The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1900-09-13

Becker states that in 1885 when the
water works were put in, the popula-
ton was about 2, 800. The effect of
the water works on the growth of
has been very marked ms
will be seen by the figures The as
sessed valuation StoughtonIn 1885
was about $500, 600 The present
valuation shows an increase of five
hundred and ninety seven thousand |
dollars in the wealth of Stouehton in
fifteen year.
Mr., Becker states it as his can
did opinion that one of the most
potent influences in the promotion of
this growth of wealth and population
has been the putting in of water works.
People at once commenced to settle
in the town, new additions were plan
ned and laid out, and the town com
menced to grow. In particular has
this been noticed, in the growth of
the tobacco interests. A very disas-
lrous fire came in 1884 and destroy
ed about 5000, 600 worth Of property.
Had water works been placed in the
town at the time this loss would have
been saved very greatly. The water
works cost at first $50, 600. Addi-
tions have been made until the total
cost amounts to $50, 600 more, or an
investment of about $50, 600. This
additional cost has all been paid for,
and the original cost of $50, 600 is
nearly paid for and the city has
money ahead. The rentals foI
use of water to the Inhabitants amount
to over<$S00 a year more than the
, running expenses, with the fire pro
lection free of all cost. This latter
{ feature amounts to a good deal
There are about 80 fire ny drantI, FOL
, which $50 apiece are charged il
Janesville where the water works are
owned by a private corporation. This
would show saving in the expens,
of So, 400 year where the city owns
the water works. This figure alone
would pay the interest on an outla,
of $40, 600 at 6 per cent.
To sum up the matter, Mr.. Becker
says that the water works are the
most popular and most profitable in
vestment the city of Stoughton eve
made. The men, who opposed i
most bitterly at first, are now loudes
in praise of it. He does not think
dozen votes could be found agains
the water works to day.
He asked what our electric ligh
cost year for our streets. Whe
told that the cost was about 81, 40
a year he asked if our people woul
vote to go without the light and liv
in darkness even though it shine
\ only half the night. He then aske
] if a number one fire protection a
over town was not worth as much
the luxury of electric light.
j Mr. Becker farthersays that NOT
\ PENNY OF TAX has even been visi
h ed upon the property of the town
Il payment of the water works bond
! jefferson County (Wis.) Union
4 The above named paper is edit'
q by Ex-G Gov. w. d. Hoard in Fo
\ Atkinson, Wis, where the city edit
H of the Signal published paper n
\ long ago, and he being well acquain
I ed witlr Mr.. Hoard and somewh
familiar with the facts related abov
/ feels safe to verify his stateme
\ and that of the gentleman y who
\ he referred.
/ Stoughton, the city mentione
l was then place of perhaps sma
\ er volume of business than Weis
4 enjoys to day, with not an especial
I promising future, but now it is one
y the most prosperous little land
very small, either) cities in that sta
with an exceptionally bright. futul
! Some of the largest factories in W
/ consin are located there, amo
l them being wagon, carriage a
I sleigh factory employing seve
/ hundred men.
J What is true of this Wiscon