Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-09-06
PURIFYING RIVER WATER.
A SCIENTIST WILL TRY TO CLEANSE
cHIcAeOS DIRTY STREAM.
A Clarifying Liquid, Drop Of Which. IL II
Claimed, Will Cause all Sediment TO
Settle-An idea with Millions in Ii.

A Clarifying Liquid, Drop of which, IL Il
Claimed, Will Cause all Sediment te
settle-An idea with Millions in if.
CHICAGO, September 5.-M. Guenantin,
the French chemist and capitalist who has
undertaken the seemingly herculean task oi
cleansing the Chicago river, is at last ready v
to begin his work. He has been granted
permission by the Mayor to experiment on a
portion of the south branch in that delect-
able district known as Bridgeport. In two
or three weeks the experiment will take
place in the presence of the Mayor and
any aldermen who may desire to see the
miraculous deed.
NJ. Gaenantin was found yesterday at
his office on La Sale street With him in
the Office were several other French gentle
men, who were all deeply interested in NJ.
Guenantin's project and all confident Of
his success.
condition in large CITY," said M. Guenan-
tin, Several things are necessary"
"First-To collect as carefully as possible
all liquids coming from stables, laundries,
slaughter houses, etc., etc.
'Second-To conduct the same liquids to
an establishment specially arranged to oper-
ate chemical publication, ejecting into the
river only clear liquid and retaining all
solid products.
"At proper place factory should be
erected to purify the water on such scale
that it would meet all the present and future
requirements OF the city.
Now, this is what 1 desire to accomplish.
propose to build a factory near the Bridge
port pumping works. B : system of sluices
the watercan be brought into position to be
purlhsd. Then, by means of my clarifying
liquid propose to separate the pure water
from the sediment. This cleared water will
then be allowed to flow into the lake, while
the sediment can be used for fertilizing or
for tillng In excavations, etc.
Acting in conjunction with the pumping
works, will be able to purify $4,000 cubic
feet Of water per minute.
I'm about three weeks I will make a
practical test at Bridgeport. You can see
for yourself whether my purifying agent is
effective" And NJ. Guenantin poured a
couple of drops of white liquid into glass
jar filled with dark brown river water. The
effect was instantaneous. The sediment
promptly separated itself from the water
and sank to the bottom of the jar, where it
piled up to the depth of two inches. The
fluid above was as clear as crystal.
"You see, it is very easy-tres facile-
ment," remarked the chemist. "And I am
ready to prove my ability to care for large
quantities of water as easily as small"
The process was, certainly, very simple,
and the secret plainly lay in the composition
of the clearing agent.
Now" continued M. Guenantin, "as to
the business part of this undertaking. If,
at the trial test, I satisfy the authorities of
my ability, shall make this proposition:
will build, at my own expense, a factory
near the stockyards slip and maintain it. 1
will contract to purify and keep clear the
river water, and, as recompense, think
water tax OF 81 per inhabitant of the city
will be sufficient. Certainly that is little
enough to pay for the blessing of a clean
river, after all these years of dirt and stag
nation. 1 shall not ask cent until have
demonstrated the certainty OF success. 1t is
grand undertaking-une Idee magnifque
and 1 am eager to try my SKILL Voilal
That is the whole planP'
1t may be remembered that M. Guenantin
is as well known q capitalist and contractor
in France as any of tine local millionaires
are in Chicago and that his word is consid-
cred guarantee Of his ability to do what
he promises. If he can succeed in his
project he will have earned the ratitude of
millions