Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1906-03-13
THE EXTRA EXPENDITURES.

The decision by the majority Of the
City Council TO expend as o starter IN
extras, nearly $4,000 to fix up the water
conduit IN the manner proposed by the
city engineer, will cause much discus
sion and not a little complaint among
the taxpayers, to say nothing OF those
citizens who do not pay a cent In taxes
but who are generally the loudest
among the critics. That there are two
sides TO this question as well as most
others, can be readily seen by the de-
bate over It, as related IN the report
OF the council proceedings In another
part of this paper.
II Is quite likely that there are some
defects In the work done on the con-
duit, and possibly the plans were not as
perfect as they might have been Fault
can be found on almost every piece OF
work. public or private. But there Is
strong doubt very generally expressed,
as to the necessity for much OF tho
work contemplated in the movement for
this extra expense, and feeling that II
Is but the forerunner of further OUTLAWS
IN the same direction. Dark suspicious
are limited at of influences that have
been secretly brought TO bear TO force
the decision, but these are too vague
and shadowy to discuss.
Tho party In power IN the city owe
II to themselves as we'll as TO the mu-
nicipality, that they do not pursue a
policy Of extravaganza or lay them
selves open 20 just criticism. AS a
prominent member remarked lust ar
ter the installation of the present city
administration. this Is an expert
mont" Caution should be used that II
will not prove failure. Economy
Just dealing, sound policy. honest work,
will count always in the public mind.
while mere partyism, or spitework or
personal gain, or any species Of graft
ing" or iobbery, will assuredly bring
its own condemnation.
The welfare of this city Is what It's
people desire 10 be upheld, no matter
what party may be In control. And
justice should prevail in the minds Of
the citizens and fair treatment be ex-
tended to all servants of the public.
Right motives are 20 be attributed un-
III wrong actions render that impos-
sible. and rumors and unfounded I'M
putatlons should not undermine public
confidence. Let us wait and see what
Is done or left undone before We pass
condemnation. But at tho same time
when any expensive proposition Is be-
Ing considered, the people and their
representatives have the right to ques-
ton every scheme, and TO turn the
light upon every undertaking, 80 that
no rash project may be adopted and
that the general interest may override
personal or party considerations.
We hope the extra money 20 be en-
pended will be used to render the water
project stable and permanent. and that
no needless work viii be done or unnec-
tssary material will be used. The whole
matter will be watched with eager scru-
tiny. and people who regard much OF i
with disfavor VIII be ready to point out
any blunders or attempts at favorit-
Ism or improper diversion of funds. But
everybody ought to desire permanent
and satisfactory work on the conduit by
which this city IL to receive It's full
supply Of water. and be ready to sup
port such plans and expedients as oc-
caeion shall really require.