The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-10-14
sort of a general starting point
There was nothing very definite about

a general [
There was nothing very definite about
it,
Mr.. Street gave the council some
interesting information about the con-
waterworks company expected to do
in case it had been granted a new
franchise. He said:
This plant here is in better condi-
ton right now than it was in 1900
when Toilette and Cole made their
examination of it, The only trouble
is that the consumption of water has
increased so per cent since then, and
the plant is not big enough to handle
it. We have been willing and anxious
to make these improvements and ex-
tensions. but the city has not allowed
US to do so.
'tOur plan has been to build a reser-
voir at that hill by the pumping sta
ton, and feed it by a rotary pump.
Then We would let the water run down
out of that reservoir into our present
pumps, thereby increasing their capac-
ity at least % per cent. 1 think the
present pumps are good for the next
ten years. 1t is my opinion that the
expenditure of $4,000 or $4,000 at the
plant will put IL in good condition.
I'VE also planned to take up one or
two blocks of mains in the city and
replace them with larger mains, for
the purpose of relieving friction. This
would cost only a few hundred dollars.
We also expected to build another Is
the city, and connect to somewhere on
the other side of the system, SO that
we would really be pumping water in
from both sides of the pipe system.
$40, 900, and would give you all the
pressure you would want. Then CT
course you would have in addition, the
expense of making whatever extern
According to this estimate of Presi-
dent Street, the waterworks system
could be put in first-class shape, aside
from extensions, for probably 5000
ing US up for high rates." said one
ION the ground that the
water service is not good
eff you would satisfy the insurance
you would have to spend
go 0O0, 900 on your plant" retorted MI.
Street. 1.-The fact of the case is that the
powerful trust in the
country is the insurance trust, and this
rust is simply debating to you"
THE opponents Of city ownership or
The waterworks," said Charles Blood
Smith. have taken advantage OF that
occurrence at the PARK
the case, and they have almost started
J. stampede
I have understood" said VIM. Green,
that the income of the plant is about
80 900 a year. Is that correct?"
81 do not remember the exact ng-
Ires,'' said Mr.. Street. But Will say
hat the water company is perfectly
willing to give you a statement OF all
receipts and disbursements for any
ength of time or for all time. We
lon't want you to go into this thing
olindly. 1 will say in general that our
have increased $4,000 q year
Turing the past few years.
u think the council ought to have suen
a financial statement" said Mr.; Green,
for the purpose Of lustiIying their Din,f aetion
do I understand" asked one OF the
that you hold the CITY must
either buy the plant or rene" the IRAN
I'VE hold" replied Mr. Street, that the
franchise makes it mandatory upon the
city if it does not buy the plant to ex-
tend our franchise 1 think this point was
decided in the Leavenworth water COM
pany suit, wasn't it. Mr.. Smith,"
Yes, that decision applies exactly TO |
his case said Mr.. Smith.
What do you think about that?' was
aslxed of the city attorney.
Mr.. Mcfarland and 1 differ from MI
Smith about the effect of that Leaven-
worth decision replied Mr.. Spencer.
It seems to now be squarely up to the |
council to either buy the plant or TO an
solutely repudiate the will of the people !
Of Topeka, as twice expressed in popular
elections 1t is simply a question OF CITY |
ownership or a renewal of the company's
President Streets dealings with the city |
nave been fair and straightforward He
has carried out his agreements and |
pledges. and if he succeeds in getting
zig price for his water works he is do |
ng only what anybody would do who has /
property for sale His plain talk to the
seem that the water company Is trying 1
o take any underhand advantage of the |
1t is likely that the formal tender of |
he water plant to the city will be made |
II the council meeting next Tuesday ev-
ming