voters on the Sewerage question:
In answer to the address to myself
as mayor in the Sentinel of last evening.
wish to say that I am and have been
for long time mush Interested in the
question Of sewerage for our city. was
glad to see the position taken by the
Sentinel and the movement for vote
by the women on this question, as it
kept the subject before the people and
tended to lead the public sentiment in
the right direction. 1 did not at that
time see how it was to be done until our
public debt could be cut down, or a
change made in our towns in regard to
cities Of our class. Those who have
kept track OF the bills before our legis-
lature. probably have noticed that bill
has been introduced, changing the stand
ing Of our city, 80 we might not be help
less in this matter. This will show that
the friends Of sewerage have not been
idle.
have been for some time looking up
the plans and specifications for system
Of sewerage, which were made for our
city some years ago. but did not until
within the last few days succeed in fnd-
ing them. In looking them over and
consulting the law in regard to some
plan for their contamination, conclud-
ed it was not necessary for US to wait
until our legislature should act, and it
was not necessary that any debt should
be created, but that we could with the
available funds already levied. put in at
least the foundation OF a system of sew
erage.
1t would not be 80 extensive as would
be desirable. but would be starter to
which more could be added a. funds be
come available, and would call for no
debt.
1have made rough estimate, and am
convinced we can lay the pipes from the
river to First street and all street cross
ings required OF the city, out of the
available funds and then by better
ment tax continue on up the two alleys.
north and south OF Main street to Sew
enth street.
This would sewer Main street on both
sides, through all the business portion
Of the city, and Rood avenue on the
south side and Colorado avenue on the
north side, from Seventh street down.
1t would be the portion Of the city at
the present time most needing 1t and it
can be done.
To this end had prepared and intro
ducsd at the last session OF the council
an ordinance for this purpose, and l
wish to say that it seemed to meet with
the hearty endorsements Of all members.
Using tho funds for this purpose may
leave US little short In some other way
but we will have something permanent
to show for it. Last year we used from
this fund for the opening of Main street
for the payment for the Beiser land, and
other old debts upwards OF $1,000. When
our funds were exhausted we shut down
and went without and think mono was
hurt by it. We ran no debt and it was
the right policy. We can do the same
this year and I shall work to this end.
believe this is sufficient answer to
the address. As do not often appear
in print, wish at this time to thank |
the Sentinel for the many kind things
it has said Of me in my capacity as may
or, and hope may merit continuance
of its support,
Yours hastily,
w. p Ria