Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1892-05-07
4 Water Works ReDOrt,


Last Monday morning, before it was
known that the Mayor and Council had
met in the regular annual meeting IN
an irregular manner, Mr.. Haverstick,
anticipating no deviation from the
chartered and ordained programme,
and expecting next day to go out Of
town for ii few days, handed the JOUR
NAL a copy of the report he intended
to submit to Council at the regular
annual meeting at the usual hour.
Being forestalled, however. by the
surprising Star Chamber proceeding,
the report goes oyer for presentation
at the regular monthly meeting next
Monday evening. Meanwhile, the
JOURNAL utilizes the ''license of the
press" by giving it in advance:
FRosTBrRG, MD, May 2, 1892.
To tie Mayor and Connect.
AS | cannot join with my colleagues in
their report, because it was made out where
had no access toit-against my protest, and was
only presented for my inspection at the last
moment in an incomplete condition, too late
for thorough examination, and contains items
know to be misleading, | feel impelled to offer
the following suggestions on my own re-
sponsibility. This | consider the more
necessary at the expiration of my term Of
office and the abolition Of the Water Board:
Tie Fire HylrantS.-These should be dis
connected from the old system and placed
upon the new, thereby saving considerable
sumof annual rental. Our insurance rates are
based upon a new insurance survey map,
giving increased facilities under the new
system. That system has provided for a more
equitable distribution of the fire hydrants
will furnish protection where under the old
none existed, and gives greater pressure and,
of course, greater quantity of water in a
given time for eXtinguishing the flames.
The Reserroir.-This portion Of the plant
should be enclosed with a fence. 1t would
be well to erect a tenant-house on the five acre
reservation, giving it rent free for proper pro-
lection to the property. In order to keep the
water better agitated, thus avoiding stagnatlon,
it would be well to put up fountain in the
middle. 1t can be done at little cost by tap
ping underneath the flow pipe from the
springs. | always favored such a course but
was overruled. However citizens of the town
may differ among themselves upon the
question of pudding the reservoir, | do not
believe a single engineer in the country
would hesitate in the matter. \ rip rap could
afterwards be added to prevent wash, protect
the sides and ayold muddy water.
money to spend too much water cannot be
obtained, even if the present supply proves
ample. But if economy is to be studied, it
would be inst as well to make no extensive
extensions until it is known whether or not
it is necessary. In other words, wait until
fall before acting. Several plans can be laid
before Council for its consideration in order
to obtain an increased quantity of water
list, Purchasing the old works. In doing
this it must be remembered that probably
$4,000, or even more will have to be expended
in addition to the price paid for the works in
order to make the old act in harmony with
the new, and to develop and protect the
springs on that side Of the mountain.
2nd, By gong to Cranberry Swamp. From
who surveyed both this section and the ravine
occupied by the old water company would
seem to favor the swamp, both on the ground
of economy and supply. Whether a more
thorough examination Of the matter will alter
this view ] cannot say but doubt it.
3rd, The water Of Sand Spring hollow can
be utilized for 81 900 or 81, 500 by ram
operated by the water Of the reservoir, plans
for which have been prepared.
But before any money is spent on these
methods the spring to which pipes are now
laid claimed by the old company, but not
used by it, should be utilized. y law suit
might result. 1t would not cost one-third to
one-tenth as much as any one of the other
three methods of extension. Besides,
always have believed the threatened law suit
was bluff, and would never be executed. 1t
would do very little harm to try. All of
which is humbly submitted by
ALEXANDER C. HAyERsTIcK,
Member of Water Board.