The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1917-09-06
To The Patrons of The Dor
chester Water Co.

1t has come to the notice at the officials
of the company, that there Is some objec-
ton to the rule tina, will go into effect on
October i>t, on and after which date water
rent, will be charged to owners of property
instead OF the tenants, and we understand
that there is some talk of holding i public
meeting TO consider the matter.
@The Water Company viii be glad to have
a public agitation of their action, SO as 10
show the people how the company is being
imposed upon, by those who are not paying
for the water they use; how our inability TO
collect these rents, together with increased
cost OF coal. material and labor, has 50 re-
duced our revenues, that we have been COM
peled 10 cut our dividend in half, and if we
do not find some remedy, ii will be ntceS-
Sary for Us to apply to the Public Service
Commission for an increase in rates, 50 as
to protect our stockholders.
We do not believe that those patrons
who pay for the water they use should be
prnajizrd and made to pay increased rates,
because there are quite number who will
not pay, and, as the landlord has the Selec-
ton of his tenant, without consulting the
Water Company, we feel that he is the
party who should be responsible for the wa
) ter rents, as it will be very easy matter to
, add the water rent to the house rent and
make collections either weekly or monthly,
whilst the Water Company has to treat ev-
| erv one alike, and cannot collect their bills
until the user has had the use of the water
three months, and often when we go to col
Iect, party has moved away from town and
, we have no redress.
Ir should be takeu into consideration that
the Water Company has no choice in the
selection OF its customers, like other bust
ness concerns, but being public service
) corporation, Is obliged to sell indiScrimi-
, uately to all persons who apply for water
without reference to their personal response
bility.
1t should be further considered that i'll
most cities of the size of Cambridge, the
water plants being owned by the Munich
patty, the rents are made i lien, like taxes,
upon the property served, whilst this Com
any, being private corporation, has no
such protection.
1t seems, therefore, TO our Directors, that
4 reasonable rule for the collection of the
rent due US is not Just ground for COM
plant
Again we state that we welcome publicity
in this matter, and should there be public
meeting, we will gladly have 4 representa-
i've present TO discuss any proposition re-
garding the water service, and will also JOIN
in a request to the Public Service Commits
sion to make an investigation of our rates,
rules and regulations.
The officials of the Dorchester Water Co.
do not want to act arbitrarily in any matter,
and realize that the pnbic are entitled to
good service and fair treatment, but they
also feel that they have a duty to perform to
their stockholders, and must see that their
interests are protected, as well as the public.
The stock of this company is owned
mostly by home people, and the manage
ment is entirely local, and very easily reach
ed to be consulted regarding any proposition
relating to their rules and regulations, and
we shall be very glad to take up with our
patrons at any and all times any rule or reg
uaton that they think imposes on them.
We don't like abuse, but we do not OBJ
ject to kicking, as kicking is healthy eN-
ercse.
THE DORCHESTER
WATER COMPANY
! GEO. w. WOOLFORD, Pres.
Ady q-i-6t