The hard times which oppress the country...

The hard times which oppress the country, came under the laws passed by a republican congress and signed by a republican president. They are due to two things, the Sherman silver law and the McKinley tariff bill, neither of which the deniocrats have yet had an opportunity to repeal. This fact is respectfully commended to the frenzied republican organs. The council at its meeting, Monday night, will take up the consideration of the waterworks question. The time for talk has passed. Invective is out of place. Action is wanted. The city must have fire protection, and water suitable for domestic use must be obtained. The rumors concerning the lack of fuel, the dismantlement of the large pump, the fact that but one of the two boilers can be used, etc., should be investigatod. The council, in order to look out for the interest of the city, needs to know the condition of the works, whether or not ampie provisión is made for a big conflagration. But to know this, they need other information than mere rumors. It would seem prudent to hire an expert to investígate the whole system, the works, the water supply, etc., so that the council may know just exactly where it stands and how far the company is deviating from its contract. The company should have fair treatment. But the city should see that it carries out its contract. After all, the Argus is inclined to believe that city ownership of the waterworks is what is needed.