, 1878-06-28

OUR WATER SUPPLY. - Messrs. Dod1 Il
Pugh, Of the Central, together with Mr., |
c. j. HOXsie. seem to be ycrltable pio-
neers in solving the momentouS question
expressed by the above heading. Mr..
Hoxsie Is a thorough and practical engi-
ueer. and conceived the idea of driving
iron pipe through the superficial layer of
sand on the low land, or spit, upon which
the business portion Of Port Townsend is
built, and forcing to the surface liberal
supply OF fresh water which, he believed,
could be obtained in this way. Many
coniectues were expressed regarding the
probability that water obtained in this
way would be brackish and unfit for use
on account of having nothing but gravel
between it and the bay. However, the
proprietors of the aboye-named hotel, hav'
ing sustained for long time heavy tax
Oh their business, for hauling water, de-
termined to try the experiment. Accord
ingly a pipe was driven at the loot OF the
grade opposite their building and liber-
al supply OF fresh water was o6taiued
which they conveyed across lots TO con-
venient place for use, by means OF wooden
pipes from the Tumwater factory The
remarks caused by the success Of this I'M
dertaking induced Mr.. Bill, our town
blacksmith, to sink pipe from the ioor
of his shop aud mount pump. when 1t
became known that his wants respecting
Adams ale we've thus easily supplied
Others, hitherto Indifferent, began to ex-
hibit symptoms of the water fever. The
next place where our 10y this timel hero
in the crises commenced operations was
in front OF the tin-shop Of Mr.. Jno. L.
Norris, where IN less than half an hour
from the commencement OF operations a
stream OF very good water was being
pumped-to the infinite satisfaction of a
crowd of byStanders. BY this time about
half the residents OF the lower part OF
town had concluded to have these new
tangled and mighty convenient wells dis
trlbuted around at various convenient
points among their business and dwelling
houses. The previously question
Of our water supply having been thus hap
PLY adjusted in a large measure, the
question remains. :" How long will our
citizens be in availing themselves OF the
advantages of the new discovery =
From present indications this question
will not be tabled before being voted upon,
although another interesting query finds
expression thusy: Why didn't we think
of it before?" The depth which pipe has
to be driven varies from to 20 feet, nc
cording to the elevation above tide level
The water thus far turns out 10 be OF u
much better quality than was expected,
even if it isn't quite as refreshing s noun
tain sprihg fluid. Enough has been seen
to prove that our steamers can easily be
supplied by simply running pipes. or
hose, down upon the wharf. Aside from
these facts we may take into consideration
the ease with which buildings OF all kinds
may be protected from fire BY simply sink
ing pipes Alongside and attaching there
to force pumps and hose; besides many
other advantages are within easy reach,
50 that the upper town now alone remains
inadcquately supplied and it, being com
posed entirely of private residences and
churches. may easily be kept IN plenty
during nine or ten months in the year by
means of cisterns. The developments IN
this line have added q cheerful aspect to
our prospects, hitherto unnoticed; busi-
ness men are rendered more hopeful III
consequences of the enhanced value OF their
town property, and the general pulse
throbs more vigorously. Mr. J. T. Nor
ris keeps pumps and pipe on hand, MI.
Hoxsie is ready to put them in operation
whenever and wherever necessary, anG a
strong argument in their favor is that they
do not cost much and that in case of re-
moval you can pull up your we'll and take
il along with you.