The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1868-02-27

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS OF THE City
WATER WoRKs.-Observant persons have
long considered the necessity of improve
ments upon the City Water Works by
means of which an invariable supply of
water may BIZ insured to all parts of the
city. Yesterday the matter was before
the City Council, and resolution upon
the subject adopted. The necessity is
undoubted, but the means, perhaps, not so
clear. 1t has been proposed to construct
a new reservoir in connection with the one
now in use but in this case there is a part
of the city in which the additional storage
will be of no avail, owing to its remoteness
and consequent depression of the main
pipe. We allude to the lower wards,
who're most of the water is consumed, not
only from the increase Of pressure, but
the density of the population. Church
and Union Hills are certainly entitled to
their supply of water.
Of the various plans to effect the desired
objects, the one described below is worthy
of attention as combining cheapness,
utility, and ornament. The city now OWLS
about three and a half acres Of land on
the south side of Franklin between Tweu-
ty-seventh and Twenty ninth streets, pur-
chased some time since with view to the
establishment of public square. This
ground is exceedingly unleyel, rendering
it Objectionable to ladies and children for
the purpose indicated. franklin and the
cross street fronts are we'll suited for
building purposes, and would command
good prices as sites for residences. Now,
the plan is to sell this square and purchase
the one bounded by Broad and Grace,
Twenty-sixth and Twenty seventh streets.
This is fourteen feet higher than the
former, almost perfectly level, and
in every way we'll suited for public
park. In the centre of this square erect
a reservoir or water-tower, thirty feet high
and thirty feet in diameter, of boiler
iron, and supported on stone base.
A winding stairway should lead to an
open observatory enclosed by balcony.
Thence view Of the city and suburbs
further than now found would be afforded.
From the reservoir and tower walks should
diverge toward gates on each of the sur
rounding streets. Trees should be planted,
grass sown, and all practicable embellish-
ments of public square provided, making
it a pleasant summer resort for pleasure
seekers, tired business men, and strangers
visiting the city. Property on adjacent
squares would be of increased value, and
the growing necessities of the citizens OF
the lower wards supplied.
The reservoir could be connected i'm
mediately with the eight-inch major pipe
on Broad street, and be made q part of the
water works of the city, filling, as it
would, during the night, when the draught
of the city ceases and the necessity OF the
day is relieved. It.might be made to con-
tain one hundred thousand gallons, and its
flow might be retained exclusively for use
in the portion of the city in which it is
situated. The square alluded to has but
one building of value upon it, which could
be torn down without much loss and little
trouble. 80
1t is to be hoped that the City Council
will consider this proposition, as it origi-
mated with one well acquainted with the
necessities of the city and conversant with
the management of enterprises Of the kind.