The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-10-10
THE WATER QUESTION IN RAsHlNaToN--No.
~ Hon. Jame, @. Bara, Mayor Of Washington:

40 LioH james u berfa, mayor OF Wdahug0a.
This matter has assumed the position its Importance
demands among the citizens Of Washington. AN
failing and abundant supply of good and wholesome
water contemplated in the extensive works pro-
crossing, ia rs important subject well be pre-
sented to the attention of the community. 1t is
senti to the comfort of people is the question of
wholesome food and superior in Importance to that of
gas, which already have for may exist without
gas but he cannot exist without water. The cooling
fountain and tho refreshing WELL in days of the Bible,
Of the first objects Of desire Of the patarchs Of
old aud tho of deepest historical interest and
miracle The magnicence of tho aqueducts of Rome
has survived the grandeur Of her power Its fountains
and baths still the admiration of the world The city
of London is supplied by its costly waterworks with
nearly fifty million gallons of water daily Paris is fur
nished by the Canal de POurq with twenty million gal
Ions Of water daily, at annual expense of nearly
million of dollars besides the supply from the Seine dis
buted by water carriers The progressive character of
our own people has not been behind in this of i'm
provcment. philadelphia, New York, Boston, Cincin-
NATL Detroit Buffalo, Albany Norfolk, Allegheny city,
Chicago, Baltimore and other cities of country have
extensive water-worhs.
1t early contemplated that the benefits Of water
should be extended to Washington Its noble avenues
the appearance and beauty of which challenge the admit
ration of every stranger and which unparalleled in
any other city Of the world its beautiful public squares
and reservations around which already the genius OF
sculpture and science begins to throw its kindng nu
ences instncvey TO invite cheerful and invgora
ting fountains of water while the oppressive heats of
that pervade this climate at all periods Of the year. and
which at to threaten tho inhabitants
with sufocation and death, demand IAN unfaing and
abundant supply of good and wholesome water at any
expense effort enterprise. With this sentiment the
Congress Of the republic has fully and substantially
pathzed In special message, dated 2lst February,
1853 Mr. Fillmore communicated to the Senate the
port of Captain then Ieutenan Meigs, (32d Cong, I'd
sess Sem Elk. Doc. No. 49, who estimated the total
to be s2,3ooooo Congress appropriated by act Of
I'D March, 1895 SlOU,OUu
And by act Of Sd March, 1885, 100000
August 49, 1856 ------------------------ ESQ, 0OO
By act of Sd March, 1857, dor existing liza
bcs and to preserve the work. -------- 1000, OOO
June H. 1885, Observation-Disclosures 500 0OC
Total amount appropriated ------.-- 2,400, 000
It is considered that the work will be completed with
in the appropriations, and that the water will be intro
duced into the pipes already laid by the month of De-
cember next The doubly interesting question then
arises how is this great benefit and blessing to be brought
to the homes and houses of the community? Already
has the feversh excitement been such that it has been
suggested in the public papers, by communications for
any person to tap the government pipes at pleasure and
at random That the water should be free to all is urged
So it is in the with the idea of Horne ooke
is Browns Hotel free to all free to all who pay for it,
How them is this to be best DONE what the best
plans and modes
The wise tells us that which has been done Is
that which will be DONE" cc l. tx y and it is only by
the experience of the past that guidance for the future
obtained. Let then take up the history and cxpe-
ence of other Cities and endeavor to extract from them
the best mode to these important benefits The
idea that each individual is to be allowed to tap the gov
mains and lay down pipes his hook with
out any system restraint producing confusion, dis
order and waste is utterly mpracticabe and too dicu
lous to be entertained by any sensible person.
From the reports and documents before me, procured
with much trouble and compiled with some labor will
endeavor to lay before you the commencement and
of the wacrworks of each city far ascertaned
accessible the cost of construction the annual
nue. the extent and capacity daily amount and
of supply the tax to each and mode by which
this is fixed from these facts and the experience afford
ed endeavor to suggest the best and most appropriate
mode by which the cities of Washington and Georgetown
may be supplied But these inquiries will extend this
communication beyond ordinary extent, will post
pone them until next week for another number
AQUARIUS.