The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-04-29


Yesterday was great day in the City OF
Churches. The rejoicings consequent upon the
Introduction of the Nassau water furnished its
usually placid inhabitants with the opportunity
for a sensation, and, to do them justice, they
made the most of it. 1t Is 90 seldom that any
thing occurs to ripple the even current Of their
existence that the enthusiasm which they ex.
hibited on this occasion was quite remarkable.
We have, therefore, in order to furnish mate
rails for a future history of popular excitements
in Brooklyn, taken particular pains to place
upon record all the sayings and doings con
rected with this memorable event.
Leaving to cur reporters the task of enlarging
upon the glories of the elebration-which OF
course embraced the usual features Of military
and civic procession, speech making, fireworks
and illuminations--we shall content our
selves with congratuiating the Brooklyn
people on the victory which they have
achieved in the construction Of their present.
water works But for the distractions
thrown in their way by parties who sought to
turn their necessities to their OWN profit, they
might have been long since in the enjoy OF
them. If the acquisition has been long deferred,
however, it will be appreciated with keener
relish, and the excitement of yesterday shows
that our neighbors are fully alive to its impor-
lance. 1t is certain that nothing will contribute
more to the rapid growth Of their city than this
event, for it was the absence Of plentiful sup
ply Of pure water which formed the main objec-
ton to it as place Of residence.
When we recollect how comparatively short O
time has elapsed since the construction Of the
Paramount water works in Philadelphia set the
first example Of general water supply to ouI
large cities, we have reason to be proud Of the
progress made in this respect throughout the
Union. Although in the Fairmount works the
distance which the water had to be conveyed
was trifing, and the engineering difficulties
easily overcome, the project was at the time one
which had its skeptics and opponents. Since
then how great an advance has been made, not
only in the spirit of enterprise amongst our peo-
pie, but in the appreciation of those COM
forts and luxuries which keep the intel
lects of men ever busy to forestall them
Like the Romans, we now think no distance
too great, no expenditure too heavy, to
secure to us the inest mable blessing of an abun-
dsnt supply Of wholesome water. In the Croton
water works we have shown that where there is
the spirit to overcome difficulties, there can be
no real obstacles to its acquisition. The cost of
such an undertaking is necessarily enormous;
but who nova days thinks of balancing the pre-
sent cost of snch work against the economy of
health and comfort which it effects. quarter
Of century ago these sanitary considerations
exercised but little weight; now they are begun
ming to be properly appreciated. People no
longer grumble at taxation when they feel salts
fed that it is to be expended for purposes which
are essential to the moral and physical health of
the community of which they form part.
Where such sentiment as this exists, a pub
lie necessity will no sooner be felt than steps will
be taken to meet it. Such of our cities as have
not as yet followed our example in regard to
general water supply are preparing to do 80 at
the earliest opportunity. Thus Yankee enter
prize will in the next dozen years have done
more in this respect for the health and comfort of
its population than Paris and other leading cities
ofthe Old World have succeeded in doing with
an unlimited power of taxation and longer ex-
perience at their command