The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-09-15
WARD GIVES HIS ATTITUDE TOWARD NEW WATER BONDS
THINKS VOTERS SHOULD AP- PROVE THE ISSUE so AS TO GIVE CITY THE ADyANTAGEIN
 TRADING WITH THE COMPANY

Presidpt George Ward of the city commission last night issued for nal statement telling the attitude of the commission toward the pending bond issue for a new waterworks plant. MT. Ward urges the voters to approve the issue and believes that large vote should be brought out to show that the people are in real earnest Mir. Wards statement is as follows Many inquiries have reached me as to the city's programme in case the waterworks bond issue carries Recalling statements by their offi- cials. it is my understanding that the water company will not name a price for it's plant prior to 1921. | Even then this price will carry a sum supposed to cover the plants extra value as a going concern. Tt is generally understood the com pany will also raise at that time the question as to a perpetual franchise
 Both of these claims will doubtless be contested by the city when pre- sented.
 This means that the water plant Will remain in the possession of tho company during the many years these suits can be kept In the courts. But if the bond issue carries it will indicate the people want this situation cleared up without delay. "A large vote will be notice to ev- erybody that the city means business. So. let's get out the vote Then 1t will be up to the city au- thorities to go forward in good faith and with judgment and find an ade- duate water supply-one that the peo | ple will profit by and feel deep in. terest in.
 This does not mean. however that the city authorities propose to run amuek in the matter. Chief Engineer Kendrick estimates that surveys and the preparation of preliminary plans will take a year "It will be the policy of the com mission before mourning any appre- cable expense, to have every phase Of the water situation investigated by ex rerts whose competence and fidelity cannot be questioned
 When this has been done and every Item of expense carefully checked over and submitted to the people. the city will be prepared to act. but not until then
 Interest on the bonds that build the new plant will not entail charge on the general revenues of the city during the period of construction.
 As is generally done in building rail roads and other great public works. such interest will be added to the cost of construction and considered part of the plants capitalization.
 Bonds will be issued only as tie money is needed for the work
 After the plant Is erected and in operation, the interest will be taken care of out of the revenues.
 However. should the water company during this period see fit to submit n proposition looking to the sale of it's plant. that proposition should be con sidered
 should it appear that price. terms and conditions are fair it would be my idea to submit the proposition for the purchase of the present plant to the people before beginning actual work on Q new plant.
 "They should have formal opportr- nifty of determining which plan they prefer.
 T am sure the commission will abide by their decision and carry out thoir wishes.
 "As matters now stand, even if the water company were to submit proposition. 1t would have every ad- vantage in the trade. for we cannot now deal with 1t as equals
 If. however. the people prove their intention and ability to build a plant of their own, this advantage shifts at once to them. The city becomes not only the company's equal, but will dominate the situation from that timo on.
 Tn my judment. the people should vote in favor of the bond issue on the 21st ints. l hope and believe they will do it."