Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1904-05-07
Communicated.

EDITOR HERALD-The agitation of the
question relating to licensing occupa-
tons and business Enterprises has grown
into matter OF public interest. This
and other modes of taxing had their be-
ginning with history, and it would be
difficult to find a new argument in their
favor. In this instance the one pro-
posed would most certainly result in
partial failure, as it could do no more
than effect temporary relief, while the
next and succeeding years would find us
nth the same conditions to meet, and
Gfsaine or some other burdens to bear.
hope, therefore, may be pardoned for
making some suggestions.
We all agree that the city must have
revenue, and if there is way to secure
same without adding to to the fax bur
dens of the citizen, all would be equally
benefited There is an urgent need for
an early solution of this matter, and as
an interested citizen | wish to ask If it is
not vastly better to plan for the years to
come as well as the present? Let us
consider then, briefly, what the city's
enterprises are now doing, and see if
these can not be improved. If they
were your individual property, what
would you do?
1t is now costing the city $500 per
month to purchase current and pump its
water, while it has been impossible to
extend the light system for more than
year, which has destroyed its earning
capacity. Suppose the city arrange for
the purchase of 100 horse power electric
current, the cost of which in this state is
$40 per h. p. per year. In this case the
cost of transmission must be added, an
estimated cost of $50, being $4,000 per
year or $3.50 per month. This would be
ample power for all city purposes and
would greatly increase the efficiency of
both plants. This plan anticipates the
installation of moter and power pump
at the pumping station, and ii carried
out will effect a saving of $250per month.
And this is not all, it is most reasonable
to suppose that with an adequate supply
OF current, the increased earning on the
light plant, If considered for a period OF
five years, would amount to another
$3.50 per month or total saving and in
creased earning OF $500 monthly. Ex-
tend this for the five year period and YOU
have the nice sum OF 5000
Again, il our present rate of increase
counts for anything, 1--WE have about
doubled our population in four years)
the next succeeding five years would see
further increase in new revenue of 30
Der cent, or a total for the second five
year period of $45, 900, being grand to-
tai in saving and increased earning of
$75, 900 for the next ten years above what
it is now doing. 1t should be noted that
these figures deal only with possible
saving and increase, and not with the
city's present earning ability.
Such an arrangement would light our
city from one extreme TO the other, add
to the convenience and safety of citizens,
enhance the value of property, pay our
municipal debt, and enable the city 10
keep thoroughly up to date with all nee
essary improvements. As to the current
necessary 10 bring about this pleasant
condition of our affairs, other nearby
towns have made their contracts and
will soon have it doing service. Why
not so with us? Do we need fixing?
Very Respectfully,
May 9th. THO. I. DAVIS.