The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1909-01-28

b.
in by several prominent speakers. w.
G. Mathes brought up the matter, and
in terse and pointed speech, spoke in
favor of municipal ownership He
also stated during the course of his re-
marks that the water pressure, on ac-
count of the increased demand and use,
had been gradually getting less and
less each year until now there were
times in the summer that the pressure
was so low that for days and days one
could only get water from hydrants on
the lowest grounds, and more particu-
larly were the people on the north side
subject TO scarcity. Mr.. Mathes also
stated that more pressure was needed
at the Soldiers Home, and had tried
to get it, but had absolutely failed.
S. L. Miller, attorney for the water
company, and leading member of the
club, made plea for fairness in behalf
of his clients, which was endorsed and
concurred in by every member present,
and which was evidenced by the
speeches of the different speakers.
S. G. Williams, a man who always
gets at the meat of thing, called at
tention to the necessity of prompt ac-
ton, the immediate consideration, be-
cause, if delayed, we may have seri-
GUS water famine, and further, that we
would be seriously handicapped in To-
eating factories if the supply of water
was inadequate. He emphasized the
fact that any large plant desiring to
locate would first consider the water
supply.
The most forceful as well as the most
important speech Of the evening was
made by Hon. Isaac Harr. "This
question is fully up to us now, and
must be met at once" he stated, "or
else we will be at the mercy of the wa
ter company. We must have an act
passed by the Legislature at this ses-
sion at the same time the charter is
passed authorizing the issue of suffi.
cient bonds to acquire an adequate wa
ter supply.
"There is an act now pending au-
thorizing the issue of $3.50, 900 in bonds
for city water supply, bnt as the pas
sage of the charter would likely nullify
all outstanding acts, unless excepted,
it behooves us TO see that an act is
passed and enlarging the amount to at
least 100000. The bonds to be issued
are to be a first mortgage lein on the
plant as well as guaranteed by the
city, which would make the bonds ca
silly salable.
"The deferring of action at this ses-
sion of the legislature would put the
matter off until 1911, and before that
time the water company would apply
for a new charter, and unless we were
prepared TO defend our rights, the COM
pany would be in position to dictate
just as they pleased.
"The crisis is now, the issue must
be met today, SO that we can have am
pie time if we establish municipal
plant to secure an adequate supply for
all time.n
Mr.. Cecil spoke in favor of the sub
ject, and urged the necessity of making
the deal large enough and to not 90
about it piece meal, as some other
towns had done.
On motion, committee was appoint.
ed TO meet with the city councils wa.
ter committee and prepare bill for
the legislature and to take other action
necessary to set the wheels in motion.
Just before adjournment Attorney
George r. Sells offered a resolution res
olution requesting the passage of ar
act by the legislature authorizing {
clerk and master in chancery for Jehn
son City. "As it is" said Mr.. Sells
"the deputy here does all the work an(
gets only half the pay" The resoIu
ton was endorsed by full vote of thu
club.
The club will meet next Monday
night again, and reports on all of thu
above matters discussed will be made
and everything put on harmonious
working basis.