The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1909-08-17

Leeds, managing editor of the Palla-
dium. He said he had found public
sentiment favored the project Not
being a lawyer and therefore not un-
derstanding what authority the city
would have to purchase the plant by
the refunding plan, he felt that legal
advice should be rendered on the sub
ject He expressed hope that the
plant might be bought by the city, II
the refunding plan was adopted with
out involving the city in any legal
tangle.
This plan was also discussed favor
ably by a number of other council
men.
As to Meter Rents.
The proposed ordinance to make it
violation, punishable by a IS fine
for each and every offense, for per-
son. company or corporation charging
meter rent, was the first Of chain Of
three links on the water works Ques-
ton, considered by council. The
question of passing such an ordinance
did not meet altogether with the ap-
proval of the councilmen. They
thought that IL the meter rents were
discontinued the company would then
raise its rates and more than eQualize
the amount lost by taking away the
meter rent revenue. However in the
event the ordinance is passed-and
strenuous effort will be made by City
Attorney T. J. Study to have it pass
ed-the semi-annual collection of such
rents will not be made in October.
Mr.. Study defended the ordinance
with an impassioned plea and answer
ed all arguments Of councilmen who
feared to legislate against meter rem
tails. Mr. Study says the city can go
even farther than it proposes. because
the city, by implied right, has the
power to regulate the exercise Of any
franchise. and, Furthermore, can go SO
far as to compel the company to put
a meter in every residence, where the
consumer so desires, free of cost to
the latter.
Argue Pro and Con.
Mr.. Won Pein was one of the council
men who spoke against annuling the
meter rent. He said that it was a
personal matter with him as he paid
meter rent for five different places
and in no case was his water bill as
much as it would be II the company
exercised minimum rate clause. BY
/ no ~ hA hn
pany has the right to charge what it
pleases for water, according to Mr..
Won Pein. Other councilmen said
that the company would probably
raise the price. This was the view OF
Oliver Leftwich, H. H. Englebert and
Henry Deuker. Mr.. Englebert and
Mr. Leftwich referred to the fact that
the previous administration had made
an effort to pass an ordinance making
/, it unlawful to charge meter rent. A
committee of which Mr.. Leftwich was
a member visited the officials of the
company and they told the commit
| tee that If the company was forced
to give free meter service that It
| would have to raise it's water prices.
| None OF the councilmen expressed
themselves as being against the ordin-
ance II it could be passed and the
water rates remain the same.
The council adopted the resolution
which was presented by Oliver Left
wich without much debate.
| Caused Discussion.
The question, however, OF employ.
\ Sv>r $< Ir,sc~ nIv s~f,
tration and citizens relative to the
municipalization of the water works
caused much discussion. Councilman
Bartel raised a kick because of the
cost. He felt that this should be In.
ves.igated before council took action.
However. Mr.. Bartel's contention was
soon overruled by his associates. who
felt that the proceeding advised by
the board was very wise one. Coun'
Gilman McMahan said that it was a
particularly good method and would
thereby, do much in keeping the skirts
of the city clean. In taking up the
matter he said he thought the admin
istration should do everything in its
power to protect itself from the sug
gestion Of graft. which usually is made
when big proposition is considered.
/ The water works officials have re
fused to give the Information desired
by the city. but by employing an ex
pert, Mr.. Deuker said, he did not thint
the administration would be casting
any reflections on the company.
4 o'NeaPs Statement.
Watson P. O'Neal then spoke on the
Isubject and said that the Water
Works company had employed an ex
pert, according to his understanding
This expert has pronounced the mair
from the pumping station to the cit,
as satisfactory and safe and sufficient
ily large and strong to supply water
for $4,000 Inhabitants. Mr.. O'Nea
lsaid that he believed an additiona
main should be exteIoled from ths
tpumping station to the river at thu
Iwest end Of North A street The com
lpany has consented to put in another
main II the contract which It submit
ted to the board is accepted
Il Relative to the proposed contrac
(which the company admitted las
Iweek to the board for its annr0val