The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1912-07-23

500, more than $4,000 per annum.
This estimation is based upon the
foregoing facts and obtained in the
following way:
Cost Of purchasing
old system ..... .$172,5
Cost of improve
mentS ... 4O,0UO SZlS,0OU
Present revenue -. $4,000
Expense.
Interest on $21S,500
at q per cent ....$ l3,lO0
Operating expenses 1000
Total expense 20,31O
Net revenue over all
expenses -. s lO,690
From these figures, which are drawn
from estimates and actual facts, it
will be seen that instead of being
burden to the taxpayers that tn pur-
chase of the old plant, if it should be
determined on, will be not only with
out cost to the taxpayer, but if fairly
and capably handled, the property will
return above the expenses at the pres
ent time, the net sum OF $l0,690 per
annum, which will increase from time
to time with the growth of the town,
and the more extensive use of eiectrici-
tv by the introduction of day service,
which is in course of installation.
This profit could be devoted in the
first instance to the redemption of
bends, and after that, to cheaper rates.
ANY criticism of tn eaction of the
board in this matter from the incep
tion of the agitation to the present
time, is unjust, without foundation,
and cannot be supported either in
law or by common sense.
The fling of the petition left the
board no alternative but to call the
election and submit the bond issue to
the people. The law did not permit
of any other question being submit
ted. In submitting the question, the
board fully and carefully advised the
voters of its conclusion to purchase,
and of the terms and conditions of its
The grounds upon which its decision is
made is not only in accordance with
the law and the reports and advice Of
its engineers, but is also agreeable to
common sense. No prudent business
man would consider, or one moment
dream, of investing his personal money
in an opposition plant under such con-
ditions, and no conscientious or honest
official would be a party to investing
the public money in any such manner.
The entire question is one of bust
ness when fairly considered, and
should be determined upon business
principles. The town should, and
must finally have, adequate fire pro-
lection, as well as modern street illu-
miation. The plan proposed appears
to provide both fire protection and
light without the imposition of one
dollars expense to the taxpayers.
The commissioners have done all they
can do legally and the determination is
now with the voter. Whatever may
be the result now, the question of fire
protection and modern lighting will
occupy the minds of thoughtful people
until the desired objects are secured.
1t is nonsense to expect these benefits
without cost. The ones who receive
the benefit must bear the burden. If
these questions are not determined
now, and in this way, some other time
and some other way thev will again be
presented for settlement. The longer
the settlement is delayed, the greater
will be the cost as well as the danger
of loss not only to property, but to
the prestige of growing city and
rapidly advancing people. The day of
the mossback and knocker is done. The
spirit of promise and progress is call
ing for advancement in all things. The
people are demanding better condi-
tions and more than money; they are
asking for protection to life and prop
erty; they know these things cost
money and are willing to pay the
price. Fire protection, good water
and light are not the only improve
ments they demand. There are many
others, and the time is not far distant
when their demands will not only be
heard, but complied with. Now they
are demanding fire protection, and in
some way this demand must be met
now or later If there is any better way
than the one proposed, it should be
made plain and adopted; and above
all other considerations this question,
as well as all public questions, should
be determined, and must be determin-
ed, along the lines of reason and in ac-
cord with the law and not upon the
lines Of petty personal feeling, person
al gain or advantage. The question in
wolves the public good or the public
injury, and should be dealt with in
public spirit, on full consideration
Of all the facts and circumstances, as
we'll a. the urgent public necessity for
protection and better conditions.