Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-05-05
LET US HAVE THE BEST.


AS one who is deeply interested in what
ever concerns the welfare of our fair city,
and as one who is entirely disinterested
either directly or indirectly in the parties
who represent the various systems of sew
erage and propose to sewer our city, beg
to present few facts as to the merits OF
the systems now under consideration.
The question of sewerage is a matter OF
such grave importance, both as regards
the health and prosperity of Wichita, that
it effects directly every citizen, and it is a
matter of no little surprise that not more
of our active business men study and dis
cuss a question of so great interest to
themselves and the city's future.
Let US examine and compare for mo-
ment the costs and merits of the different
systems proposed:
First-The system recommended by
Christie & Rosewater will cost not less
than 1913, 900 for construction.
Second-The system recommended by
Mr. Herring. called 1.-THE cheap system,
will cost s393000, or more. Both of these
systems are gravity or flushing systems,
and according to Mr.. Herring, great care
is needed in construction or the grade will
be lost, by which the working of the sys-
tenn will be much impaired. There being
only four and three-twelfths feet grade to
the mile, constant attention is needed to
keep either of these systems in good work
ing condition.
Third-The West, or pumping system,
will cost 100000. They agree to construct
their system in Wichita with capacity to
sewer city of 900 population, and will
also guarantee their work and system.
From the above it appears that there is
but few thousand dollars difference in
the price of construction of either of the
above systems; therefore, the best should
certainly be taken or adopted, even at the
cost of a few thousand dollars more.
Mr. Herring, in his report, stated
that neither of the first two named
system could give as good sewerage as the
pumping or West system, but would not
recommend it on the ground that it would
cost too much to construct it. He also
stated that a better grade would be very
desirable to operate successfully either of
the two first named systems, but that a
better grade can not be had except by
resorting to the pumping system. Mr.
Herring further stated that in the first
two systems man holes and flushing are
necessary.
The difference of cost between the sys-
TENS named seems to be SO small that it
cuts no figure in matter of so much and
so permanent importance to the metro
polls of Kansas. The cost of operating
the West system could not exceed s, 600 a
year as but day running would be re-
quired; and, as there are no man-holes the
engineer would be the only man employed
In Atlantic City, where the West system
is used, and where the engine is run night
and day, the cost of running but little
exceeds s. 900 per year. No other system
could be operated for much less.
The West or pumping system seems to
possess merits which neither of the other
systems claim. 1st-It gives a grade of
seven and one half feet to the mile. end
With that fall the sewers are ali self-clean-
ing. 3d-There are no man holes, and con-
seouently 10 escape for the deadly sewer
gas. either in houses or in cellars or along
the sewers. 4th-It is not agected by high
river, which here occurs in the hottest sea-
son, when perfect sewerage is most desira-
bic. With the small grade of the first
two systems, high water would materially
impair their operation. Fifth-1he West
system drains completely the house from
roof to cellar Cellars are kept perfectly
dry, which in Wichita is matter of a
good deal of Importance. 6th-The West
system is guaranteed both as to construc-
ton and TO work, which we understand
none other systems are.