The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1917-09-08
To The Patrons Of The Dor.
chester Water Co.

! 1t has come 10 the notice of the officials
of the company, that there is some objec-
! ton TO the rule that will 20 into effect on
! October list, on and afte~ which date water
rents will be charged to owners of property
instead of the tenants, and we understand
that there is some talk of holding 4 public
! meeting to consider the matter.
| The Water Company wi he glad to have
public agitation of their action, so as to
| 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 so re-
duced our revenues, that we have been COM
PEELED to cut o r dividend in half, and if we
do not find some remedy, it will be neceS-
| sary for us to apply to the Public Service
Commission for IN increase in rates, so as
to protect our stockholders.
We do not believe that those patrons
penalized and made to pay increased rates,
| because there are quite a 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
| parry 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-
cry one alike, and cannot collect their bills
until the user has had the use of the water
! lect, 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 a public service
corporation, is obliged to sell indiScrimi-
nately to all persons who apply for water
without reference to their personal response
bility
! 1t should be further considered that in
most cities of the size of Cambridge, the
I NdlS' IidilLN DClllS (WHICH " ihS
pality, the rents are made a lien, like taxes,
upon the property served, whilst this Com
any, being a private corporation, has no
such protection.
1t seems, therefore, to our Directors, that
a 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 a public
meeting, we will gladly have a representa-
i've present to discuss any proposition re-
| garding the water service, and will also JON
| in request to the Public Service Commits
| sion to make an invest CATION 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 pnhlic are entitled TO
good service and fair treatment, but they
also feel that they have duty TO perform to
their stockholders, and must that Their
interests are protected, as we'll 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
ulation that they think imposes on them.
We don't like abuse, but we do not OBJ
iect to kicking, as kicking is healthy ex-
! ercise.
! THE DORCHESTER
WATER COMPANY