The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1902-03-27
The Water Franchise.
EDITOR REPORTER:

EDITOR REPORTER:
l will, with your permission, reply in
part to Mr.. E. K, Pitman's article in
the last issue of the REPORTER. First, as
he has insinuated, men asking for q
franchise will, in time, eItort from and
rob the many. am not in this from
choice, but because l cannot let loose
without suffering loss; because believe
there is an ample supply of water and it
only remains to be developed and put
into use. Joseph vas sold and brought
down to Egypt to provide for time of
famine. So it may be possible that l
have been used as means to provide
for water famine. That may come to
Leon. 1t is fact that there has not
been sufficient supply of water for the
needs of the town. The granting of
franchise does not in the least deprive
any person from getting water in their
accustomed way. Mr.. Pitman compares
the granting of franchise to taking
away the use of fresh air, sunshine and
drinking water. Also to innocent look
ing ducks. But afterward transforms
itself into devouring octopus.
Why does he assume so much and
claim that the giving of franchise will
deprive the people Of their rights? Have
l not right to carry water in mains
underground as man and team to haul
water or any other product on top of
the ground? There is this difference,
the law requires the people to give by
their votes this privilege. And we can
not carry out and develop this enter.
prise unless the people, by majority
of their votes, give it to us. There is
another inconsistency. That is, we
ought to give bond that we shall furnish
this water. Why should individuals be
compelled to do thing that the people
by their representatives cannot or
would not agree to do? They go ahead
and spend the money of the people and
if it is failure the people have lost
their money. But if we invest our
money and fail we lose it. There are
some who say we ought to pay for this
privilege Why should we? We do not
obstruct the streets. If it were street
railway it would be an obstruction
Should we succeed, as We hope to, it will
be public improvement that will bene-
fit the kickers as we'll as those who in
vest in it.
Mr.. Pitman is afraid that unreason.
able prices will be charged. This would
be impossible, as another water COM
pany could be given franchise, or the
town, by the authority of the people,
could establish water works Gf it had
the money!. 1 will sell out now to the
town or anyone who will pay me what
it cost. want to say to those who
gave money while was having the we'll
drilled that there was about $500 paid
This was paid with the understanding
that if sufficient water was found be-
tween the depths of 400 and $50 feet
this money was not collectable. AS the
water was found below that depth this
money was gift. l will say, however,
| that if this we'll ever becomes as luxuri,
Gus and paying as Mr.. Pitman is afraid
it will will give it back with interest.
Mr.. Pitman says water conld not be
cheaper than it is now. The present
cost is about 20 cents per 100 gallons
We propose to furnish water tor you,
store, Office or pantry at half that price
or 10 cents per 100 gallons. want te
say that on account of drilling this well
we have also proven beyond reason
able doubt that we have coal in abun
dance and it only remains for the en-
terprising men of the town and county
to organize company and sink shaft
So let us go on, brethren, in the gooc
work and let the kicker kick. Nodoubt
he was born kicking. He reminds mt
of the man who stood by while his wife
killed the bear and then said to his wife
"Didu't we do it?' WIN. BIGGs.