Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 April 1895 — CHANGED THEIR MINDS. [ARTICLE]

CHANGED THEIR MINDS.

The People of Delavan, Wisconsin, on Water Works. The article in The Republican of two weeks ago, on the subject of water works in Rensselaer, appears to have been very well received, and to have'been read with-interest by all, and approval by most. As we then stated, the neighoring town of Monticello will vote on the question of wpter-works at the ensuing town election. The proposition seems to have the unqualified approval of all the Monticello papers, and very much which they have to say on the subject would be Equally applicable to Rensselaer. The following from the Herald of last week seems to us well worth reprinting: One year ago last December a sysof water works was completed for the town of Dela Van, Wis., a town of about the same population and wealth as Monticello The history of the water works movement at Delavan is interesting and suggestive.

The subject had been agitated for several years, but the project had met with determined opposition, and the opposition seemed to be in the majority. The question was submitted to a vote in 1888, resulting in overwhelming defeat for the wat<r works proposition by a vote of 229 to 58. In 1889 the agitation was renewed and another election held, at which, although the proposition carried by a small majority, the margin was so close that the opponents of water works succeeded afterwards in preventing any action being taken by the Town Board. The matter consequently rested again until circumstances gave the people an object lesson.In 1892 a fire occured which wiped out a business block and.§ftveral other buildings. As the populace struggled with the flumes ana saw their property go up in smoke in spite of all their efforts they began to think of water works again. The .question was reopened, and in March, 1893, another election was ordered. This time the water works idea carried by a vote of 318 to 36, together with a proposition to bond the town for $20,000. Bids were received and a contract let to Fairbanks, Morse and Co. of Chicago for a tower system of water works with four miles of mains. Forty or fifty home laborers were at once put to work and things were kept moving in the little town for many weeks. At the completion of the work the town was in possession of a plant which seemed to meet every requirement, and the people were in a jubilant spirit over their achievement.

At that time no test had been made of the practical advantages of the system, and having heard nothing from Delavan for over a year, we wrote a few days ago to the editor of the Delavan Republican, asking him if the water works had met public expectations and if they were self sustaining. He answers as fellows: Delavan, Wis , April 9, 1893 J B. Vanßuskirk, —Dear Sir:—Replying to ycur recent inquiry, I will say that the water works sy stem is giving the best of satisfaction. For fire protection and supplying water for domestic purposes, lawn and street sprinkling we could not do without it, and we all most emphatically say it is a Grand SUCCESS. I asked the superintendent if the system was self-sustaining, and he says that the receipts the first year more than paid the running expenses and this year a good share of the interest will be paid by the receipts from rentals. We get along without electric lights very well, but water works are a neccessity. Yours fraternally, W. G. Weeks. The testimony of Delavan is the universal testimony of towns where water works have been established, so far as we have ever heard. If there is a town the size of Monticello that regrets having taken this progressive step after the plant is in operation we do not know where it is. A few good Jersey cows for sile. Laßue Bros. Boys’ and Youths’clothing a specialty at Porter <fc Yeoman’s. A genuine first class top buggy only $41.50 at Robt. Randle’s. See those large sized chenile stand covers at the Emporium for 75c. Tile for sale by C. W. Coen. Bargains in dress goods at Ellis & Murray’s. Come in and see the nicest line ever shown in Rensselaer. Whitewash lime, always on hand at Meyer’s “Old Reliable” drugstore. Also whitewash and paint brushes. See those Portiers at C. A. LeckJiders at the Emporium. From $2.50 Up - Now is the time to buy spring jackets at due half price at Ellis A Murray’s. <\ .