The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-01-20

The water problem in Memphis has
scased, in great measure, TO be an alb
rrusc one. Columns in the newspapers
md pamphlets have been written, but
these afforded relief on paper only. Peo-
pie longed for something more substantial.
Won river water was good enough TO flow
llone unintcrruptedly in the Mississippi,
but when turned into the parched mouths
81 human beings there was a revulsion
md kick. Such popular uprising, so TO
peak, brought forth theories upon the
pries, and finally an artesian well on
Court street, used by the Bohlen-llusc
Ice company. During last summer
thousands OF good, bad and Indifferent
people slakcd their thint from its plentiful
and sparkling flow without money and
withou, price. The article was first class
and went straight 10 the spot.
Then Mr.. X. G. Graves, superintendent,
formed q water company, secured charter,
and went before the Legislative Council for
the necessary rights and privileges to sup
ply the inhabitants and contracts with the
city, the water TO lie pure and healthy ~
any that can be found In the earth in this
section Of country. lie got the best in
the, market, and forthwith there was
much rejoicing among the people
From that time until the present
the public has heard nothing OF conse-
quence from the company, save that In
due time the promised supply would be
furnished. Work to this end has steadily
progressed ever since.
From present indications there will be
an abundant supply Of clear and pure
water by June | ncxt.-enough 90 satisfy
all puplic and private needs and purposes
in the city. The new water company has
two wells sunk near the corner Of Auction
and Third streets, and working rs though
the task were only begun. From these
wells there is flow capable Of supplying
fully 2,O00OO0 gallons per day, or one. half
enough 10 supply the present requirements
Of the city. The intention Of the company
Is 10 sink at least twenty Of these wells.
The engineer was here few DAYS since,
examined the site procured for the works,
or stand pipe, which has already been pur.
chased. and expresses the belief that every
thing will be in working order by June 4.
This site will be located in the southern
part Of the city. The stand pipe will be 100
icct high, n pressure sufficient 10 throw
water 10 the top Of the highest building in
the city.
The old water company has also taken
up the project Of furnishing an artcsan
water supply. II alro has two wells flow
ing ON jackson street From these about
100000 gallons, possibly more, could be-
obtained Just how many wells this COM
pany will sink depends upon circum-
stances, or after developments. There h
an impression abroad that the two will
consolidate before any serious harm Is done
either, but ample safeguards have been
taken ~ prevent harm a. water consumers,
aud Il is likely that should this kind Of set
tlemcnt oi differences be- attempted, no OPP
position will he offered 10y outsiders. II II
something most interesting 10 those more
directly involved.
The water Interests 81 the city are IN a
somewhat funny condition. The old com
pany has Wolf river, two artcsian wells
and pipe connections with all sections ot
the city. II also has contract with the
city, which vet has sixteen years to run,
at the rate Of 81 900 pcr annum. The new
company has only half enough water 10
satisfy demands; no pipe connections ur
Eiandp pipe, and n contingent contract with
the city nc the rate Of $1,000 per annum,
but Tor the purcst aud beet water II looks
like compulsory consolidation, In order To
protect their own interests How will the
city bc likely 90 profit from this turn In NJ.
fairf The contract for a consolidated con.
ccn STIMULATES that payment IL 90 be- made
GU only one Therefore, the council will
have another chance for tho lowest posi-.
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