The Tacoma Water Scandal

So far as the city council, or numerically half of it, is concerned, the $1,000,000 water plant millstone was this evening fastened about the neck of Tacoma taxpayers. Eight water-purchasing members of the council voted to approve C. B. Wright’s $100,000 indemnity bond. This releases from escrow $100,000 in bonds held for the city in New York. The intention of the bond is to indemnify the city against claims arising against the property of the water company, but it is claimed by scores that it does nothing of the sort, and it is therefore branded as worthless. However, the city attorney reported in favor of the bond. In the hope of defeating it, the opposing council members tried to prevent a quorum. They left the hall at one time, but they reckoned without the president, Mr. Lee, who would not vacate the chair. There were only eleven members present, however, when the main question was ordered. By a vote of 8 to 3 the bond was carried. Barring reconsideration, this is the final act of the water deal members of the council. Their water plant is worthless as a gravity system; the limit of the city’s indebtedness has been reached as a result of misrepresentation and manipulation, and the indemnity bond is pronounced worthless.