Arizona republican., 1902-08-11
On. rhine a. a Time.

One Thing at . Time.
 The first question to consider in con- nection with the proposed campaign for municipal water works is whether the present is an opportune time to bring the issue to a vote. All citizens, what ever their views of the proposition may be, will agree that it is question which should be decided strictly on its merits, and after the most careful con- considera tion be given to the extent of enabling voters to determine within the shall vote? We doubt it very much. For the next few months the minds of taken up with the problem of water storage for the valley. In addition to coming on, and will more or less en- gage the attention of the public gen. orally.
 Complying with the instructions of the mass meeting called for the purpose of protesting against the proposed new franchise to the water company now supplying the city, Mayor Talbot has appointed an excellent committee to re- port on the cost of putting in q system of municipal water works. This com mittee is capable of making a report which will be conclusive as to cost and revenue, and we believe the members of the committee will perform their duties conscientiously But to make a report about which there will be no question. it will be necessary for the committee to labor very diligently, and for some time. It is true that much of the data gathered during the former campaign for municipal water works is now available, but much of it is not. On account of the changes in the iron market IT Will De necessary u Illdhe wholly new estimates on the cost of pipe, for one thing. In taking due time for the complete consideration of all points involved, it does not follow, of course that the committee should con- sume a long period; what we wish to emphasize is the fact that the situation as to other questions pending before the public enables the committed to take time for consideration. Nor, does it follow, of course, that the cleo tion should be called immediately after the report of the committee is rendered. The position of The Republican or the question of municipal ownership of the water works is we'll known. Most of the arguments in favor of public ownership have been first stated in these columns But there is time for all things, and it is a good plan, when great tasks are before a man or a peo- pie, to do one thing at time.
 Just now, and until it is definitely and successfully solved, the greatest question with which the people of Phoenix have had to deal since the valley was settled, is the problem of water storage. It is true that con- cretely it is a question for the ranch owners. But if success is achieved, if the construction Of the Tonto Basin reservoir by the government is secured, there must be cordial cooperation be- tween city and country. and the people of Phoenix are no less interested than the people on the ranches. The finan- cial salvation of the entire valley de- pends upon the reservoir. The fate of the proposition, as regards construction b.r the end of the year. if not before. But for a successful outcome it is ab- of the valley act in harmony, and that TO other issues of great moment be dragged before citizens to divert their attention and divide nefghbor against neighbor as a fierce campaign for mu- nicipal ownership of the city water " orks is certain to do.
 For the time being and except as to the committee which has important duties to perform in the premises, the water works question may we'll be left