Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-11-25

sewage from storm-water overfows would be-
GENE Objectionable, especially when the water
Is TO be used for domestic purposes at no great
distance below the town.
+. Where pumping Of the sewage is found too
expensive to admit of the increased quantity
from intercepting sewers during rains, which
can occur In very low and fat districts.
Where 1t Is necessary to build q system OF
sewers Tor house drainage with the least cost
and delay, and the underground rain-water re-
movai, az all necessary. can be postponed.
Under such conditions the ordinary separate
system can generally be applicable vet certain
special features OF the locality may determine
In favor OF Shone's system. For instance:
where pumping OF the sewage to moderate
elevations Is advantageous or required at sew
erai or numerous points not greatly distant from
each other, In order to increase the grade and
velocity between them.
Where deep excavation is very expensive.
either from being under the level of suhsoil
water or In rock, and where shalower sewers
with better grades and intermediate lifts could
be substituted, as in undulatng grounds with
rock near the surface when the sewage is to be
carried across the ridges or In low-lying and
water. ~ ''' DH0''
Good examples of the ordinary separate sys-
tenn are found at Oxford, Reading. Tottenham,
and other small English towns The best works
on the Liemur plan are at Amsterdam. The
Shone system has not yet been applied, except
at Wrexham for trial purposes.
In conclusion it may be said that as quite diff
erent conditions may occur in the same town, it
is possible and practicable to adopt several sys-
TENS for it. 1t may be found expedient to eX-
clude rain water from certain areas, whereas the
combined system would be advisable in others"
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE WITH THE STEAM RAIL
ROADS.
In my last annual report were considered two
questions seriously affecting the commercial and
sanitary interests Of the District of Columbia, -
the reclamation Of the Potomac flats, with the
incidental prOlongation Of the main sewers OF
Washington to deep water Of the Potomac: and
the placing underground of the various steam
railroad tracks now upon the surface of the
streets
Thereclamation Of the flats having been under
taken. pursuant to the appropriation of s4OO. 900
for this purpose, under the direction of the
Engineer Department Of the Army. this impor-
tant feature Of the sewerage of Washington Is
now provided for. The steam railroad tracks
still continue to Inconvenience the people of
Washington and to obstruct the growth and i'm
provement of the city. 1t was estimated that
81, 365. 1884, 90 would be required to carry out the
plan proposed for putting these roads under
ground and on viaducts out Of the way Of the
city traffic. 1t is to be hoped that in whatever
way this object shall be attained no temporiz-
ing scheme may be permitted to intervene and
postpone its accomplishment.
submit herewith tables showing the con-
tracts for supplies for the District of Columbia
and the details of work done under contract and
by hired labor in connection with drainage and
sewerage and water supply
Very respectfully,
r. L. HOxIE,
Captain of Engineers, U. s. A.