Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1900-11-15
THE WATER BONDS IN DOUBT

There seems 20 be a streak Of what
some people would call "ill-luck" at
tending the last issue Of water-bonds
in this city. Their way has been OBJ
structed from the first moment Of the
proposal TO issue them. The purpose
in view Of their promoters was excel
lent. Their manner Of proceeding may
have been somewhat faulty.
The necessity for the expenditure Of
more money than could be obtained by
way Of taxation. in order 10 provide for
a larger supply Of water for domestic
purposes and better system Of dis
ttbution, was evident 70 every tax
payer who Investigated existing con-
ditions So pressing was the need Of
this that considerable amounts Of
money were expended with the expec-
tation that the bonds would be author
lied, or that some other measure would
be adopted to provide for those expendi-
lures.
ne hllHNAlAich thak nav htl ia
the way Of the realization Of funds from
the bond sale appear TO have been
caused by mistakes on the part Of the
city authorities. IN the conduct Of the
prelminarles to the election and their
official proceedings afterward. Several
errors Of this kind delayed the sale Of
the bonds. and now the question OF the
legality Of their issue is raised causing
stlll further delay, with the probability
that the whole proceedings may fall
through and a new election be required.
The questions Of the right OF the city
TO issue the water bonds. in view OF the
debt limit for general purposes having
been reached before that Issue. and the
expenditure OF money FOR necessary
water purposes IN anticipation Of the
funds TO be derived therefrom, may
probably be settled favorably But the
errors said TO have been made In the
appointment Of the polling places and
in the time OF the canyassing OF the
votes. may have the effect Of render
ing the election void
The suit now instituted Is not intend
to obstruct or prevent the sale OF the
water-bonds. hut 90 precautionary
measure on the part Of the firm that
intended to purchase them, While II
may occasion a little further delay, II
will be the means Of settling several
Yery important doubts which have
arisen over the legality Of the issue.
ard more particularly In the manner
OF calling the election and the time Of
the canvass Of votes.
Whether such deyia,ions from the let
ter Of the law are Of sufficient import.
ance to inyalidate the bonds election.
seeing that the people interested are
not In any way injured thereby. that
there 10 no contest In which personal
or official interest Is involved. and that
no element Of actual or intended fraud
appears In connection herewith win
have TO be determined by the court
which will doubtless construe the law
literally, in view Of all the clrcum-
stances existing and connected with
transaction, entered into for the essen.
tial welfare Of the inhabitants OF this
city.
II is evident that there has been a sad
lack Of knowledge as 70 the technical
requirements OF the law In reference to
the proceedings IN this bond issue, and
the case 10 come before the Supreme
court Of the State. may be the means
OF squirting the officials IN fault 70 be
more careful in the future, as 20 COM
plying strictly with the provisions of
our State statutes.