Daily Arizona silver belt., 1908-07-25
LET US BE REASONABLE

LET US BE REASONAbL6
 The Silver Belt, tooth and toenail, is in favor of municipal ownership of the waterworks system.
 But why this bitter vindictive feel ing against the Pinal Mountain Water company.
 In the absence of a specific complaint and a bill of particulars the Silver Belt cannot conjure up any heinous charge to lay at the door of the water company.
 We understand that rates have been charged that have paid substantial dividend upon the money invested; but that is to be expected. We are all in business for exactly what there is in it. We recognize the fact, however, that no individual or company can long prosper where the demands of the pat rons are ignored and where that which is paid for is not forthcoming. We do not wish to be understood, however, as making this charge against the water company.
 It is a well known fact that during the last two months the water supply has been decidedly limited, and that a water famine was threatened. The wat CT company, temporarily helpless, rec ognized the impending danger, under took to check notoriously needless waste, and then curtailed the supply for irrigating purposes. It would be silly to charge that this action was prompted by a spirit of arrogance or with the hope of profit making on the part of the company. The company simply wished to prevent an absolute famine with its accompanying distress and discomport and make the limited supply suffice without serious annoyance and incon- venience until arrangements could be perfected for supply equal to the de- mand. In many cities throughout the land just such emergencies arise and similar rules have been adopted to bridge impending danger. For years Los Angeles has been subjected to this treatment and will obtain no relief until the owens river project has been con summated.
 The Silver Belt weeks ago advocated municipal ownership of the water plant and at great length pointed out the benefits and profits. It is the proper step for the city to take. And the sooner it is taken the better it will be for all parties concerned. With threat hanging over it's head and its future uncertain the water company will natu- rally be timid in extending its system or in making expensive improvements. The company should early be given to under stand that it will be treated fairly and that no injustice is contemplated. The municipal government should see that the water company accords its patrons the same treatment.
 The company should be given an op- portnity to place price on its plant. If it appears to be fair and equitable price it should be favorably considered by the board of aldermen and the people should be asked to vote upon bond issue of sufficient size to acquire the plant and make needed improvements. If the price is unreasonable and the water company is disposed to stand in its own light then is the time for taking up the quetsion of building an indepen- dent plant and permitting the company to hold the sack of it's own creation and weaving.
 There is a sense of fairness and sanity in these matters that cannot be disre. garded by either side to the controver. sy and the taxpayers should meet the water company half way on any just proposition.