A City Divided Over Its Water: Newport's Council Fights Over the Carter Springs Warrants

The city council met Tuesday night with all members present. About a dozen citizens evinced sufficient interest in the affairs of the city to honor the occasion with their presence. The waterworks question, or rather, the Carter Springs warrant question, was the principal attraction for this attendance by the taxpayers.

The complaint in the suit of Harry Saddler to prevent the payment of warrants issued by the old council in payment for the Carter Springs, and the answer prepared by Post, Avery & Higgins, of Spokane, were read in full. Councilman McInnis introduced a resolution to the effect that the proposed answer to the complaint be returned without the signature of the mayor. In case this was done it would act as a permanent restraining order in the Saddler case.

Councilman Hynes moved an immediate decision and that the resolution be accepted and voted upon.

At this stage Councilmen Eckerson and Caldwell, of the old council, gave the reasons of the old council for acquiring the springs. After considerable discussion Councilman Hynes withdrew his motion, and the question will not be decided until the next meeting.

The mayor was inclined to think the city was not in a condition to take over and improve the property, as he understood that the present plant had cost about $30,000, and that the city could not be bonded for that sum for that purpose. A further discussion of the question will be had at the adjourned meeting to be held Friday night.

There being considerable unfinished business and the hour being late, the council adjourned until Friday, April 10.