The courier-index., 1920-07-09

ier-Index felt devolved upon it last week to call attention in rather vigorous language to the deplorable condition that exists at the sewer outlet near the L'Anguille river bridge has at least been productive of some rather spicy communications which we take pleasure in print ing in the course of this article, and we are further constrained to in- dulge in the hope that as a result of the agitation the nuisance that furnished the basis for our editoria last week will soon be abated.
 We wish to reaffirm (and the files of the Courier-Index during the past three years will amply SUD- port the statement) that it is the fixed policy of this paper to up- hold and support every worthy or ganization. No limit has ever been placed upon the amount of space given to the work of local charita- ble, civic, religious or other bodies whose object is to improve condi- tions here. Not only with publicity but with financial assistance has the Courier-Index encouraged those engaged in public enterprises. It affords it's editor not the slightest pleasure to indulge in criticism, but some times healthy, wholesome, sane criticism produces results when all other means fail.
 The condition of the sewer out let has been brought to the at tention of the city council on many occasions. References have been made to it in the reports of the council proceedings as they ap- peared in the Courier-Index. No particular display has been of it for the simple reason the Courier Index does not believe in exploiting any unsanitary or unsightly condi- tions that may exist in the city. The city health officer has for more than a year urged action and has stated he would be ashamed for representative of the state health department to come to Ma rianna and see the sewer outlet, and he would not dare hazard a guess as to what action the state health department would take if it was familiar with the situation.
 The two letters that follow one from Mayor Norment and one from City Attorney D. s. Hummer show how the city authorities and the sewer commissioners have diff fered on the question of responsi- bility. The city claims it is the business of the sewer commission CTS to repair the outlet. The sew CT commissioners, acting upon an opinion given by City Attorney Hummer, claim they have no right to expend funds collected by inn provement taxes for any purpose except the payment of the out standing bonds and interest. MT. Hummer suggests, however, if the commissioners have more than enough money with which to meet maturing bonds and interest,no tax payer would object to the use of the surplus in repairing the sewer outlet.
 The communications from Mayor Norment and City Attorney Plum mer follow:
 From Mayor Norment
 Editor Courier-Index:
 With reference to editorial ap- bearing in issue of the End inst, beg to assure you that as long as I am connected with the administra- tive forces of the City 1 shall well come just criticism and am sure that unless we have proper inter- est manifested in the conduct of public officials the best results cannot be obtained. In behalf of the present administration, how ever, wish to state that it has been and will continue to be our policy to try to enforce the laws of the City. agree with you that some ordinances may not be in harmony with the wishes of the people but the proper course would not be to wink at one and enforce another Proper relief should be sought through repeal. We often try to instruct our representatives, so why not take the necessary interest in our City laws and seek relief through the proper representations to our Councilmen from the various Wards.
 As to the condition of the Sewer outlet, the City officials have taken all the initiative in seeking reme- dy. We feel this is a matter that deserves the attention of the Com missioners of the Sewer Improve ment District but if not shall cer- tainly urge that proper and i'm mediate steps be taken to produce the desired result. However, no permanent work can be done in this matter until the river falls to low water stage.
 Yours very truly,
 O. c. NORMENT,
 Mayor.
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