The Placer herald., 1857-06-27
Shall we have the Water Works?

Shall we have the Water Works7
Since the appearance Of the estimates,
in our town papers of last week, of the cost
of an ample supply of water to protect Au-
burn against the ravages of fire, the matter has
been pretty generally discussed among our
citizens, and a subscription has been started
to ascertain if the required amount can be
raised, and thus far the list makes a fair
showing. We are unable to Judge, from the
amount subscribed, whether the necessary
sum can be raised, but taking into consid-
Grafton the absolute necessity that exists for
this improvement, we had supposed that
every property holder would take such an
interest in it that would insure the amount
required without further delay. To show an
Indifference to work that will insure our
safety or to subscribe in sums so small that
the enterprise will be defeated, is exhibiting
a careessness in regard to the best interests
of the town that is certainly reprehensible.
Any one by little investigation of the sub
ject, can satisfy themselves that water suffi-
cient to check any fire that may ever occur
in the place can be obtained, and at cost
about as stated last week, viz, $4,000. Of
the ability of Messrs Woodin & Smith, to
fulfill the offer they have, made and of the
security they will give for faithful per-
formance of the same, all can ascertain by
spending an hours time in proper inquiry.
The almost daily occurrence of fires in the
mining towns in the State, should be enough
to convince us that we are resting on false
security, and when making no provision to
check the inroads of this dangerous element
we are liable any and every hour to have
our property, which is the fruits of years of
industry and toll, swept away in mo-
ment.
If we could point out course to our citi-
zens by which they could add with a GER
tainty, largely to their gains, we have no
doubt they would be prompt to act-but
when showing how they may retain unim
paired that which they already possess, many
feel a culpable Indifference. The severe ex-
perence the property holders of Auburn
have already had would seem to be sufficient
TO prompt them to the most active exertions
for protection. Perhaps they have forgot
ten that two years ago their town lay in
ruins from the effects of tl.is scourge of our
State And perhaps they remember that be-
fore that event they ulled themselves into
the same deceitful feeling of security
Within the past two weeks the neighbcr-
ing town Of Grass Valley has twice suffered
from severe fires. The vicinity of wafer,
running to a small reservoir, was the means
of checking the first fire which threatened
the entire town with destruction.
The people of that place, alarmed at the
danger that is imminent, are taking the ne
cessary steps for protection. Other towns in
the State are moving in the same direc-
ton.
Argument and persuasion should be un-
necessary to enlist our citizens in this work;
the importance of it is plain to be seen, and
its small cost should be an incentive for i'm
mediate action.
We know of no element, that will
check conhagrations, that is cheaper than
water; if we did we would not delay in re-
commencing it.