New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-11-29
RESOURCES UNDERGROUND.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
SIR: In the discussion Of the supply or
water to the emergencies OF extensive conagra
tons the fact OF there being inexhaustble subterra
mean reservoir pure fresh water underlying this city
seems TO have been forgotten ignored That good
water in and unknown quantities flows under
Of thjs city. AT least. has heen and is daily de-
mOnsraed beyond caYh- several largo Dreweres ana
manufacturing establishments avoid croton water tax
by procuring the water they require from this under
ground lake stream by means of artesian wells Of
moderate depth, and, although unable 20 give the
dates at present THE TRIBUNE within the last two years
has given accounts OF borings being made verify the
sodity Of the earth at certain points for the founda
tons of wharyes, the Brooklyn Bridge, among the
ber think the prosecution of which this water has
been reached Why rot endeavor to utilize this subter
supply II it exists Let the question Of this
underground supply OF water be tested at once at
various points udclousy selected, and If found made
quate have salt eXtinguishing fires
ped through earhenware pipes which will not oOrrode
and jealousy reserve our Croton TO meet the domestic
No. l54 SiTut-are., Ye,O- York, Nov. co. 1872.
PUBLIC STEAM SUPPLY.
To The Editor Of TIE Tribune.
SIR: Caught fire from the boiler-roOm is
the solemn warning Of the great Boston fire, that has
destroyed property than would have been required
10 erect and introduce the most complete system of
supply. 1t almost strange that there has
concentrated effort for the general introduction
OF from central supply, when IL has been fire.
quenty urged by the most intelligent engineers in the
country. In Boston and other cities whole blocks
warmed from central point and any OF the large fac
tories clearly demonstrate the entire pracrcabty
OF carrying steam 5000 feet II the boilers the
water steam supply would extend 10 every building
within half mile There would then be- a powerful fire
extinguisher reaching that whole district When
fire is breaking out IL usually be smothered
by steam, largely saturated with water with.
out damage to many kinds of goods Again,
steam be combined with water in extin-
gushing very hot fire. II all the fires removed
from the buildings and all the power. warm
ing and ventilation supplied from the street mains
the liability To fire would be greatly diminished INDIE
pendent o. all FISK the economy 2, soen an
OF always having unlimited supply OF steam for power
immediately at hand rail- purposes without the trouble
and danger OF keeping boilers osder hope Boz ton
Will now take the lead in introducing sueha system
through the large space thahas been cleared ~ great
cost OF all these little petty hrebrands aud dangerously
explosive arrangements. XVII.
Ne1- York, Nov IS, 1872 .'
FIRE-PROOF CONSTITUTIONAL DEFENSE OF
MANsARD. ..-I -....r
To the Editor OF The Tribune.
SIR: The havoc made by fire in two of our
largest cities in succession naturally arouses tho public
mind in regard to its aud feeling in
favor OF safer mode OF construction OF buildings, max
ing nearly proof against the chances Of taking
IRE The practice OF facing buildings with stone edge
hooked to unbonded brick wall is one of the most
vicious ofsprngs OF sham architecture. All stone, even
granite be laid in its natural position and tho
blocks should be OF such dimensions that the bed shall
bo always larger than the face. Although largo blocks
of stone may appear massive they make weaker walls
and less able TO resist than stones OF proper
sizes well bonded. A circular doorway window cut
through solid stone has comparison in strength TO
the areh and the operation Is unskifu 1t Is I'M
architectural and unworthy of liz purpose. There Is no
elasticity In stoue and when pierced laid side wise II
gives away under with all its dependents where
arch would not be at all Liable. Hence the evil results
aboshng arches lntes whether Of wood, stone.
or mon. A.. ,.
HaiHfeld. n. j., Nov. 81, 1914
WIDE STREETS AND FIRES.
20 the Bdtior or TAe Tribune.
SIR An article in your paper of to-day sug~
gests widening certain downtown streets rs barrier
against great fires. Aside from the enormous expense
which such u proceeding would involve, think II IL
open grave doubt whether any considerable benefit
would ultimately when the great ire actually
takes place. At present these streets have mostly old
fashioned threestory brick buildings. II tho streets
wero wdened lofty modern structures would their
place. Now Il Is general and wellf0undod belief
among insurance officers that buildings OF the former
style the least likely To occasion or assist IN the
spread OF great fires, while tall buildings, Wide
stroets greatly Increase the danger There were scarcely