New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-04-27

meut down 20 the sohd substratum beneath linus =
formed Whit IL styledthe main spring, permanent
body II pure water existing everywhere beneath The
surface Of the Island fed by the surplusage OF ram
from above and discharging its surplus in turn, by
percoation, laterally through the gravel into the
ocean. Public opinion having almost universally
adopted the idea the manner of reaching and awaiting
themselves Of the supply TO be derived from this
main spring a subject exciting much diversity OF
opinion and discussion among the people. The adj
vocaes of tapping il by the sinking Of monster wells
were at that time more numerous, though not more
earnest than those who preferred 10 arrive at the same
result by collecting the waters Of the ponds and
streams Of the Island and bringing them into the
city BY means Of a canal conduit. There was still
another portion Of the community who preferred to
arrange with New-York and secure a share of the
Croton supply but the reluctance the part of New
York to permit anything to be done which would en-
danger the certainty and permanency Of their own
supply, caused that idea to be abandoned 1t was
the conflict between these various opinions and views,
and the difficulty Of concentrating the weight OF
majority Of the public sentiment in support of either
Of them that than any other cause protrac'ed to
so late period any definite action upon the subject
The great fire of September lSiS, when seven
acres of buildings destroyed, gave new Impulse
and Eltullty 10 lnt bHllHIiOu lot u hutcI sulpiy'
which made itself apparent in the action of the Com
mon Council. The subject was referred too Special
Committee of that body. who authorized 10 ex-
pend 81 900 in the purchase Of steam engine TO be
used in experiments for supplying the city with water
Various plans Of supply were suggested to the Com
mon Council by citizens taking active interest
in the matter which were referred 10 Special Com
mtee, who promptly, on the 9Th Of January, 1919,
submitted report. The report detailed the exRmin-
atoms and Investigations made by the Committee.
II proposed definite plan, but favored the sinking
Of wells from which the water should be conveyed to
reservoir on Prospect Hill, and thence distributed
throughout the city. The reservoir was to contain
eleven millions Of gallons and the amount of disri-
bution-pipe estimated TO be required was thirty-sX
miles Ii was divided into two propositions
one proposing furnish supply for the
extnguishment Of fires solely and the other
q supply for all the uses of the inhabitants, in
addition TO what required for extinguish-
ing fires The estimated cost of the whole work
$3.50 600. On the lst of February following, the
Committee reported the draft of act to enable the
carrying into operation of their pan which was for
warded to the Legislature, and by that body, the
10th of April I849, enacted into law. The act pro-
vides that the Mayor and Aldermen should appoint
" sioners of the City of Brooklyn" who shall hold
their offices for three years, and whose duty was TO
examine and consider all matters relative to supply
of water for the city. They were empowered
to employ engineers, surveyors, and other
assistants to aid them, and required to adopt
first plan for procuring sufficient supply for all
the uses of the inhabitants. They required to
report TO the Common Council, who
Il ,boxd Iast IN adj the
first plan separately and direct the work to be pro-
ceeded with at once, to meet the expenses of which
they were authorized to borrow a not exceeding
$50 000 at 6 v cent interest, credit of from
twenty to thirty years. In the event of the Com
mon Council approving of the general plan, they
were required TO submit the question of its adop-
ton or rejection TO the electors. If il received
the approval of a majority Of the electors, the
Common Council authorized to direct
the work to be proceeded with, and to borrow
sum not exceeding $3.50 900 to defray the expenses
thereof. On the 18th of June, 1919, movement was
made in the Common Council with the view of COM
mencing operations under the law, by proposing the
election of Water Commissioners All action was,
however, postponed until after the next meeting OF
the Legislature, in order that certain amendments,
deemed necessary might be made to the law.
The Common Council paid little attention to the
subject in 1850 A proposition was made in July of
that year. by Mr.. John Dsbrow, to construct reser-
vor on Prospect Hill, to obtain supply of water
from shafts sunk in the earth in that vicinity, and
raise it by means of machinery into the reservoir,
which was to be constructed by sections each section
to contain 1000, goo gallons One section was to be
put in working order within year, and to be filled
daily with water. The cost not TO exceed
5000 COO exclusive Of the land, and, if desired the
supply of water TO be increased by adding add
tiona sections to the reservoir, at the same rate Of
cost No action was had on this proposition.
On the 18th January, 1851, it was referred to
special committee to report what action wac expedi-
ent to procure supply of water, and on the LIST OF
February ensuing the committee reported recon-
mending an application to the Legislature for such an
amendment to the charter as would give the
Common Council further power in the premises.
This report was adopted In June, 1851, the water
committee was constituted standing committee of
the Board and soon after the committee instruct
ed to make such Investigations as they might deem
necessary in order TO bring the subject before the
Common Council for definite action. In September
following another resolution adopted authorizing
the committee to employ competent engineer to
make thorough examination of all matters connected
with the subject. In November the sum of $4,000
was appropriated for the Of the committee,
to defray expenses which they must incur in
the prosecution OF their abors. On the Sh December
the City Clerk was directed to publish notice of the
intention Of the Common Council to apply to the Le-
gisature for authority to contract loan for the pur-
pose Of providing the necessary means to meet the
expense that might be incurred in bringing supply
of water to the city. On the ID of the same month
the Committee submitted report Of progress with