Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1913-05-30
WOULD PROTECT
WATER RIGHTS
E. L. Koehler Appeal to Con-
gress to Save Crays Har-
Dor Power Sites
RESERVE FOR CITY USE
Has Plan for Combined Water
and Electric Plants-Alle-
ges Power Is Cobbled

Ed L. Koehler is circulating a Pc
tition asking the city authorities to
investigate the matter OF establishing
a municipal electric plant in connec-
tion with the contemplated water sys-
tenn, with its source in the Olympic
mountains, and has petition ad-
dressed to United States Senators
Jones and P0indexter asking the fed
eral government to hold in reserve for
the use of Grays Harbor cities the
power sites on the Wynooche, Hump.
tulips and Quiniault rivers. Speaking
on tie subject yesterday, Mr.. Koehler
said:
"The people of Aberdeen should
arouse themselves to the opportunity
that now lies within their grasp. It
is b case of killing two birds with
one stone, and we may as we'll keep
both birds to ourselves rather than
hand one of them over to land specu-
lators, who will forever thereafter col
lect tribute from the city, as a re.
ward for it's shortsightedness.
"I am referring to the dam we must
build if we desire to impound tho
headwaters Of the Wynooche river, to
bring the water to Aberdeen by Z
gravity system. In it's fall, this water
can be made to drive turbine wheels
thot will fo o1onfrinifv onn,1Oh
to supply this community for many
years toAscome ut minimum rate
one that will be considerably less than
the consumer is forced to pay now to
private concern.
Il am in favor of bonding our pre-
sent water system for a sum SUM-
cient to build the dam and the con-
duits to bring water and electricity
to the city. The plan should be to-
issue bonds in denominations of one
hundred dollars and multiples there
of, and offered to the people for pop
ular subscription. Personally I am
willing to take from $4,000 to $4,000
worth of these bonds. / have friends
and acquaintances eager to show theiI
like amounts.
CAS- a preliminary, 1 have caused
to be drawn up a petition directed to
our representatives in congress, ask
ing them to take the necessary steps
for the purpose of having the nar
tional government set aside and an
null every filing on record against the
water rights at the head waters OF
the Wynooche, Humptulips and other
rivers of importance in the couaty.
with view of reserving these water
munities in the county, which in .
very short time will be compelled to
look for an increased water supply.
and will be held up by private specur
lators unless the national government
steps in and demands that private
greed shall not fatten on natures
bounties at the expense of the peo.-
pie at large.
Let the people come to the 'front.'
What will be done in the next few
weeks will tell whether we shall
smash the shackles that private mon
opoly has forged around our city. or
continue for all time to pay tribute
to cold.blooded spectators, who are
always on the alert to profit by the
lack Of interest and shortsightedness
often displayed in municipal affairs"
Petition to Congress
The petition to the state delegation
in Congress follows:
1--WE, the undersigned citizens OF
Chehalis county, Washington, hereby
respectfully call to your attention the
fact that there is speculative ele-
ment now engaged in an attempt to
gain a monopoly of the water rightA
at the headwaters of the Wynooche.
Humptulips, Quiniault and Wishkah
rivers, in this county, with the view
of holding up the cities of Grays Har.
Dor, when in the near future, these
ClticS Will Dc COAupclicu W ~ " tuco0
headwaters for a supply sufficient to
keep pace with their increase in popu-
lation. If it is within the powers Of
the national government to prevent
this we ask that you use your best
endeavors to that end; and for your
kind assistance and cooperation in
that behalf We extend our thanks and
appreciation"