The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1909-08-11
WATER AT LAST.


commissioner Reuterdahs plans for increased water
ply last night the council finally arrived at the sensible
and logical solution of issue that has plagued property
owners for years.
Shorn of the political pulling and hauling that has here
tofore blocked progress in water extension the latest Off
cal action simply stands out embodiment of the
cuson that the way to supply more water is to pump more
water.
In spite of the simplicity of and the ease in applying
this remedy Spokane has been forced to undergo two
serious water famines in succession With demonstration
thus afforded of what be accomplished by energetic
and intelligent expression of public sentiment any pub
lie need the people of this city will have to bear the
sponslbty alone they permit any further private in
erest political tamperng with any civic ISSUE and espe
cially with that of water supply.
Inc Imai outcome IN TINS case is exactly what an able
and conscientious public official needs. Commissioner
Reuterdah had not been in office week until he had
gained understanding of the situation and its needs He
ready with the remedy. Since that time and in the
oes of the most acute drouth that has yet been imposed
upon Spokane the time has been consumed in overcoming
the influences that had hitherto ruled at the city hail. OPP
posing everything not Of their initiative regardless
Of merit or public necessity.
The Press admits particular satisfaction in the support
the council accords the present relief pan First because
1t is the quickest the cheapest and the best and finally
because for these it is the plan The Press has
advocated from the beginning of city water scarcity
1t will be remembered that digging the city well was
combatted long possible by the influences that
have since opposed development of this of supply
With warning of months in advance sounded by The
after the completion of the Occur Alene Later
the river water several times turned into the mains
surrepousy, the commissioner responsible for it deny
ing the fact until it proved to his face These but
instances of the old fight recalled to emphasize the abso
lutte lack of consideration for public welfare that prevails
in the city hall when the people who support that nstt
ton negative quantity there.
There will be of it if the people maintain the
vigilance and interest in their collective interests
that they finally aroused to display in the water
fight.
The Press will be always the job to raise the danger
signal when thsre is need of it,
Professor Burrs authority water supply cannot be
hn
rdicue the wully ignorant and politically disappointed
may attempt to cast upon. He has put the stamp of his
reputation the statement that the city wells insure the
best water supply in the world for years to The
council had ordered the city commissioner to proceed with
the development of that supply. It remains for the public
to that the official charged with that duty is permitted
to work undisturbed.
The result will be elimination of the annual water
famine In this the city is getting the bargain of it's
ncipal existence.
Meanwhile the private water commission is afforded
leisure and opportunity to indulge all the Priest lake
planning it desires AS the council has provided the pr
vate commission will be able to submit it's conclusions
properly accredited city officials for what they worth