Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1916-02-25
WATER THE ONLY
THING DISCUSSED
At AUDITORIUM
No Hint Of Politics al Nom
partisan Mass Meeting and
No Suggestion of Candidates
10 Be Put in Field

The non-partisan mass meeting al
the high school auditorium last night
(which was called by Clyde Tlngley to
discuss the needs OF the city and the
best way TO give Albuquerque the kind
of government that is wanted by an
citizens, turned out to be II gathering
of men and women who are earnestly
interested in the matter Of lower water
rates but who don't seem to care much
elected TO office in the approaching
/ city campaign, or to have much con-
Germ about the personality Of the men
who are to conduct the city govern
ment for the next two years. II was
water, water, everywhere. and not a
drop Of politics.
The auditorium was about half filled
when Mr.. Tinsley called the meeting
to order and explained that the object
Of the assemblage was to ascertain the
sentiment of the citizens of Albuquer-
que as to what Albuquerque needs
Efficiency in government, he said
was more to be sought than the ad-
vancement of any party. The present
system, he declared, is too cumber-
some. Farsighted leadership is needed
and business management of the af-
fairs of the city imperatively de-
manded
Mr.. Tingley called for nominations
for permanent chairman of the meet
ing, and on motion of DR.. $. l.. Burton.
tt.tt aftt,faf 10 =
named for that position j,
WooIscy on Water.
After thanking the audience for
the honor Of the craftsmanship Mr.
Simms stated that the paramount is
sue before the people Of Albuquerque
today IN the water question. He said
that in his opinion what Is most need
ed is information and he introduced
Theodore S. Woolsey. Jr as a man
who has given close study to the sub
jcct and is in position to speak au-
In regard to II.
Mr.. Woolsey's address gave ample |
evidence of the personal care and
thought that he has given To- the /!
problem of Albuquerque water sup !
ply. The speaker began by reassurins |
his hearers that he is not in politics, |
Is not q candidate for office and under ,
no circumstances can be induced to /
become a candidate or to accept any
nomination for any office. He be-
lieved, he said, that there is a great |
future before Albuquerque, and gave
facts to support his lelief lie
thought it was not too much to say
that this city Is destined to become the (
greatest health resort in the world.
Regarding the present water prob
EN-, Mr.. Woolsey believed that the
Dnly criticism that the people have Is
rs to the price they have to pay. The
present rate, he said, is too high. 1t
S bad condition, he declared, when
people who own homes cannot have
awns about their cottages because
hey cannot afford to pay the water
'ates. He told of demands for refunds
# overcharges that had been refused,
md believed that an adjustment Of
hese claims should be made condi-
ion IN the renewal of any franchise
0 the present company.
Expert Is Needed.
Three remedies are afforded the
ity, said Mr.. Woolscy--a renewal of
he present franchise under more ia
orable conditions, municipal owner
hip and the encouragement of COM
etitive company. Whichever rene \
y the people of Albuquerque decide I
o pursue, he said. it is of the utmost d
Importance that the waterworks be +
ept out of politics and that no faint "
t partsanship attach To it, Nv
But above all things. said Mr.. Wool y
ey, it is important that the city have 7
n eNpert--a man who knows all 0
bout waterwurks propositions in a b
lty of the size of Albuquerque--to go N
ITO the subject and ascertain what it J
iii cost for the city to maintain its
wn plant or to build n plant Only
! this way. he declared. will il be pos
bile for the people of Albuquerque to T
now as much about the water ques- "a
on as the water company knows. He u
ated that he had been in corre- ri
)ondence with firm of engineers in y
he east and had ascertained that it II
ould be possible to secure the SER *
ices of such an expert at cost of s.
'om $4,000 to $4,000. and A. u, Nc
illen. he said agreed that such an
tpert might examine the books of the
alter company, though he was not c
Hing that committee of citizens $
Iould have access to the books. 4 /,
Mr.. Woolseys speech throughout a
as characterized by a spirit of fair n
ass and moderation, and seemed to a
'idence u degree only to get more o
luitable adjustment of water rates 4
ian exists al present.
Experience of kcnosha. q
DR.. NJ. w. FAIR. four times mayor !,
Kenosha, Wis, and a resident of
lbuquerque for about year past
as the next speaker. DR.. Farr was 7,
utspokcn for municipal ownership
nd told in most interesting man !,
er the experience that kenosha had
Id under his administration as =
ayor in acquiring and operating Il
alter plant His advocacy of mu-
cipal ownership brought forth
leers from the audience
DR.. ) l.. Burton made perhaps tho
ost extreme uttcranee of any of the
'ealSers when he declared that in the
preaching election he would not
ne for any man. democrat or repub- -
IAN, whom he did not first know to =
in favor Of municipal ownership
the water plant
Clyde Tingley followed DR.. BurtoniI
I'd declared that is necessary for the
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