The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1909-02-02

The recent drought also cost the
eityss reputation something. Pros-
Bective residents, business men. fac-
tories we're notified that clarksbnfg
was dangerous place because Of
IS poor water system. Even today
the dissraceful and shameful condl-
tons Of the city during the drought
of last year and the one Of four
years before are spoken OF when at
tempts are made 70 exploit the cts
and enumerate its several adyant-
ages.
Lives we're not only put ID 5eop-
ardy but advance rates Of Insurance
were in prospect. 1t was recognized
that every one needed an adequate
supply of water for FIRE protection
and for manufacturing and domestic
use, indeed. 1t was urged that every
one was entitled to these. And then
came the renewal OF the agitation
and the council Instituted steps to
accomplish this end There was a
difference of opinion as to what i'm
Drovements were needed, and how
they should be made. At the sug-
gestion of the Board OF Trade. the
council appointed a water works
commission of citizens and some OF
Its members, including the mayor,
to investigate and report what Inn
provements should be made. After
this committee had spent several
weeks going over the city thorough
" and making a careful study OF
the subject. 1t recommended that
100000 be the amount of the bond
Issue, less than half the amount
authorized by the special act of the;
legislature. which amount the COM
mission deemed sufficient to provide
adequate water works and sewerage
system for many years. The COM
mission recommended that the
amount of $4,000 be for
water works and $4,000 for sever
age Improvements. The council ac-
cepted and adopted the report and
appointed a commission to. serve. lfI
the issue carried. A considerable
number differed on the question OF
the commission and there arose
some opposition to the same as con-
stituted. and then steps were taken
TO nave non-Dartisan water works
and sewerage board to be elected by
the people. Upon the recommends
ton of the Board of Trade and 9TH
ars interested in the advancement
Of the city the legislature at once
amended the city charter so as to i
create such board to have charge
hereafter, as provided in the amend-I
nent. The amendment was passed.
as stated and soon thereafter was
signed by the governor.
In the meantime the Retail Mer-I
chants Association held a meeting
and passed a resolution agreeing to
support the bond issue in case such
1 board was created. Its creation
appears to have satisfied all ele-
nents and there now seems little,
i any opposition to the bonds.
The city council used no snap |
Judgment, no undue haste and only
acted when strong pressure by many
citizens and the Board of Trade was
brought to bear. The matter was
delayed to give opportunity for a
discussion of the question and time
to think it all over. and 1t has been
The aim to satisfy all. even the BIT
Ter opposition. The question has
been so developed as to meet and
cover the several views and po-
sitions taken and there is every in
of its success at the polls,
and, this being true, 1t Is hoped that
all citizens will put their shoulders
to the wheel and push ahead in the
upbuilding of the city, SO that there
may soon be greater and better