WATERWORKS LITIGATION.
KENOSHA, WIS.,
A Kenosha correspondent writes that the Allen dam, whose existence has for three years proved a source of trouble by obstructing the free flow of the waters of the Kenosha river, is to be removed by its owners. The attention of the Circuit court was drawn to the obstruction, and the damage to adjoining property, which has arisen from it. The court has taken the matter under advisement; meanwhile, however, the Allen company managers and attorneys have admitted that the dam must come out, and that the company never had any right to maintain the dam, wdrich was built a little over three years ago to furnish better water to the big tannery. The work was accomplished before people had time to make a protest to the common council; hut, as soon as the dam was completed, the complaint was made. As the aldermen, however, took no steps to secure the removal of the dam, three sisters filed a suit in court to have the dam declared a nuisance to the public, and to force the Allen company to pay damages for the alleged injury to the surrounding property. The company’s witness arid the company itself could not show that the latter had any right to build the dam, and the company’s attorneys have admitted that the dam must he removed. It is stated by the managers that the removal of the dam will not interfere with the work of the big plant, as plenty of water can be secured from the river, without the use of the old obstruction. The question of damages to the property owners the court will decide.
