The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-08-03
WANT BETTER WATER.
MANr OPINIONS ON TIRE SUBJECT.
Richmond Residents Say That the Council
should AZ Once Mako the Noess-
sary Appropriation.

The citizens Of Richmond arc profoundly
impressed with the exposure made by Tvr
TnEs Of the conditions which surround our
water supply, and there is no division Of
opinion as 20 the Importance OF adopting
any remedy that promises relief. Did Won
read the article in Sundays TINES on The
Water We Drink, was question I asked
great many people yesterday. and found
very few who had not and those few had
heard the matter discussed.
Everybody had decided opinion. No
question was raised as 20 the weight OF the
evidence against the present supply. and
everybody favored the adoption of the rem
edy offered.
II public sentiment is worth anything
me drinking water Of Richmond will soon
oe furnished from James river direct instead
of from the canal
FAvoRABLT THOUGHT OF.
The oheapness of the estimate Of pro
curing the water from the river struck every
one 10 the most favorable light. and the
whole plan seemed so practicable and
efficient that no doubt was expressed as 90
IL speedy adoption.
The prompt action Of the lower branch
80 the Council on the TINES suggestions
was also a subject of much favorable COM
ment
Among the numerous interviews had
With citizens ID their places OF business and
on the street g few are given below. in "a.
spouse 90 my question as 10 what he thought
OF the matter as presented in SUNDAYS
TncRs, Mr.. T.. o. Miller, Of the firm Of
Miller q Rhoads, said: Il think the evils
demonstrated IN Sundays Tufgs de-
mand immediate remedy All new
comers 20 Richmond criticize the
character of our water, and if there
IS any way TO better it steps should
be taken at once. Our city is growing
RAPIDLY and the matter is enc of paramount
importance. The remedy suggested by
TIP IlNKs seems TO be n common sense one
and very cheap. j know nothing of the
scientific bearings OF the case. but I an z
favor of the plan, If only an experiment, OF
getting the water from the river direct.
COLONEL JOINS OPINION.
Colonel Henry c.. Jones found busy in
his Office. but brim full of the water subject
which he discussed very iutelligently IN the
few minutes allotted me. In reply % my
question. he said: If it viii cost only $4,000
60 make our water supply pure. according
90 your committees opinion. ] do not think
the Council should hesitate % make the
appropriation. In fact. t do not think the
Council should hesitate at any apprOpria-
tion necessary 70 give pure drinking water.
J would accept the opinion Of your COM
mlttee as a final judgment and act upon it
without the slightest hesitation.
coLoSKL pALAfEB's VIEWS.
Colonel William II. Palmer treated the
matter from "a business standpoint. Said
he. / think that independent of the score Of
health the reputation OF our water sup
ply Is seriously our business. ! have re-
Gently made several trips into North Caro-
lima and found the people disinclined TO
come 60 Richmond on account Of our
drinking watef In recent visit %
8 North Carolina city 1 heard an
eminent physician, who is prominently con-
nected with the health organizations Of his
city and state say that be would not drink
o drop Of water IN Richmond and was adj
vising his friends not 90 do so. / was sur
prised at the extent Of the sentiment on this
line. and I think the cause ought 20 be- re-
moved at any cost for this reason outside of
the high death-Iate.
Mr.. z. A. CATLIS.
Mr. f. A. Catlin replied as follows: As il
is the opinion of scientific gentlemen that
the large death rate in Richmond is caused
by impure water. the Council should not
hesitate about getting the supply direct
from the river, which, IT Is supposed will
remedy the evil The cost OF making the
ehango Is too trihing 80 be considered a
moment.
Mr. W. H. Wallace: No one can doubt
sitter reading Sundays TnHs, that we
should have better water. No stone should
be lett untuTned 60 remedy the trouble. II
We can get pure water, ! say get 1t at any
cost.
MR. p. G. wHERRY.
Mr.. b. O. Wherry. the well-known insur-
auce agent. answered my inquiries without
hesitation and il reply said Yes. j read
the articles that appeared in your Sunday
paper in regard TO the water we drink, and
have been feeling sick ever since. / am both
pleased and sorry you published them
Sorry because ! think of them every time I
take drink mean drink Of water and
proud because I hope the publication Of the
certificates Of the several doctors, who
stand so we'll in this community,
will induce our City Council to spend
that slO 900 that ColoDel. OF if he prefers
10. Mr.. Whitcomb, says it will only require
90 get river water and not the sewerage of
the various farms along the canal bank. /
am glad 20 see that the lower branch Of our
City Council have called upon the superin-
teudent of tie water works TO give esti-
mates. &C.. for making the change Ii looks
now 80 IF our Council the lower branch at
least. are in earnest, and something VIII DO
done