The Chesterfield advertiser. [volume] (Chesterfield C.H., S.C.) 1884-1978, 1921-03-17
WHAT THE ADVERTISER
THINKS ABOUT WATER-WORKS S

Since the publication last week of
letter by "Civic" calling for infor-
nation about the cost of installing
water-works and sewerage in Ches-
terfield, the editor of this paper has
made an effort to obtain the exact in
formation required.
At the time of writing this it was
impossible to state the exact number
of mills that would be required, the
estimates running from 16 to 20. Def
mite figures will be available in few
days, however.
1t is now supposed that for the av-
erage tax payer the increase will
amount to about $1,000 per year, and
the reduced insurance rate may equal
that amount
1t is practically certain that the in
creased protection will warrant such
a reduction in the amount of insur-
ance as to about equal the added tax.
AS the fire risk stands now every
house is menaced by all the other
neighboring houses, but with the in
stallation Of water-works that risk
will be reduced to the single one in
herent in ones own property. For in
stance, on Green street every house
is in danger from ten chances of fire
as there are ten houses on that street,
20 re of which could burn without
endangering all the others. With wat
er-works fire could very easily be linn
tied 20 the house in which it originat-
ed ewes if it could not be put out
promptly.
Thus it will be seen that we would
all feel justified in reducing the
amount of insurance carried, and that
reduction tGken in conjunction with
the reduced rate would certainly go
a long way toward balancing the tax
rate.
But the sordid argument about
taxation is and has always been one
with which we have had scant pa
tience. There is no use to talk of sani-
tation, cleanliness, healthfulness,
home comforts and labor-saving for
the women folks to man whose Wis
ion is obscured by money considera-
tions.
To our way Of thinking it doesn't
matter what it costs, if it is done
right, by reputable people who know
their business the money will be well
spent and every tax payer will be
more than amply repaid for his eX-
penditure.
The statement is going the rounds
that only certain sections of the town
are to be served. We have seen the
blue print and positively affirm that
the plans contemplate the full pro-
lection and service to the entire town,
side streets and all, from one end of
Main street to the other. And should
there be any residence not apparent
ly reached by the system it will not
be difficult to make such extensions as
are necessary as the wells, tanks and
machinery constitute the big items
of expenditure.
The map or blue prints referred
to are in the hands of the mayor and
are open to inspection by anyone III
terested in getting an idea of the ac-
tual plans.
The latest estimate as to the cost
of the contemplated systems is by &
competent engineering company ir
Columbia who place the figures al
$71 100000.
1t is further suggested that thai
much money turned loose in Chester
field this summer ought to help bust
ness some.
To this e iitor, the question has al
ways been about like this: "Do yol
prefer unrestricted fires, or water; de
you prefer filth or cleanliness; do yo,
prefer labor saving conveniences 70
your women, or the old laboriou
backbreaking methods?
To him whose soul is delighted wit
cleanliness, safety and comforts, tn
question Of taxation cuts little ice.
Paul II. Hearn.