The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-09-04

! appeared to be III trst-class order. The old
turbine pump which had been purchased in
1873 tor the reason that il was thought the
machine could DO kept in operation during
freshets while the other machines were COW
/ cred with water was at a standstlll when the
visitors arrived. One OF the committee stated
that he had never seen the machine at work
yet although he had paid several visits 10 the
! pump-house Superintendent Tomlinson,
! who overheard the remark. at once pulled OFF
| his coat. and with the assistance OF three en-
ployes he started the biz apparatus within
three or four minutes, much to the delight Of
the spectators.
THE TURBINE PUMP.
As Superintendent Boiling explained. the
apparatus does not give as much satisfaction
as might be desired, on account OF its obsolete
construction. The plstOns move IN horizon
tai cylinders and on account OF their position
they are constantly cut into by the small grit
which is carried along in the James river, and
it is impossible TO pack them tight enough 10
prevent leakage. The pump. however. is of
double action and connected with the two
cylinders 50 that. as II IL started a constant
flow of water from the james river into the
Marshall reservoir Is kept up.
The old pump-hOuse was built in 1890 and
had originally pumping capacity of 1901 900
gallons. which had been gradually increased
TO satisfy the wants Of the increasing popua-
ton but more than ten years ago 1t became
construction Of the new pump-house.
The OLD PUMP-HoUsE.
The surroundings of the old pump-house
are very attractive, Superintendent Tomlin-
son taking special pride IN raising rich as
sOrtment of choice flowers.
From the Old pump-house the party bent
their way through the westerly gate of Hol-
lywood TO the Old reservoir, or commonly
known as Marshall reservoir. At their arrival
there the tourists were joined by Mayor Ely
son, who had come out in his buggy. Mrs.
Mary Baker. who has been superintendent Of
the reservoir ever since her husband. Mr.
Charles Baker. died greeted the visitors at
the gate and gave them IN charge of an en-
poye, who showed them around the reser-
YOlr.
The cicerone took especial pains to point
out the spot where Lillian Madison had been
thrown over the picket fence by her muir
derer. A few pickets were missing in that
section .ot the fence. and when asked if they
had been torn of by Cluverius at the time.
he replied in the negative, and added that
the pickets were constantly broken of 10y
relic hunters and had to be renewed every
two OF three days.
REFRESHMENTS.
The visitors were just about ready to enter
their carriage when they were again met by
Mrs. Baker. who invited them 20 step into her
cosy residence. There a great surprise was
in waiting. A large table was completely
loaded down with choice sweets. and several
little misses passed around large dishes of ice
cream. The members of the committee and
their guests did not stand on formalities and
at once did full justice TO theliberal supply of
City-Clerk August was deeply impressed |
with the hospitality iof Mrs. Baker, and pro- |
posed a toast, in which he praised the eff |
ficiency and fathfulness with which the lady |
has always looked after the interests of the |
city. and expressed the hope that she would |
retain her position as long as she wished 10 do |
so.
Mrs Baker seemed to be overcome with |
emotion by the sudden and unexpected elo-
quenco emanating from the lips OF Mr..
August. When she remained silent Mr.
August called on her Tor a reply, but the only
utteTance the lady could make was to-
morrow"
Mayor Ellyson then arose. as chivalrous as
ever. and made a very neat reply on behalf of
Mrs. Baker. which WAS greatly enjoyed by
the audience.
The NEW PUMP-HoUsE.
Finally the party started for the New pump
house. for Superintendent Boiling was anx-
Ous 10 explain 10 the committee the latest |
of the department. The three
new turbine machines which have been sub
,tituted for the old machines. were indeed
pretty sight The one nearest TO the entrance
las ItCtlllJ INCtifc4 "a lew tChl Vi lhlub, anu |
oOks very attractive and neat. The pit has
been covered up with heavy oak timber, and
he interior Of the puInp-house Is II this man
Ter kept perfectly dry.
The other two machines need repaintng
rery badly. but the work cannot be done I'M
ess the Finance Committee accedes TO the
wishes of the Water Committee and makes the
necessary appropriation. The turbine ma
hines IN the New p1fnp- house are aidecded
Improvement over the one constructed in
s7s in the Old pump-house. The pistons
work II vertical cylinders without any leak
ge and are very powerful. Each stroke Of
ach one of the machines raises quantity
II forty-seven gallons into the big pipes which
eed the New reservoir. To show how easily
he new machines can be handled Superin-
endent Boiling had one of them stopped and
tarted again 70 its fullest capacity. All this
vas done by one man with the greatest ease
within a few seconds. while It requires
everal minutes and the united efforts of four
zen 10 start tho turbine machine IN the Old |
THY STEAM PUMP.
Just below the New pump-house in a special
uilding the steam pump Is located. which |
Tas put up In 1880 during water famine and
efore the New pump house was completed. |
he steam pump was set up in six weeks, less
our hours and before the building for 1t had
cen contracted. Ii originally came from
where il had been used during
he Centennial 10 pump tho necessary water
IT the Exposition buildings and grounds from
le Schuylkill river.
After the inspection of the machinery in
le New pump-house tho committee repaired
D al upper room 10 hold short meeting.
Chairman White stated that IA large amount
+ old iron had accumulated since the new
Machinery had been put in, and no wanted 10
now what should be done with it,
Mr.. Mann moved 10 advertise for bids in
rider that the old iron be sold 10 the
ighest bidder.
OLD IRON.
MIR. Hughes offered as an amendment that
be Superintendent be requested TO solicit I
ids from various firms TO be- opened ut the
ext meeting Of the committee.
The amendment. which had been accepted o
y Dir. Mann. was adopted
Superintendent Boiling reported that the
ing walls east Of the Ave mile lock hal been !
Undermined by the current and that i'm
-der 10 repair them il would be necessary to
instruct Golfer dam. To be enabled TO do |
le work he had TO put gates in the old locks |
it'll the permission OF the railroad company.
hich had been completed last week. lie
'uld not tell what the exact cost Of the work
ould be. but he thought that it would be in
10 neighborhood of 800
On motion Of Mr. Mann the Superinteu-
ndent was authorized TO have the work 4
'ne as cheaply as possible in the interest of 4
% department.
IMPROVEMENTS MADE
40 H. Ill.