Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-04-01

Propositions for the District to Divide the
Exps.ss with the Government.

Propositions for the District to Divide the
kxpsass with the Government.
Several days ago Col Elliot in letter TO
Capt Lusk, the engineer offcer in charge of
the Districts water service. inquired IL the
District would not assume charge of the valves
operated by il on the 4s-inch main. Capt
Lusk replied that he was Of the impression
that the Commissioners would agree to this.
He asked, however. for q map showing ex-
actly the valves for which the District Was to
Be held responsible.
Today the acting secretary OF war. in com
pliance with Capt. Lusk's request. forwarded a
copy Of a letter from Col Elliot relative 10 the
proposed division between the United States
and the District Columbia of the responsibility
and expense OF operating the valves connected
with the new 4s-inch main.
The letter is as follows:
The valves connected with the ts-inch main
and the connecting mains laid and TO be laid
under the act Of March 2, isss, may be divided
into two classes.
l. There are on these mains about ninety
valves, including main valves (ls. Sc 50 and "a
inches, biow-off valves large air valves, vacuum
valves and small constant air valves They are
all either in masonry chambers or in iron cas-
tngs, closed at the levels OF the parements with
iron covers.
3. For the purpose Of regulating the flow Of
water into the city's street mains from the new
mains there are at the outlets from the
latter and attached both 20 the United
States mains and the city's mains more
than 100 valves, mostly s-inch. that
have, like the others. been purchased
and set by the United States. They are
shown on the plats Of the mains that have been
sent to the department from time to time.
Each OF these valves 10 contained in an iron
casing closed with an iron cover. None Of
them are In masonry chambers.
All OF the valves in both Of the foregoing
classes require to be oiled and worked period
ically 30 keep them in seryiceable condition
and the covers OF the iron casings (Which some
times jump on under rapid traffic or get broken
under heavy traffic and are liable 70 give rise
to suits for damages in cases of injuries TO per-
sons and animals stepping into the manholes)
ought to be frequently inspected.
require that each of the first-ciass valves.
that is the main valves. blow-off valves air
valves, vacuum valves and small constant air
valves, be inspected and reported upon once in
every month, and oiled and worked once in two
months, and / have had the covers Of the
castings OF both classes of valves carefully
watched and, when needed, repaired.
The valves Of the first class are used in filling
and enptying the United States mains in case
OF accident and in cleaning them of sediment,
while the valves of the second class are mainly
for the use of the servants of the city in rcgn-
4
shutting of and on in OF accidents to the
latter mains in the vicinity Of the valves OF this
class
1t seemed TO me that it would be equitable
and for the best interests of both parties to
make between the United States and the Dis
| trict of Columbia a division of the expense and
responsibility Of the care and repair of the
valves and the covers OF valve castings. and l
asked Capt. Lusk. in charge Of the water di-
rision of the District government. his views
about it. His note Of reply 10 herewith.
The expense of the care and repair Of even
the valves OF the first class and of the covers Of
the iron valve castings belonging to them will
be heavy expense for the annual appro-
priaiion for the Washington aaueauct
to bear, and recommend that the division
suggested, that is, the United States
TO remain responsible for the care and
repair Of the valves Of the first class, their
! chambers and castings, the District Of Colam-
bin to become responsible for the care and re-
pair of the valves of the second class and their
casings, be proposed to the Commissioners of
the District Of Columbia for their acceptance.
or. If it be preferred, that may be authorized
to make the proposition.