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[letterhead] WILLIAM D. WILLIAMS WILLIAM J. BAILEY WILLIAMS & BAILEY, COUNSELLORS AT LAW BELL BUILDING, FORT WORTH,TEXAS
Sept. 10th 1898
Capt. A. W. Scoble,
Fort Worth, Texas
Dear Sir: -
I have just received a citation in a suit brought by E. Benefield against the City of Fort Worth for conversionof certain water pipe. The damages are alleged at $12.75. I have heard the matter spoken of and know something of the facts but I would like to get a statement from your office with the names of witnesses by whom proof can be made. Please report at your earlist convenience and oblige.
Your truly [signed] Wm D. Williams
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To the Mayor and Aldermen of the city of Fort Worth-
Gentlemen.
Your petitioner Enoch Benefiel a resident of your city, would most respectfully show to your Honorable Body.
1- That in towit August 1896 he was residing at no 1212 East First Street on the south side of the street
2. That in order to connect with the city water works he laid a pipe about sixty feet in length to connect with the city main pipe on the north side of East First Street.
3. Than in order to maintain and use the same he was compelled to put in at his own expense two cut offs
4. That the value of the pipe and cut offs was $9.00 The expense of putting in said pipe and cut offs was $3.00.
5. That he has been compelled to move from no. 1212 East First Street carrying the number and the house with him which belonged to him, but left the lot.
6. That the city authorities would not permit him to move the pipes and cut offs above mentioned, but instead have connected them to the use and benefit of the city and has now granted license to another to use same.
7. Your petitioner says he is entitled to reembursement for the value of said pipe and cut offs and the expense of putting
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same in total $12.00
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That if the city will pay him $10.00 for the pipe and cut off he will accept same in full settlement therefore otherwise he will from sheer [necessing research to that Tribune?] of from which there is no appeal.
Most respectfully presenting by D. T. Moreland, AttyFor Enoch Benefiel
Or that the city give him credit on his water rents
[Sideways] Water works
Peitition of Enoch Benefiel for relief
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Filed 5/9 1898 Jno T. Montgomery City Secretary
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Fort Worth, Texas June 6th, 98
Hon. J.P.Nicks,
Chairman Water Works Committee.
Gentlemen;-
I make the following report on the petititon of Enoch Benefiel for relief through his attorney Mr. Moreland,
About two years ago petitioner got permission from a Mrs. Fergu son to connect a 3/4 pipe to her line, to a house on one of her lots,
He has now moved the house off her lot and he was granted permission from this department to remove the pipe from the property to the curb line, ( which he has done ) but not to tear up the street,. Since then Mrs. Furgeson applied for extension from into the property which was granted. It seems to be a question between him and Mrs. Furgeson. It is not the policy of the city to allow its streets to be torn up to take up old pipe. Permission has been refused heretoforet. Neither does the city invest in private lines, and the prices asked are exorbitant
3/4" pipe can be bought for two and one half cents per foot, sixty feet would be $1.50, the 2 cut offs, new cost $2.00 making a total cost for material $3.50, and he has had the benefit tof the pipe for over two years. The city cannot afford to have the street torn up for that amount nor invest in pipe for some one elses benefit.
I do not think the petition ought to be granted as it is setting a bad precedent. Respectfully submittted.
A . W. Scoble Superintendent.
