, 1888-05-03

tne matter, ana some plan adopted
that would have solved the problem
and made the solution practical. I
have no particular plan to suggest,
but will kindly assist in any PROPOSE
ton that will forward the great work.
The question of removal seems TO be
settled, this must be done and in the
near future, 1t will be necessary also
to add to the capaciey OF the plant.
The rapid growth OF the northside has
made demand for water, and
it Is right and just that
they should have it, and in order To
accomplish this, it will be necessary 70
have works OF sufficient magnitude TO
supply each and every part OF the city.
The pumping capacity OF the present
works are 1,oOOOO0 gallons per day,
and our present consumption is 50O,-
GOO gallons. 1t is estimated that as
soon as the hot season commences the
consumption will be fully 1,OOO,Cc0
gallons per day. This, you will obs erve,
leaves but little reserve for fire pur-
poses. The running expenses of the
city water works are about $4,000 per
annum. Interest on bonds SIC ,,
making total of $1,000 Receipts
from all sources SIS, 1857, good
showing certainly for this department.
The question of raising funds to ac-
com plsh this removal of works de-
mands your early attention. Should
the measure now before congress be-
come II law, this obstacle will be over
come. The city should urge its friends
in congress te assist us i'm getting
beyond the dilemma i'm which we are
placed. In extending water mains
you should add great importance to
the fact OF getting revenue in return.
This should be the rule, and public ne
cessity the exception. IL is to be re
g.etted that often hundreds OF dollars
are spenE in extending mains for the
benefit of few, while the many
householders are destitute OF what to
them is most essential. AT present
we have forty.four fire hydrants and
nearly six miles of mains. There is
no reason why cur mains should not
be extended, it is adding revenue to
the city and comfort to the COM
munity. Before closing this subject
l would say, gentlemen, that great
credit is due to our present efficient
superintendent of water who has been
largely instrumental in developing
this present system and bringing it to
its present high standard
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Our volunteer fire department de-
serves great praise and consideration
at your hands. They have performed
hard service with but little expense to
the city. | would recommend the
purchase Of 1000 feet more of hose for
the present company ut once; and
further recommend that hose cart
be equipped and located in the west
ern part of the city; also as soon as
placed on the north side. The time
has now arrived when the city should
be supplied with the electric fire alarm
system. 1t has been ascertained that
a system of this kind sufficient by ade-
quate for the present can be had for
less than $1,000. Steps should be taken
for procuring permanent location of
buildings for this important depart
ment.
DRAINAGE.
Yon all appreciate the need of a
surface drainage for the city. This
matter should proceed in connection
with street grades and alley improve
ments. In this manner great saw
ing can be made to the city. Some
system should be adopted by which
the water accommodating from rains and
melted snow can be disposed of and
experiments made and formerly sub
mitted to the city coup Gil showing that
this can be done Mt small expense to
the city.
THE POLICE.
| a better system should be inaugu-
rated in our police department. o.
dinances governing this subject
should be made, defining the duties
and powers of policemen, the manner
Of appointing, and their qualifications
and term of Office.
| Other suggestions ought to be. made
of vital interest to the city, but gentle
men, conclude by saying that ! am
ever ready and willing to assist in ad-
vancing the best interests of Spokane
! Falls, and shall whenever / deem
proper suggest to your honorable
body any and all matters that tend to
that end. Gentlemen, | await your
further pleasure. j. HOOVER.
/ Mothers, Read.