The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-11-03
A LETTER FROM CITY ENGIN EER
DUNLAP.

DUNLAP.
To THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES: Ac-
cording to the report of the sewer COM
mittee last night in regard to tho in
terceptor, il would seem that the city
engineer was very insignificant per-
son, professionally at least; and in
order that may not appear too much
so, beg little space to make simple
statement
About two years ago, in discussing
sewer matters with Mr.. Mcconnell, the
chairman of the committee, told him
of the Importance of having plans for
complete system of sewerage and drain
age adopted and prop osed that report
a plan which should be criticised or en-
amined by one or moro experts. Soon
after one of the newspapers published
an interview with me on the subject,
which was in the main similar to the
plan l afterwards reported. Soon after
this Mr.. Skinker read letter from Mr..
Herring, saying he would mako the plans
for y specified sum, the date and infor-
nation to be furnished by the city en-
gineer. He was employed. L began the
work on contour map. Soon after
wards he made visit to the city, and
spent over two days here. was with
nlm, along WIFI MT. Okluhcis iOohihB
over the ground.
During this short association with
Mr.. Herring 1 was very much pleased
and entertained with him, and gave
polite assent to all he said. He was
hunting for way to intercept one OF
the branches, and seemed to be most
anxious to intercept Lick run, and had
lines of levels fun for that purpose.
When he left l did not know what he
was going to propose. l don't recollect
being so bold as to venture any PROPOSE
ton, but according to the report OF the
committee it would appear that am
the originator of this much-talked-of
interceptor. After some months Mr..
Herring made his preliminary report,
and was asked to report the approx
mate cost of the sewer, which was
| $4,000. This sum seemed to stan the
members. About this time the West
system was somewhat of a favorite, as
reference to the newspapers Will show.
But when that waned l received the
following:
APRIL 90, 1891.
W. NJ. Dunlap, Esq, City Engineer:
DEAR Sin: AS Council docs not eecm inclined
to adopt Mr.. Hering's storm water plans. the
committee desires to be in position to make some
recommendations on the subject at the next
meeting. would request that you look into It
and T c y aHS nc as to asf
Yours truly, I'd. SHEEHAN, Chairman.
This was only one weeks notice. My
| report was delivered as requested, but
for some reason it was not reported till
June, as the following letter will show:
JUNE ID, 1891.
VIM. NJ. Dunlap, ESQ.,, City EFT inecr: -
age will be reported to Council on Monday night
/ next. You will please have estimate OF cost to
| Very truly JOHN SiIrEmAN
All of which was read in Council and
received. Later on Mr.. Hering's final
report came. The committee at this
time seemed in doubt what to do. |
then made this proposition to the chair
man. I know your desire is to do the best
thing for the city, but as you and every
other member of the Council have not
had the opportunity to sufficiently in
form yourselves on this subject, and
would no doubt accept advice. l will
| agree to demonstrate by say five en-
| gineers in good standing of your own
choice. by maps and figures, that my
plan will answer the purpose, and their
opinion would be additional advice to
your own judgement.
Later On Hering's plans were adopted,
not because the Council knew them to
be best, but because of his repu tation.
made by request an estimate Of his
plans which amounts to $4,000 for
drainage alone. Mr.. Churchill reports
that it is fair estimate, at the same
time he reports quite severely in oppo-
sition to my plans. Estimating on a
brick combined sewer when l recon-
mended concrete with brick arch, be-
low Holiday street. Since it is all set
tied now, and up to this time have en-
deavored to maintain discreet silence, it
IL y Go hos h
lens worked, as all the professional ad-
vice here tofore has been mere opinions.
For my part do not consider it suicidal
to oppose even so distinguished an en-
gineer as Mr.. Herring. will be glad to
have the proper dimensions Of circular
brick sewer at Randolph street to effec-
lively drain the Trout run area, leaving
out Lick run. WM. nj. DUNLAP.
Roanoke, Va, Nov 9.
AGAINST a RAILROAD COMMISSION.