Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1902-08-23
A sEARCH.LIGHT WANTED.

1t has been announced through the
city papers that steps have been taken
towards the construction Of a reservoir
in Parley's Canyon, for water storage
to aid in the supply for this city, and
that suit has been filed to condemn
certain property to be used for that
purpose. 1t seems that our city ofil-
Gals have been in great haste to eff
feet scheme which suits them, after
doing everything in their power to
block measures that were adopted by
the City Council.
The question is, what right has the
city Attorney TO commence litigation
without instruction from the City Coun-
eli? Also what right any other officials
associated IN this scheme have TO take
any definite measures, involving the
outlay Of large sums of money, With
out authority from that body? The
pretended fear Of a lawsuit which agi-
tated those officials, whenever plans
for bringing water from Utah Lake
Cor city purposes were presented, does
not seem to disturb them, when q pro-
lect of their own comes into view.
This scheme should be thoroughly in
vestlgated by the City Council, and
its probable cost be ascertained by
competent persons, before any definite
arrangements are entered into. II Is
stated that It will cost about 100000.
There are persons who appear to know
something about the matter who con-
ndenty declare that before the whole
scheme Is perfected II will cost nearer
100000 What there is behind this
movement should be brought TO the
surface. II has been known for some
time that one OF the reasons for the OPP
position waged against the pumping
liant, and other measures to secure an
adequate supply from Utah Lake, was
the Intention to engage in this reser-
yolr scheme,
The City Council has authorized IN
vestigatlon as to the practicabllity OF
obtaining and securing sites for reser-
yolrs. and so far the movement OF the
officials was In line with the intention
Of the Council, which appropriated w.
900 for this purpose. But the expendl-
ture of that sum was not expected 10
be for the examination Of one particu-
lar spot, but OF many, and In other
canyons besides Parleys. No authorl-
~ was given 10 them to decide as 10
the places where reservoirs should be
constructed, nor to proceed In the d.
rectlon Of establishing them, but sim
ply to investigate and report. Before
anything permanent is done In this
direction, the Council will have to de-
eide as to its merits and make ar
rangements for procuring the necessary
funds for the outlay
Those critics Of the City Council who
argued that II was under the direction
OF the Mayor, and should act upon his
and nominations
without question, insisting that any
thing not strictly legislative was be-
yond the rightful power Of the Council
should turn their attention a little In
the other direction now, and explain
what right the executive branch Of the
city government has to proceed to in
augurate expensive works Of any Kind
without authority from the Council.
It is a poor rule that will not work
both ways.
There are localities at which reser-
voirs for the conservation Of water for
city uses may be constructed, without
any very great cost to the municipality
md without danger Of lawsuits or other
legal difficulties. These need to be
and the financial ability
and prospects Of the city should be
taken into serious consideration, for
he people are already taxed to the ex-
ent OF their ability TO pay, and schemes
which would involve stll heavier bur
lens must not be entered into at ran
lom or TO please any clique, contrac-
.ors or interested parties. Let a full
be turned upon all such
nrojectsl