The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-04-02
MORE WATER EL0QUENCE
PRESIDENT LATHAM PROUDLY
POINTS TO HIS NEW PLANT.
The Judge Accompanied to the Wells
by Reporter Who Sees for Himself
and What He Does Not See Asks for
and Receives.

the situation. But since the last notice,
two weeks or more ago, decidedly forward
movements have been made. An ArrEAL
representative, calling at the water Office
yesterday for information in this line,
President Latham, apologizing for having
so repeatedly asked to be excused until a
greater advance had been made, proposed
to accompany the reporter to the COM
pany's new fields of operations that he
might see for himself. A halt was made
at the Oyerton street wells only long
enough TO see the process in use by the
National Water Supply company, OF Gin
cinnati, with whom the old water company
had contract There are near this point
ten or dozen wells and others being
added, all to be connected with those on
Auction street, which is 10 be the pump
ing station. This latter place was found
TO be busy spot. The rapid rise OF the
river had rendered il doubtful wheth-
er the wells, before submcrgcnce,
could be connected with the large
pump main. President Latham explained
that by doubling forces the day before and
working all night the connections were
completed yesterday afternoon, and all is
safe, but by q narrow escape. Inside OF
another twenty-four hours the indications
are that the overflow would have been in
the trenches for the mains, and the COM
pletion OF this important work been re-
tarded for weeks. The network OF pipe
and well connections is truly an interest
ing sight. The great thirty-six inch main
was by the most herculean efforts, securely
fitted and finished at the danger point. II
is a gigantic piece OF work, and will carry
a volume OF water big enough 10 supply
any demand The big main is placed on
the surface along that portion OF Auction
street ut the city's request, rs Il intends to
GIL up the street TO level, which would
place the main at proper depth. Just
down in the fiat which is now pond OF
muddy, black water, stands eight of the
cxhaustless wells, and from the big black
pipes fifteen or twenty feet In hight springs
the clear, pure water. The wells are some
distance apart, and are all connected by
eight and twelve inch pipes with n
much larger one, which carries the
water TO the pumps. Just out OF
the Hat, over on the opposite side
OF Auction street, are two other full flow
ing wells making ten in close proximity OF
where the pumping station is being
erected. The work is evidently being
pushed with great eanestncss, and the
hopes OF Memphis people for purcr and
better water than they have ever had, and
no city in the Union will have any better,
II as good, are now an assured fact. After
finishing the casual observation OF what
was being done in ~ admirable manner
the conversation was resumed.
81 regret" said the judge, that We
missed Graves. IL takes him 10 grow elo-
quent and enthusiastic over these wells.
a little boy with his fist boots is dull in
comparison. And he has cause, and de-
serves all the praise he receives"
But the reporter thought II Mr.. Graves
was more elatedthan President L. lac must
be happy man.
"When do you now think you will be
pumping well water?' asked the reporter.
I'm May--not n full supply, but one
half. The situation is this: We assume
that the eighteen or twenty wells com
pleted are ample TO supply the city. II
not we arc sinking Others at both plants
n fast n possible. Now, how soon can We
provide the pumping engines? OF course
new engines, such ~ we will erect, cannot
bo constructed and In operation under
ilNuA VI ktu bul VIC lillllh W.
can give satisfaction with those We have.
The two You see here We brought down
from the old station. Asyou see, all water
connections with the wells being now com
plcte, we are pushing the work OF provid-
ing steam. These four new and superb
boilers We were on the eve OF setting at the
old plant, but now have them here. and
hope to be able to turn ON steam aud pump
1000, 600 gallons before June"
"rhcn our water for the next eight or
ten months will he 'ali and 'alf7"
"No, sir. So soon rs these two engines
are in successful action we can further
spare a 100000 Northingion from the
present works. While We are bringing
that down, the two already brought
aud those remaining at the Wolf
river works can furnish the city. when
the 5000, 900 Il connected II aud the two
now In can supply the city entirely with
aricsian water, and all other pumps will be
still"
"This indicates you have hal more en-
gincs than needed. How Ii IL that there
has been cause for complaint
Simply because the consumption out
grow the mains. We continued 10 rein
force our pumps ~ required. but new
I "
year. however we bought 100000 worth
Of large mains, and during the fall and
winter laid them. Though not all in, the
effect has been decided. They will all be
In by the time We are ready 10 pump from
the wells, and then, without a single addi-
ton 20 our present engines, We think the
supply will be ample everywhere"
'Still, you have contracted for others
Eyes; two 81 10000, 900 gallons each, 10
that We will be provided against all con-
tingencics."
GLOW about the stand ppc?"
ut Is under contract, 10 bc completed
about the lst Of August. II will. think,
he the best structure OF lis size In the
land, and Is Of the amplost proportions.
The bidders throughout the country, all
pronounced Il Of needless weight and
strength. lts absolute safety IL beyond
question. We were urged by the bidders
10 modify u. but our consulting en-
ginecr, Mr.. Whitman, Of st. Louis, and
Mr.. John johnson, In whose practical
judgment in such matters we place the
fullest reliance, advised otherwise aud We
| followed the path Of safety
| -