The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1856-05-06

senators and representatives the corporation authorities Of
Washington and Georgetown and many distinguished cit
zens procession formed, and marched 10 suita-
Die spot the ne Of the contemplated work Here prayer
appropriately offered by the Rev. Dr. Pyne Captain
Meigs then made few brief and appropriate remarks
anatory Of the plan proposed and then invited the Pres
ident 10 commence the undertaking The President
taking the spade remarked that the part he had hitherto
been called bear in the interesting enterprise merely
make decision upon the questions of facts presented TO
him by the engineer who had just addressed them; and
when be considered the magnitude Duration and import
Of the worN, they hardly admit Of doubt
the 10 be pursued His duty being only break
the first ground and thus the enterprise he did ii
with heartfelt pleasure and with the hope that the
great work being commenced would be prosecuted
with zeal till It's final completion.
The President having broken the FIRST ground the spade
excessively taken by many Of the distinguished per
sons present each throwing his spade with right good
will, and accompanying the action with and elo-
quent expression OF feeling the OCCASION
General Jefferson Davis said shat assembled TO
witness the commencement of an undertaking which was
TO do honor time and generation, and confer
blessings on the future which, by It's magnitude and inn
porance to rival the great works of antiquity the
Wondering ruins of which still remained memorials OF
the greatness of nations which had passed away Wewere
here commencing work scale Of magnitude such as
to show that work too high, too grand too diff
necessary and proper Some might think the glory Of
tions well told by triumphal charios Of bronze
mausoeums ofmarbe but arches and obelsks will sink
and cumbe aud when at their proudes height often af
ford but melancholy contrast between the grandeur and
magnfcence of departed centuries and the misery and
poverty of their degraded poserty The aqueduct not
intended merely to beauy and adorn the metropolis of
the Union but to bring blessings and comfort to its in
habtans not merely its citizens but its pure waters,
flowing through hundred sparkling jets and foaming
fountains would refresh the people OF the United States
when they up to their city either for business or
pleasure making that city always green and fresh
the memory of the virtues OF its ustrious founder
in the hearts of his counrymen."
Senator Douglas said; That the magnitude Of the
der,aking argument in its favor should its useful
be commensurate with its grandeur.
ain looking the operations Of other governments it
would be found that they apt TO spend their
in works OF useless ornament pompous show or walled
batemens and towers too often made the citadels of
power and the srongholds of tyranny, and held against
the people, and not for the protection of their rights But
this work of vast utility to men, and which would
confer blessings generations to The cities Of the
District being exclusively under the legislation Of Congress-
they had right to the fostering and protection of the
federal government and the work should, therefore be
made worthy Of the nation and worthy of the it
BEARS "a .s"a.
Further brief but pertinent addresses made by
other gentlemen present. when after eloquent prayer by
the Rev. Mr. Slicer, the ceremony was closed.
Commencing under these auspices, the work made all
possible progress the first year. in the acquisition of land
location of route, and collection of materials but Con-
gress making appropriation the next year. the failure
caused great delay expense and loss both to the govern
and to the individual contractors An appropra-
on however, of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars
the 4th of March, 1885, gave fresh start to the under
taking and very considerable progress has been made in
and IF
bridges, tunnels and the main Notwithstanding in
fact it is believed the whole appropriated Such
is the present condition Of the work, that it is said fail
to include appropriation for II in the deficiency bin
before Congress will be attended with much greater
loss in both time and money than occasioned by the
former failure.
1t is hoped that Congress will act literally and Justly
in the natter that they will refuse listen to the spe-
cous misrepresentation Of individuals who have their
private interests to subserve; that they will examine
the subject thoroughly, and test the truth of the reports
aud made by the engineers in charge of the
workby actual inspection II necessary of that portion
which has already been done When II is known that the
chief engineera gentleman of high character acknow
edged ability and great scientific acquirementshas been
aided and assisted ell his operations by two civil
engineers of great practical experience gained by long
years OF arduoas service in the construction Of works
the Potomac river and elsewhere his statements and
ports fail to command consideration and
6dence than the uggesons of volunteer informer how
cunningy their msligny interested motives may
be disguised by plausible arguments spccous heors
II will be found that the Croton aqueduct cost twelve
millions Of dollars the Cochiiuate five millions while
that intended for the capital Of this great republic will only
cost little two millions, although constructed upon
enlarged and far splendid plan This dminution
OF expense Of construction ia in consequence Of the short
Of the line and the favorable of the ground
which the work is located The length Of the Croton is IS
miles; that ofhe Cochuate 20 miles while the Potomac
aqueduct will be less than 10 miles On the latter there
bridge costing million ITSELF the most costly bridge
being only estimated at S72,50o.
But 10 another point Of view comparison OF the Wash
ingon aqueduct with other wserworks is most important
Boston has supply Of ten millions OF gallons daily
New York Of thirty millions; Philadelphia of fifteen mil
lions London Of about fortyve millions and Paris Of
about twenty-five millions Turning from these modern
cities let look at ancient Rome According TO 'FRONT.'
nus the superintendent Of the squeduct Of Rome In the
year A. d. i0 there nine squeducts which, together
daily poured into the public and private fountains OF Rome
the ample supply OF three hundred and mil
lions Of gallons Of water Wen might Froutnus with
glow OF national PRIDE claim for these works Of noble
utility emphatic superiority the pompous pyramids
Of Egypt and the Improbable elegance OF Greek
chtecture
or the nine aqueducs mentioned by Fronnus three yet
remain and the Holy City to its Pagan
founders the enjoyment Of than fifty millions OF gal
Ions Of per day In TACT city In Cbrisendom Ia
beautifully supplied, is well described In
work by eloquent writer and accomplished tourist.
tn. ID u,