New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-06-09

Hampstead STORAGE RESERVOIR HEARING.
ACTION OF THE BROOKLYN BOARD OF CITY WORKS
DEFENDED BY COCNsEL-QUEsTIONs ASKED IN
BEHALF OF TAXPAYERS MET WITH A REFUSAL
TO ANSWER.
The hearing of persons interested in the pro-
iected enlargement and completion Of the Hampstead
storage reservoir at estimated cost OF $5O0OO0 in
addition about 81 10000 already expended, was con-
tinued by the Joint Committees Law and Water and
Drainage Of Brooklyn Board OF Aldermen last night
The Common Council Chamber was crowded with
wealthy taxpayers, and considerable number Of Off
Gals also present. President Palmer OF the Depart
ment Of City Works recounted the action OF that depart
mcnt and explained the details Of the contract with
Kingsley and Keeney.
BENJAMIN d. Silman special counsel in defence Of
the Board OF City Works, read long document giving
the capacity, cost, and operation of the works
which he compared with those of other cities He said
that Brooklyn the verge Of a water famine IN
only three inches above the supply-plpe The
recent fire at Woodruff a Robinson's stores had
consumed S.77I 900 gallons OF water and there
times when such a draft would cause famine IL there
should be famine through a non-compleion Of the
reservoir il would not he safe for those who had caused
it TO remain in the city The contract had been faith
fully executed, and the only changes made were
tinecncics Which almost invariably. arise in
IN rT their onn plans Tne DAM ORIGINALLY endcd to
be 80 feet high had been reduced TO 20 feet, measure
OF safety This had made ecessary greater amount of
excavation in the reservoir in order maintain it, cap
acity OF 900 900 gallons, ii was this which
had caused the charges about extra excavation The
item of 500 900 for "extra hauage" declared
cessry and accordance with the contract provisions.
injured by charges that the 81 100000 worth Of bonds
already issued were not valid The bonds were legally
issued he said and the work in payment for which they
issued had been practically completed. The cost of
the reservoir would not increase TAXATION the water
works selfsustainng and sinking fund pro-
ydcd for the redemption OF the bonds 80 years hence
The Board Of ely Monks desired to act dwfny
Keeney If they were legally entitled TO finish the work,
made, and the work might he done cheaper now than
then. The present average daily water supply was 30
900 by the new reservoir but if the growth of the city
continued 10 600. 900 would be needed in few years.
A. A Low said he not afraid OF short supply in
case Of fire, for lie did not believe that the East
River would run dry. daughter aud applause.) lie
criticized the work and proceedings of the contractors
and said that while the people wanted all the water
Health Commissioner Hutchinson called attention TO
%o e ewar tf or ' asked nSif OF &
Palmer OF the Board Of city Works o series Of
nessrs Fowler, Lowbcr. ana Bliss Water Commits
sioners when the contract was made: Mr. Fowler
that $l,4OOOO0 would complete the work. lie
finally declined 10 answer any questions unless
remark Mr. Fowler said his forte TO work rather
than TO talk and that the people OF Brooklyn knew him
naely" Mr. Fowler said that the Board Of City Works
had acted by authority Of the Common Council. Gen
woodford said that he was asking questions at the re-
quest OF the taxpayers Mr. Fowler stll refusing to an
swer I'll he could refer to his books and records there
were loud cries of "Answer." ANSWER! aud renewed
confusion.
EX-DstIict-AttOney ROdman said tlei tue water Com
mssioneIs not ia Justices court to DC caechsed
nor at primary meeting, and that II such proceedings
kept up the hearing would last long the
Beecher trial Gen. WOOdford Yes, and probably do
more good" The meeting continued till late hour, and
adjourned until this evening, amid considerable confu
sion.
THE sWEDENBORGIAN CHURCH CONVENTION.
The closing session Of the Convention of the