El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1910-05-03

90 percent. But the law of the states
gives the city council the right to step
in at any time and reduce the rates, so
that the profits of the company would
not exceed 10 percent CThe possible in
crease in profits referred TO above fur
nishes an argument in favor Of munich
pal ownership
of the fact that IL is "up against a los
ing game" be willing to accept the g
peFcent piuu offered and furnish the
city Of Ell PasO with water just for the
fun of it-that is, accept a schedule of
rates with safety valve cIause)
which would take care of all charges,
allowing the stockholders little or no
return on their investment.
Doubtless it should be willing and
glad TO do so-dOubtless any of US
would embrace such an opportunity
but the fact remains that they refuse
to do this and apparently we can't COM
pei them 10 do so-either by commits
sioners. receiverships courts or laws.
If the city bought the plant, could
we work out the water problem without
a raise OF rates.
Probably not. We would very likely
have to make a small raise for few
years but in time the consumer would
certainly enjoy a great saving
Why:
Because the city can borrow money
at and Az percent and get a pre-
MUM for its bonds. The water COM
pany has to pay 5 percent and sell at
a big discount. The water company also
insists upon a possible profit of &c per
cent for the risk and responsibility as
stunned, and the service rendered, while
the city in maintaining its own plant
would only expect TO break even on a
4 percent basis.
Which is better-A largely increased
rate and private ownership or pos
sible slight increase and municipal
ownership.
Two different commissions have
unanimously reported in favor of the
latter.
Why didn't we buy the plant six
months ago when two com Emissions had
recommended il and public sentiment
appeared to favor it.
Asksthe mayor and city council.
Is the present situation a dangerous
one.
1t is distressing and appalling.
What might result in Ell Paso any
dayf
A water famine with terrible conse-
Quences 10 life, property and vegetation.
What stands between us and disaster:
pumping plant out on the mesa
which has been hammering away In
cessantly for years and which might
break down any hour. In that event
wed have TO fall back on the old Watts
plant which couldn't hold up for three
days and nights under the burden of
supplying this city with water.
What have we to thank for protecting
us from the results of water famine,
such as pesfilence confIagratfOn.
h1rf lii
What would the people of Ell Paso do
il they realized the seriousness and
gravity of the situation.
They'd start en- masse for the city
hall tomorrow morning. They'd camp
oil the city fathers trail until those
worthy and honorable gentlemen got
buster than the proverbial cranberry
merchant and either took the RESPONSE
bilfty on their own shoulders and did
one of two things, or called an election
at the earliest date the law would allow
and let the people decide to do one of
two things-ra Use the rates or buy the
water company out
Who should pay for the eiection-fhe
city, Uncle Sam the water company.
The people that want it-thats we,
us and company. We generally pay for
what we get-sooner or later.
What is the explanation of the fall
ure of the city council to take the re-
on its own shoulders and
settle the water question.
1 am of the opinion that its an honest
indecfsion as TO what is the right solu-
ton of the problem. If. however, the
council is deferred from action by fear
OF the effect upon their political for
tunes, they have failed to rise to the |
full measure of the responsibilities
thrust upon them If political sacrifice
is necessary they will never have a !
more inviting opportunity to become
political heroes.
After the question Is settled, how |