The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-05-27
WHAT They SAY.
COuncilmen Express Themselves
on Lighting Question.
Nearly Unanimous to Submit
Proposition to Vote.
WHAT PEOPLE WANT.
Let Them Say Ii They Would
Abandon Municipal Plant.
More Figures on the Lighting
Situation.
WHAT PEOPLE WANT.

The more there is said about the
lighting business the more it seems TO
befOg the minds and intentions of the
councilmen in regard to the matter.
There seems TO be but one thing that
would be proper under the circum-
stances, and that is thing which
nearly every councilman has express
ed himself in favor of. namely, that
the people be allowed TO vote on the
question and settle il for themselves.
In consideration of the fact that the
people once voted in favor OF owning
and operating their own light plant, it
seems that ii is the only fair way to
let them decide whether or not they
shall continue that course.
The opinion Of the members of the
council has been almost unanimous in
favor OF the people voting on the ques-
ton Mr.. E. Montgomery OF the
Fourth ward is in favor of this being
done. He says: In regard TO the
question as between the Edison COM
pany and the city. owning the plant I
think [ at the offer of the company is
very good and 1 think it is cheaper
than the city can furnish its own
lights If ii can be done any cheaper
by municipal ownership. then 1 think
the people ought to have advantage of
1t think that a question of such
Importance ought at least TO be voted
upon by the people before it is de-
cided- The opinions of the people diff
fer very much on this question Some
of the citizens have told me that
they prefer TO pay higher taxes to
provide for the bond issue and others
tell me they think that the offer of the
company ought to be taken up. They
ought TO decide it,
Mr.. c. q. Blakely. CT the Third ward.
Is another who favOrs municipal own
ership. Mr.. Blakely says: This ques-
ton IS one on which 1 and also most
citizens are without any technical
knowledge 1t Is one that We must
take plenty OF time in considering be-
fore We take any decisive action in the
matter. We must find out all we can
about 1t for We will know little enough
technically then l am in favor. how
ever, OF municipal ownership if that is
at all possible and can be made salts
factory. l think we could make a sue
cess of il if We do it right and get a
good plant instead OF trying to work
just nov is to go slow and not do
anything without full consideration.
Mr. LaEnan. Of the Second ward. adds
his voice to the vote in favor of NUM-
Sipal ownership for he says L am in
rAvor of the city owning their plant
and nothing that I have found out so
far in regard to the business makes
me change my mind or think that we
ought TO accept one of the offers of
the Edison company. II it comes to the
place where the city viii have TO issue
bonds and rebuild the whole plant I
am in favor Of doing that according to
the plans Of NJ Freeman rather than
accepting the CTers OF the COMPANY
At any rate if enough OF the council
men favor accepting one Of these pro-
positions I am in favor OF giving the
people a vote upon the question. for
they voted in favor of owning the
plant and they should be allowed to
say whether or not they wish 10 con-
ttnue the ownership or TO let the con-
tract out.
Councilman H B. Howard of the
Third ward. IS the most ardent and