Deming graphic. (Deming, N.M.) 1903-1948, 1920-04-13

plant, under city ownership, furnishe
n water with a reduction OF 30 pc
cent In the bacteria count and EOS pc
cent OF turbidity IN comparison witt
the water supplied during the las
year OF private ownership.
is One Kansas municipality had ID
business growth checked, its industrie
paraIized and its population In con
slant fear. because OF their alarmingl.
high typhoid death rate. In 10 years
since acquiring the property by tn,
city, about 30 per cent increase hai
been made In the revenue, the consum
ers increased about 80 per cent and ths
typhoid death rate decreased 20 pei
cent.
10. Oshkosh, Wis, since acquiring
the water works, has laid by surplus
of $39,315 from the earnings TO apply
to the building of filtration plant.
90 Billings, Mont, pleaded, coaxed
and litigated for years with its owner
OF the water plant. 10 abandon or
purify its water supply. One year
after the city took over the plant by a
. to 1 vote for city ownership. the puri-
fication plant was In operation. The
state board Of health now reports the
water pure. wholesome and free from
pathogenie bacteria.
81. Billings, Mont, In the first five
months OF operation under municipal
ownership, cleared $10,6S2.61 above
costs OF operation, interest ON bonds
and depreciation charges
22. These actual cases are typical Of
dozens OF other cities. II the munich
pal authorities are to be held RESPONSE
BILE for the health conditions, they
should have complete ownership and
control Of the water supply. which Is
the most important factor In the health,
growth and prosperity OF any city.
%. The health Of community,
which is In proportion 10 the purity
OF its water supply, is safer in the
hands Of non-partisan water board
of local business men than in the hands
OF one individual who may reside thou
sands Of miles away, with no civic or
community interest.
"a. The record of the water rates OF
the cities that have changed ownership
shows that within two years after
changing a reduction OF "a per cent
has occurred.
25. Not being primarily concerned in
profits first" the municipal plants
often make lower rates to large users,
thus encouraging the developing of
new Industries.
20. or the 20 largest cities In the
United States, all except two have mu-
nicipally owned water works, and one
of these-San Francisco-is now con-
structing its own supply.
81. Where municipality owned utili-
ties exist, the suburban additions and
districts are developed, thus avoiding
districts.
2s. This development Of outlying
districts with their lower land values
makes possible the ownership of homes
by the poorer classes and the improve
ment Of suburban country estates by
the Weather classes.
20 The freer use OF water, light and
heat I'm municipal plants, for wading
skating ponds, fountains and for park
purposes, places that city In a posi-
lion TO outdlstance its less fortunate
in the race for commercial
supremacy.
30. In one city that recently changed
ownership, n new, well-lighted park,
with fountains, wading pool and
aquarium not possible under the terms |
" the franchise, and its prohibitive /
'ates, were soon acquired under mu-
liclpal ownership.
81. The results and successes of mu-
licipal ownership of other cities have
tartcd the municipal ownership ideas
n many places.
b. Boonville, Mo-, in 1904 bought pri-
'ately owned water works for $4,000.
rhe present plant, with improvements
nd extensions, made out OF earnings,
$ valued at 100000. Outstandings
'onds, $4,000, TO be retired In 1920.
80. Cleburne, Texas, under municipal
OF the water works. reduced
rates from 10 cents TO 20
ents. which resulted In a saving Of
10000 n year in insurance premiums
o the citizens.
"a. First quarterly report at Beau
mont, Texas, after purchasing water
works., showed n net profit of S1,212.5O
bove all costs of operation, malnten-
nee, including interest and sinking
und charges ON a 100000 bond issue.
30. Boonvllle, Mo-, in 10 years OF mu-
icipal ownership Of water works. has
lade a net earning OF $4,000 over all
perating expenses, including mainten-
nee and depreciation charges.
30. In Kansas there are only II pri-
ately owned water plants out OF 225,
nd three of these are now being ap-