The Howard union. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1865-1866, 1865-08-10
LAUNCH OF THE TUNNEL CRIB.

i'm Important Event in The History of Chi.
cdgo- Mdtpeliops Success Of The Grcd
Work-d Retrospective Glance at The
Wate, Question.
From the Chicago Journal, July Oath:
We chronicle to-day an epoch in the his
tory OF Chicago, and the herculean efforts
put forth by her authorities 10 obtain sup
ply OF pure water for the use Of her. two
hundred thousand inhabitants. Our readers
are familiar with The history of the great
lake tunnel, now in process of construction,
every important feature and movement oil
which have been from time TO time chron-
ioled in these columns. The filthy condition
OF the Chicago river, made so by the nu-
merous Strengthening and rendering estab-
iishments along its banks, and to which the
entire sewerage system Of the city is tribu.
tary, contaminated the water of the lake so
lar out that the old water pipes which gath
cred their supply at less than q mile from
the shore not unlrequently yielded water Of
very questionable quality. Hence the ne
eessity for procuring water at a greater
distance into the lake. A long series Of
observations resulted in establishing the fact
that at two miles from the shore the water
Is always clear and pure. But how to get
supply from that distance, and in sufficient
quantity to meet the demands of a rapidly
increasing population, was a problem not
easily solved. Science mastered it, and its
solution is clear enough TO satisfy the most
cynical. 4 monster tunnel, five feet in
diameter in the clear, dug under the bottom
OF the lake was determined upon, and for
upwards of year has been in course of
construction. The cost Of this immense
work-a work that has been described and
commented upon by the press Of every land
will be over 100000. The contractors
are Messrs. Dull & Gowaa, of Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, gentlemen Of acknowledged
scientific and practical ability, whose energy
has been the admiration of all familiar with
the difficulties to be surmounted,
When ground was broken for the shaft at
the shore end OF the tunnel year ago, the
event was considered the most important
one in the local history of our city. From
that time, day and night, the work has been
progressing until it has reached distance
Of over three thousand feet.
To-day the monster CRIB was successfully
launched, the spectacle being witnessed by
thousands of spectators, among whom were
Governor Oglesby and Coils. Snyder and
Bowen, of his staff. Fair weather and a
smooth lake were indispensable requisites
to the success OF the great work, and for
these the contractors have waited long and
patiently. A finer day could not have been
wished for than was to-day. 1t having been
announced that the structure would be
launched this morning, weather permitting,
our citizens took it for granted that the time
had arrived, and focked TO the mouth of
the harbor by thousands. Nor were they
disappointed. At few minutes past ten
o'clock the immense structure glided into
the water as gracefully as swan, and float.
ed therein, the admiration of every body.
Then cheers arose from the multitude, men
huzzahed and ladies waved their handker.
chiefs. A dozen steamers and tugs, all of
which were freighted with people, simulta.
neously screamed long note of welcome
from their steam whistles, and thus the sec.
ond great event in the history of the pure
water enterprise of Chicago was celebrated.
Three tugs at once took the monster in
tow, and slowly steamed out towards its
intended location, large number Of ladies
and gentlemen, and the Gubernatcrial party
above referred 10, accompanying the expe-
dition.
The crib arrived at the buoys at twelve
o'clock, and was Immediately anchored
thereto. These buoys, five in number are
attached to as many one and half inch
cables, anchored to the bottom with Eve of
Mitchelps marine mooring screws, which
are screwed into the firm clay, and are
capable Of resisting any amount Of pressure.
These screws are used in the English Chan
mel for mooring the heaviest line of. battle
ships, and will secure the crib beyond the
possibility of danger.
The crib is constructed Of over $50 900
feet Of lumber, is forty and one half feet
high, Is hve-sided, and measures ninety
eight and halt feet across. Immense beams
Of hard wood are laid up, tier upon Tier,
supported and Traced by thwarts and huge
iron bolts, and cased with heavy three inch
oak plank. 1t is divided into five water
tight compartments, each of which is provi.
ded with valves for letting in the water and
sinking il. These compartments will be
filled with stone, and when SO filled and
anchored, the crib will extend but i've feet
above the water.
In the center Of the crib is large hollow
space, into which huge east.iron cylinders
will be lowered and forced down into the
bed Of the lake. The water will be pumped
out OF these cylinders, and the workmen will
then commence excavating under the lake.
striking out to meet those engaged at the
other end of the tunnel. The work will
then progress with great rapidly, and in a
few short months Chicago viii have an
ample supply Of as pure aud healthy water
scan be found in the world.