The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-23


 Sentiment in the suburbs appears strongly to favor Commissioner James Weatherly's plan for a bond issue for a municipal waterworks from interviews secured yesterday.
 Some of those interviewed were op- what they wanted was cheaper water rates first and last Not single man talked to in the suburbs, however, fav- ored the compromise being urged by City Commissioner A. o. Lane. Many de- clined to be quoted on the ground that they were not sufficiently informed on all phases of the question to give a worthy opinion but said that as far as they understood it they were in favor of municipal waterworks.
 There were no developments whatever in the negotiations at the city hall yes terday It appears little will happen to change the situation now until next Tuesday when the time comes for vote oh the two propositions now before the commission-Judge Lanes plan for an advisory referendum on the compromise offered by the waterworks and Commits soner Weatherly's plan for bond issue to build a municipal waterworks.
 Exum Suggests Plan
 Unable to resist the mportuning of a newspaper reporter Culpepper Exum, for mer mayor of Birmingham and the first president of the city commission, broke his rule yesterday not to make any comment on the city government and suggested a way whereby he believes the water and gas problems facing the city can be settled amicably.
 "As my friends know l am studiously avoiding anything that remotely resem- bles politics." said Mir. Exum. How ever, I am deeply interested in promot- ing the interest of this community and as see 1t the water and gas questions can be settled amicably. President George Ward is in favor of the gas offer which it would appear this city will lose un- less something is done quickly. Judge Lane is deeply interested in the water problem and would settle 1t amicably. believe Judge Lane and MT. Ward could get together and settle both prob lems for the good of this community I
 
 I have no suggestions to make as to the way to do 1t. I merely believe that two men as able and upright as they are can find some common meeting point on these two issues that vitally af- feet this community. l think further that If some of our citizens would drop in to see the commissioners and confer with them on these matters it would do good and would give the commissioners a true insight into what people are saying about these two propositions
 Other interviews secured yesterday on the water question follow:
 WO0dlawn Mans View
 J. l.. Thornton, Woodlawn: "The city ought to get a municipal waterworks just as soon as we can get it. I do not favor the compromise and l do not believe the people of Woodlawn want it.
 We folks out here don't want to go back to 97-C even if we do get lower rates for few years, if in doing so we have to surrender the suits against the water company and put up with the treatment we have been getting for the past 10 or 15 years. That's the way I feel and the way my neighbors feel I'm sure
 'The bond issue would carry with an enormous majority. The waterworks company is not going to do anything until they have to. Even in 1921, when their contract expires. they are going to claim a big price for what they term their perpetual franchise. If we vote a bond issue for a municipal waterworks and show them that we mean business, they are going to get ready to talk bus- ness with us They will in all probability offer to sell their plant at a reasonable figure and if they don't the city can go ahead, built it's own plant and the water works company will soon find itself with plant and no consumers
 Favors Bond Issue
 L. s. Selman, West End q favor the bond issue for municipal waterworks. In all events, do nothing that would stop the litigation against the waterworks company Go ahead and prosecute and for that reason Judge Lanes plan is ob- jected to in West End. If we could get the lower rates without surrendering the suits in court and making other con sessions to the water company it would be all right
 "The compromise offered by the com pany I believe would be overwhelmingly defeated If the plan for an advisory ref erendum is decided upon. On the other hand the bond issue would roll up tre- mendous majority. Let's vote for the bonds and in the meantime go ahead and prosecute. That's the sentiment in my neighborhood. I believe"
 Wants Cheaper Water
 J. E. Lacey, Pratt City: "Of course we want cheaper water rates. The com pany's present rates are nothing short of hold-up. It's 8 shame and a dis grace. But Tim with Weatherly, and l believe the people of Pratt City are with him in his plan to go ahead and fight them. have not paid my water bill and l know of many other people who have not.
 'The plan for a municipal waterworks Is what we want The bond issue would carry overwhelmingly. The referendum would be defeated without a doubt. in my estimation. The chaper rates ir Judge Lanes plan are well and good but to get them we would have to droI kCentinusa on Page Niael