The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-10-25
wATERwoRKs FRANCHISES.

There were strange developments
at the meeting last night. A few
who have always been opposed to
municipal ownership of waterworks
took occasion to announce in stem
torian tones that the city was making
a great mistake.
! Within a few years the value of the
franchise of the waterworks will be
equal to what the city is paying for
the entire concern. The control of
the water is the most valuable asset
| the city has today, and if in few
years it tires of city ownership it can
sell out the works at a large profit.
The old company was making money
in spite of constant warfare with the
public and the council. 1t is weary of
this litigation and the city ought to
be. but the city pays for its own at
torneys and those of the water COM
pany, by excessive rates.
The figures read by Councilman
Green from the court record show
that the present profits of the water
company for one year, about $4,000,
would put the plant in apple pie order
for fire protection and all other pur-
poses. Mr.. CowgilIs figures says this
will include ten miles of extension into
the dry districts. Mr.. Streets figures
were not materially different.
The councilmen ought to see the
light, close up this transaction, let the
people take a long breath and prepare
for a progressive march in other d.
rections.
Four-ffths of the cities the size of
Topeka and larger own their own
waterworks - others are acquiring
them when possible.
There is no doubt that back of all
this delay on the city's part in taking
over the property, now that every
thing is in readiness, is the desire of
certain moneyed interests in Topeka to
defeat the city's requirement of the
plant and to take it over themselves
as a private corporation. 1t would
not require much money and prop
erly conducted will bring in an enor-
nous revenue at reduced rates to con-
sumers. We do not say that any or all
members of the council know of this
deep, quiet scheme to get private con-
troll of the water supply of this city,
if the present readiness to take over
the plant can be postponed and an
nulled.
1t is a significant fact that the Con-
tinental Creamery company is taking
so much interest IN thu defeat of the
city control of the works now so near
accomplishment. Did you read the ar
ticle of W. r Jensen earnestly urging
the council not to carry out the city's
agreement to take the plant? Mr.. Jen-
sen is the vice president of the Cont |
mental Creamery company.
Does the reader know that Mr.. John |
Parks, the president of the Continent |
tai Creamery company. has just ac-
1uired a franchise in Wichita? Does |
ne know that Mr.. Parks is right gov
to secure a franchise in /
Kansas City, Mo? Refer to the Kan
,as City papers and you will see this
8 fact. Mr.. Parks is after fran
,hises and with the city of Topeka Civ
ng them away we don't blame Mr..
Parks and his associates for getting a
good thing if they can.
The Continental Creamery company
S one of the greatest institutions in
he state We are all proud of it, but
We want them to keep hands off city
control of the waterworks. Mr.. J. r.
.IuIvane is one of the largest stock
folders, promoters and bankers of this
reamery concern and he is to be COM
nended for investing in and pushing
njoys.
Mr.. Doran last evening talked like
Oer1osthenes and Cicero as he roared
n Clemens ear over 1.-The great mis-
AXE it would be for the city to buy
his plant" Mr. Doran admitted he
lad not studied the question, but he
new city ownership was bad thing.
dr. Doran is attorney for the CONT
ental Creamery company and is one
f the shrewdest franchise manipula-
ors in Topeka. He is good lawyer
nd that is a part of his busi@ess.
Mr.. Annis, who opposed the city pur-
base, was not known to more than ;
alf dozen people in that large room
I'LL of citizens last evening. He COM
lended the council for it's stand. Mr..
.nnis is the bookkeeper for the Con-
mental Creamery company. /
Mr. J. H. Curran. whose voice was
robably never heard in the Commercial
Tub rooms until last evening, echoed :
ne sentiments of Mr.. Doran and Mr.. 9
.nnis and Mr.. Jensen and Mr.. Parks. {
urran is one of the clerical force of |
MS great Continental Creamery COM I
any.
Last evening when everybody was
red and the subject had been thrashed T
yer, Mr.. Ferry got up to make his pre- Z
AIRED speech and he opposed any action
E the city to take over the works. Mr..
erry is of the firm of Ferry & Doran. !
ttorneys for the Continental Creamery 3
f
Flannery-Oi hear We wuz mixed ND in q | I
zee foight last Saturday noight.