Now Is The Time

Since The Register com meneert to agítate the sewerage question, some two years ago, much discussion has been had and some important action has been taken. It is a source of gratification that the joint committee, lately appointed. haí again brought the matter beforethe people in tangible form. It was found that no legislation authorizing the issuance of bonds could be obtained from the present legislature. As a consequence, it became necessary to devise some other plan. The committee have thought best to recommend the raising of $20,000 in special tases this year. Considerable opposition to this proposal will, of course, be encountered. Some would prefer to wait two years longer; others to divide the sum' into two parts and to raise only 810,000 this year. Upon reflection, however, it must be clear to any one that the committee have taken the wisest course. It isquestionable whether the plan of bonding the city and paying interest for twenty years or less would be either judicious or economical. Neither would it be wise to raise only $10,000 a year. For a year the part of the eewer built by the available money would necessarily lie die, and no one would receive any benefit. An additional tax of $20,000 this year does nit appear burdensome, when it is borne in mind that the assessed valuation of the city is $6,000,000 and that the proposed tax would amount to only oue-third of one per cent. A man who is assessed at $1,000 could well afford to pay $3.33 for his share in the great benefits accruing. Sewerage is a necessity if Ann Arbor is to remain healthy. The ground is already too thickly honey-combed with dangerous ce?s-pools, and health is too recklessly endangered. Every physician recommends sewerage, every business man wants it, every resident needs it. Now is the time to take decisive steps.