The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1904-02-22
cLARKsBURG, W. VA, FEE. .. 1901
IMPROVE THE WATER WORKS.


1t is but natural that insurance con
panies should protect themselves to Q
certain extent. 1t would be folly fOl
them to continue in business, If the
hazard was such as that they would soor
be broken up. They must from necessi
ty regulate their business according +
demand and supply To carry on a SAFE
business they must see that the con
ditions are suitable and not so danger
Gus as to incur risk that would bank
ript them. Where conditions are sue!
that the risk becomes greater it is {
matter of protection to the business anf
those associated with and dependent up
on them to require improved condition
to raise the rate TO justify the create.
risk, or they may find it necessary, /,
withdraw from that field altogether.
This is matter that Is agitatin.
Clarksburg at this time. The under
writers have been here. They have ex
amined conditions and found them YER
unsatisfactory. They have asked coun
ell to act in the matter and they hay
raised the rate slightly.
The city council has decided that ]
is powerless to meet the requirement,
but it has expressed determination i
do all it can do to improve conditions
But that is not enough. 1t is the duty.
of that body TO take the matter up il
an earnest manner at once. The eft,
has so much revenue every year. ]
changes the amount but little fror
year to year. The council knows tn,
value of that revenue and it knows thr
amount of improvement that can IL,
made with it.
The situation is one that demands
greater expenditure on the water work
and the fire department, not only from
the insurance standpoint, but as a ma
ter of security to property, as well
better and more ample service. There i.
not sufficient economy in the operation
of the system, but entirely too muc
waste. All water used should be pail
for and il is the duty of the officials I
have a complete record Of the amount
used and to see that it Is paid for
Again, better system should he employed
in the matter of distribution. the LAYING
Of the proper sized pipes and so forth
Pipes should not be just the size the
present demands hut should be adequate
for future demands and their size shou
be uniform, so far as it is possible. The
work of to-day should not be alone for
to-day, but should meet the demand OF
tomorrow.
SO long as the greater part of the
revenues are used on the streets and SO
little on the water works and fire de-
partment, there will be hut little i'm.
provement on the latter and the condi
tions will remain about the same. or may
grow worse. 1t appears that the reven
ues from the water works are moi amplf
to meet the needs Of the system AMI Il
do that money must he taken from tht
general fund. This plan must be adopt
ed if there is to be proper protertinr
against fire, and there is a general belief
that the city can get along year or sc
with less street paving. inrorder that
the water works may be improved
1t Is subject that interests every cisi
zen of Clarksburg and is becoming very
vital. The council must give it seriou-
consideration and something must be
done the coming year TO change condi-
tons. The earlier the matter i taken
up the more win the work be that Is ac-
complished.