The commercial. (Union City, Tenn.) 190?-193?, 1908-02-14
WORTH CONSIDERING.

Water and Light Plant had been
increased. 1t was an oversight.
But along this line one or two
suggestions strike us as not alto
gether out Of place in connection
with this matter. Mr.. Wade,
| like his brothers, understands the
secret of profitable management.
This was inherited from the father
who was one of the county's best
and most successful citizens. Now,
Mr.. Wade is equipped with all the
professional and mechanical ac-
lquirements and more than neces-
sary to fill this position. But he
brings to bear one other qualifi-
cation which counterbalances all
of these-honorable and success
full management. The smallest
|.percentage of people are gifted
with this qualification if it may be
called a gift, and it is the hardest
matter ia the world to find men of
this kind to fill even the most re-
sponsible positions. Therefore we
say it strikes us that Mr.. Wade's
petition is not unreasonable or ex-
cessive.
There is no reason why the city
should not use economy in view
Of the condition of its exchequer.
That was the platform of the pres
ent administration and it should
be carried out. But suppose we
should lose Mr.. Wade's services
and with them the profit of the
Water and Light Plant, or even a
large portion Of it, would the &C
ton Of TIL Board be justified!
1t might be proper to mention
that all, -or nearly all, the officers
of the city have been favored with
an increase of salary within the
past few years, but it is not to be
assumed that this should have any
weight in affecting the value Of
M. Wade's services.
The fact that Mr.. Wade under
stands his business and that he is
reliable and absolutely trustworthy
and that his undivided attention
and best energies are given to his
duties is enough to entitle him to
the salary he receives, but the adj
ditionaI accomplishment of having
largely increased the city revenues
with the Water and Light Plant
entities him to more than ordinary
consideration, and we believe the
city would lose no money IN grant
ing the increase asked for.
1t is not altogether certain that
Mr.. Wade needs larger salary
Just now, but who knows that
cupid is not playing upon his bet
ter emotions, and who would exact
of the Superintendent that he re-
fuse the advances of that little
matchmaker in order to work for
the city at an insufficient salary.
Another suggestion that should
not be forgotten. When Mr.. Wade
took charge a few years ago he
was criticised severely, something's
bitterly, for his manner of mai
ing collections. When he assl1
the duties of the Office the q
istration changed its policA
lecting water and light
The rules were lax al
iency was extended
was put into effeq
enforced, making
pay the water and
vance and Mr. Wade ce sas ese c'hs
to make the collectl and with it
fault of same to discoatirMevfhe
service. As an employee he had
no other alternative. He did his
duty and a storm of censure lodged
upon his head. 1t was almost UNI
bearable, and but for the reassur-
ance of some close personal friends
Mr.. Wade would have signified his
intention of resigning. The pol
icy was the only one which has
succeeded in either places where
municipal or private ownership
prevails, but the duties of the