Mr. Mignault. What is exactly the position taken by the citizens of Trenton?
Mr. Waterman. I do not think the citizens, as citizens, have had very much opportunity thus far to express themselves on the question. It is really the village authorities.
Mr. Mignault. Well, substitute in my question “the village authorities” for “the citizens”; what position do they take exactly?
Mr. Waterman. They take the position that everything is all right down there, and that there is no reason in the world why they should not go on putting in sewage in the water.
Mr. Mignault. They are not impressed by the statistics which have been read here.
Mr. Waterman. Those statistics have not yet been presented to them.
Mr. Tawney. Nevertheless they have been informed of those facts.
Mr. Waterman. Yes; they have been informed of the facts, and the majority of the village council have, by their acts, shown that they do not appreciate those statistics which have been brought to their notice.
Mr. Mignault. What exactly were the powers of the State board with regard to a city like Trenton, in order to compel it, if necessary, to take the necessary measures for water purification or treatment of sewage?
Mr. Waterman. The powers of the State board, I think, have been outlined by Mr. Rich, and if I repeat, I am trying to repeat what he said, that the State board has the power to order any improvements in the sewage systems of the village necessary in the opinion of the State board for the betterment of public health.