The Roswell daily record. [volume] (Roswell, N.M.) 1903-current, 1907-10-09

Pursuant to the call issued by tht
City Council mass meeting of the
citizens of Roswell was held last nigh
at the court house with a good at
tendance, and the result of the actor
there taken is expected to be the in
StallatiOn of a system of water works
for the city of Roswell. The commits
sion will be composed of John w
tiolal Bank, r. d. Bell, member OF
the City Council, and ]. F. Hinkle
ex-mayor of Roswell.
The meeting was called to order
at 1880 by George L. Wyllys, Presi-
dent of the City Council. G. A Rich
ardson was elected chairman, and
Robert Kellahin secretary.
In a few words Mr.. Richardson
placed the object of the meeting be-
fore the people, and stated that there
seemed to be some question as to the
number to be chosen for the water
works commission, the Commercial
Club having chosen one and the City
Council two, and ne thought it was
in order for the meeting to make
known their desire as to the size of
the commission.
r. H. McCune moved, and the mo-
tion found a second, that the meeting
select but one man for the commits
sion, six being deemed too cumber
some a body. The motion was put to
the house by the chairman, and car
ried unanimously, there evidently be-
ing no objection to it.
1t was then in order for nomina-
tions for the person to represent the
citizens on the commission, and w.
A. johnson placed R. F. Barnett in
w. R. Cummins nominal
ed John W. Poe; w. S. Moore nomi-
mated A. Pruit, and DR.. ]. w. Kin
singer nominated l.. K. McGaffey.
There were no further nominations,
and the chair appointed K. K. Scott
and r. H. McCune to act as tellers
and collect the vote, the voting be-
ing done by ballot. AT this point both
Mr. Pruit and Mr.. McGaffey with
drew. their names, leaving the con-
test between Messrs Barnett and Poe.
Some little time was taken in the
balloting and counting the result by
the tellers, and it was found that Mr..
Poe was elected, he having received
50 votes out of total of 101. 1t was
then moved by Mr.. Barnett that the
election of Mr.. Poe be made unani-
nous, and this was done.
Capt Poe was called upon and stat
ed that he thanked the meeting and
would, try to serve the people fairly
and honestly. He desired to ask con-
cerning the duties of the commission.
He supposed that it was expected to
secure plans for a system of water
works and report to the Council, but
was not informed as to whether or
not its duties then ceased. in his talk
he stated that as a general thing he
favored private ownership of public
utilities, but under the peculiar cir
in Roswell he was of the
opinion that only a municipal plant
was possible.
In response to the questions asked
by Mr. Poe. Mr. Hinkle stated that
he was of the opinion that the water
works commission was to be board
of control. similar to that under
which the Carnegie Library was OPP
Grated. He understood that the COM
mission was to be in complete con-
troll of the matter, it being its duty
to secure plans for a water works
system, place the matter before the
City Council VINO would then call an
election to vote on the issuing of
bonds. and then the commission would
be charged with the work of co1struc-
ting the system and having it under
control until properly relieved. Mr..
Hinkle further favored the idea of
finally placing the system under the
control of a commission as the Car
negie Library is governed Mr. ]. A.
Graham also expressed ideas similar
to those of Mr. Hinkle.
It was tnen decided TO ask the mem
bers of the City Council for their
opinions as to the matter under dis
cuasion, and the members present
were called upon. the first being VIII
Robinson. Mr.. Robinson made long