Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-01-06

brave volunteers, the engineers have prac
ltsed every economy consistent with the eff
cheney of the department. Notwitbstandin,
the dlscouragements under which they labor
ed, by reason of the strong appeals to tn
hremen to join the army, by the united eff
forts OF officers and men, the ranks have beef
Kept full. Since the LIST of Nav last, one
third OF the public spirited young men who
at that time, composed this force, with tbei
natural and characteristic impulse to rusl
where the danger is greatest, and where thei,
services are most needed, have volunteered
in the army, helping to complete the quota O
this city.
The city council by recent order have
authorized the purchase of second steam
fire engine. 1t will be necessary for YOU,
having in cooperation with the engineers
fixed upon proper location, to provide a
house for it, and to do and provide whatever
else may be necessary to put it in working or
uer' Inc engineers urge upon the city gov
eminent the necessity of further and relia-
BILE supply of water. They also represent
that there is still a deficiency of leading hose.
The department now consists of seven en-
glnes and two hundred and fifty men, organ
lzed INTO ten companies, engine, hose, hook
ana ladder, inclusive. There have been thir-
| ty-elght alarms of fire during the year, and
the amount OF property destroyed is estimated
from $4,000 to 100000. A large proportion
OF the fires have been of barns, many of which
were in the suburban districts, so remote that
before the department could reach them, the
flre had accomplished its work, or was entire
ly beyond control. Most of these fires have
been the work of incendaries. The appro-
prlatlon for the department in 1862, was
| 500.
In consequence of its peculiar organization,
commencing and closing in the month of Nav,
the expenditures cannot now be stated 1t is
believed, however, that they will not exceed
the appropriation. In his last annual report,
the chief engineer advised the alteration of
the charter Incorporating the Worcester Fire
Department. so that the firemen's wear should
commence with the municipal year. | fully
concur in the opinion expressed by that off
Ger, that it would be for the public conyen-
fence, and promote the harmony of our sys-
tenn OF municipal government, TO have all its
departments commence operations, and open
and close their annual accounts, as nearly as
possible, at the same time.
THE WATER QUESTION.
The subject of further supply of water
will be brought before you at an early day, in
manner that will demand your most careful
consideration. A petition, already numerous
ly signed by many of the leading capitalists
and business men of the city, of every trade,
party, and occupation, representing several
millions OF our taxable property, waits but the
complete organization of the government to be
presented to you. The necessity of a further
supply OF water, at some not far distant day,
is universally acknowledged. Almost every
city government for the last ten years has had
the subject presented to it, in some form; but
for want of time, or alarmed at the magnitude
OF the work, and the labor and responsibility
OF those who should have it in charge, have
shrunk from the undertaking. The water has
been passed by from year to year, for more
favorable time until the city debt should be
reduced, or the work could be accomplished
more economically, or until the public could
decide between the various schemes that have
been proposed. And now the city debt is
nearly doubled, with scarcely hope of its
speedy Eedaetiqn labor dc afss7 u nd Water
it more urgent than ever. All of my prede-
cessors, who, while admitting the necessity of
introducing water at some future time, have
advocated postponement, now, without excep-
lion, join in asking for immediate action.
do not fully realize the urgency of this
demand upon sanitary considerations, or for
the more economical domestic arrangements
or personal comforts of the inhabitants of
city where pure water, though hard, is so cas-
lily obtained sufficient for such purposes; but
SO far as it is required to furnish increased ia
cilities for business, or to afford ample pro-
lection to property, it is for the interest of eve
ry citizen, wherever he may be located, at any
reasonable cost, to furnish it. One of the first
and most beneficial effects Of a supply of pure,
soft water, will be the introduction of small
mechanical establishments all over the city,
which are now Of necessity concentrated in
special localities. Personally | am one of
those who have no direct interest in the sub
ject. Located outside of the circle that would
be reached by the distributive pipes, and am.
ply supplied from other sources, | can de-
rive no benefit from it except in the greater
security and prosperity of the public but we
cannot, if we would separate ourselves from
the great heart of the city.
During the last two or three months no de-
pendence has been or could be placed upon
the supply of water in Bell Pond for protec-
ton against even an ordinary fire. We may
well dread to contemplate the limits or the
consequences of an extensive conflagration in
a wooden-but city like ours, when once
beyond the control of our gallant firemen, for
want of an adequate supply of water.
If you shall think that the necessity exists,
and that the introduction of water is merely
question of time, then, alarming as is the
financial condition of the city, l know not
when the time will be better. If the cost of
the work is to be greater than the benefit to
be received, it should never be done at all
If, on the contrary, it will give increased val
nc and security to property, stimulate indus
try, give health and comfort to our citizens
far beyond the expense, then the work cannot
be undertaken too soon. No enterprise of
this magnitude should be commenced, without
very general and concurrent public senti-
ment in its favor. 1t will be for you to deter
mine whether you will cause such additional
surveys, and such thorough examination to
be made as will enable the citizens to form an
intelligent opinion, and come to final decis-
ion upon the subject.
The income from the aqueduct during the
last year has been about $l,700, and the ex-
penditures about $1,000. There has been
paid for pumping water from Gates spring,
$500, and fer the use of the spring. $50. The
use of this WATER on account of its extreme
hardness, and the substances contained in il,
fills and corrodes the pipes, and in the opin-
ion of the commissioner, should be dlscontin-
ued. The number of water takers, or per-
sons who pay for it, is ITO, but the number
who use it is greater, as in many cases the
landlord or owner of building, pays for sew
eral tenants.
HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES.
The appropriation for roads and bridges in
1862, was $17 500; OF which $10,500 was for
the ordinary work of expenses of the depart
ment, and $7,000was special and extraordi-
Il