The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-06-23

not have crossed Kcarney, between Clay and
Sacramento, perhaps not at all. BY tearing
down two or three small buildings in the rear of
the California Exchange, the fire could have
been prevented from crossing Clay street, and
the whole range of the devastation TO the
North of it probably been prevented. We
would suggest that the property holders of each
block appoint one of their number, who shall be
authorized to say when and what buildings shall
be destroyed in case Of fire. for the preservation
of the rest. Had such local regulations existed
at the time OF the last fire, but little damage
would have been done outside Of the block in
which it originated.
PRESERVATION OF THE CITY.--lt seems pref
ty well established that our city possesses with
in itself no adequate means of protection against
the ravages of fire. 1t is equally well known
that our debt is so enormous, and our available
income 80 small, that the corporation is 80 to-
tally unable to secure to our citizens any sutfi-
ccnt supply of water for that purpose. The
last council declined granting Mr.. Mcrrifeld the
privilege asked for by him, on the ground that
their term of Office was SO nearly closed. His
proposition was to Introduce water in great
abundance from Mountain Lake,an to construct
large reservoirs in the highest parts Of the city,
with conduts leading through all the streets
to supply water to the citizens for ordinary pur-
poses, and to be used by the city for extinguish-
ing fires. He only asks the privilege to be
granted by the council to lay the pipes through
the city. He proposes to leave it to q committee,
chosen by the council, to decide what the city
shall allow him for the water which it may be
obliged to use, and how much he shall be au-
thorized to charge such citizens as may choose
to be supplied by him. He is ready and willing
to go into an expenditure of six or eight hun
bred thousand dollars for this purpose, and the
city will not be put to the cost of dollar.
The cityis well situated for the success Of such
an undertaking. The hills back of ii, the high
range of Stockton street, are just suited to rem
der the project effective. The plan seems exact
ly suited to our wants, and to the natural condi.
ton of the city. 1t seems to be the only means
of quoting the minds of all who have lost con-
fdence, and fear to build lest another fire should
sweep away their property.
RETAINING THE STREETs.-There is a pro-
iect on foot to raise fund by subscription for
replanking the streets in our most important
thoroughfares, where they have been rendered
impossible by fire. One of our public spirited
citizens has offered to head the list with a very
generous subscription. This proposal is highly
commendable. The draymen as well as mer-
chants should act literally as far as able
to further the enterprise. 1t is decidedly
to their interest to do 80. In connection, it
might with propriety be urged to raise fund
additional to place the station house in a condi-
ton to retain the prisoners 1t is now perfectly
useless If something of the kind is not done,
our citizens will be driven to the alternative of
hanging summarily such men rs several Of the
gang who have recently escaped ,just as they can
get hold of them.