The Republican journal., 1919-03-20


year for investigation was used, the bal
ance being still available. War condi-
TONS made it inadvisable to push the eff
tort then, but if those conditions become
sulilclently corrected, no endeavor should
De spared to permanently dispose of this
question
Apetition is before the city government
TO locate another large gasoline tank near
the water front at the foot of Main street.
On investigation it has been found that
such an occurrence would increase insur-
ance within range of 100 yards, 10 per
cent; that if the tanks now there should
be removed, rates would likewise be re-
duced 10 per cent from the present level
1t has also been found that at least $780,
OOO of insurance is in force within the
radius mentioned, at an annual insurance
expense of probably at least $4,000 This
matter is still in the hands of commit
tee for further consideration and invest-
CATION and will come before you for final
conclusion. If our investigations thus
far are correct, it would seem as though
the public demand would leave but one
course to pursue, much as we would dis
like to ask the removal of the present
tanks and much as we would regret not
to grant the petition at hand.
The matter of reduction of insurance
rates on residential property referred to
in my address last year has not been
accomplished. This must have immediate
attention. Belfast should be advanced to
Class G in the rate classification.
The most troublesome and unsatisfac-
tory problem with which we have to deal
I the present year is the water situation.
Most of you are familiar with it. 1t has
been knitting work for several years.
1t Is constantly with us, gnawing at the
vltals of the city's growth and prosperity
AS such the only remedy is to cut it out
and this must be done by purchase, if at
all.
To this end, an examination of the
Water Company's books is already start
ed or about to be started by the firm of
Metcalf and Eddy, Consulting Engineers
of Boston, people recommended by Stone
& Webster This is being done with the
consent of the Water Co. and we antici-
pate will be a comparatively short and
inexpensive job. We should soon be in a
position to make an offer of purchase,
either for Belfast people individually or a
water district, in case that is organized.
! We hope and expect to succeed in the
purchase.
Belfast, however, is not the only place
suffering from water troubles. The trouble
of all places takes it's origin largely from
an unWise statute. AS administered, this
law sanctions, encourages and directs
evasion in the Interpretation and dis
charge of obligations regarded both sacred
and binding before the law was conceived.
Its workings are not on the broad prin-
ciples of justice, right and respect for
pre-eXisting contracts, which should gov
ern all legal decisions. 1t tends to render
impotent the necessity for increased in
ltiative, efficiency and economy of opera
ton. Why should Water Co. worry?
It's application works greater hardship
on water consumers throughout the State
than on any other class of public utility
patrons. For instance, should an Electric
Light Co. demand unreasonable rates, the
Standard Oil product would at once come
to the rescue. Should a street car line
do likewise, our legs could be- brought
into service. But it is not possible to
shift at once from the use of Water in
stalled in our homes without considerable
inconvenience Nevertheless, that incon-
venience should be temporarily borne if
the case is sufficiently aggravating.
No city or town in Maine today could
possibly take the risk of permitting an
outside corporation to install a water
system. Such an action would be sui
cdal in the extreme The law also en-
tirely eliminates the opportunity hereto
fore afforded individuals who have been
accustomed to install and own water sys-
TENS at profit to themselves.
| have recently been through long de-
cision in applicat ton of the Utility Act to
water situation existing in the town of
Lincoln, Me.
I j
in 1911, and entered into 20 year con-
tract with the town of Lincoln, to fur
nish water for 80 hydrants at SIS per
year, and for private families at rate
not to exceed So per year for each first
! faucet. The water company was author
ized to make contracts with the towns
and inhabitants thereof, as contemplated
in the Act; and the municipal officers or
| the assessors of the towns were author
| lied to enter into contracts for term of
years with the company, for municipal
purposes.
This contract was very similar to ours,
excepting that the rate to private indi-
viduals was limited to stipulated sum.
AS in our case, the contract was made
before the Public Utilities Act was pass
ed, and the people of Lincoln had reason
to suppose, as with US, that the Company
would carry out its obligations. This
condition is always fully implied in the
formation of every contract by RESPONSE
BILE parties. But for these original con-
tracts, foreign owned water companies
would never have been permitted in our
cities and towns; certainly not in Bel
fast, and probably not elsewhere.
Notwithstanding the specific terms of
the contract, the Lincoln Water Company
is authorized to increase it's rates for the
first 80 MIGRANTS from $500 to S250O per
year and to individual families from So
to $l2 per year for each first faucet, with
corresponding increases for secondary
service.
submit to you, gentlemen, and to the
citizens of our State, whether such law
is right and just, and whether there is
any necessity or excuse for such per-
version of moral and legal obligations
Is it not blight on our State? Are the
inhabitants of the various towns affected
going to stand for this in silence? Is
there not bound to come such an uprising
of public opinion as will bring this whole
situation before a future legislature for
reconsideration and correction? Ger
tain1y something should be done. When
the time comes, the inha aDitants of Bel
fast can be relied upon to do their part.
| Were l resident of Lincoln, l would
advocate cutting loose from the whole
| water situation until such a time as the