Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-06-01
PITTSBURG'S GROWTH
Is the, Text for a Congratulatory
Report by Chief Bigelow.
COMPARISON WITH OTHER CITIES.
Free Bridge to the Souths-ide Held to Be
Necessary, and Its
SITE NAY BE DECIDED BY A VOTE

SITE MAY BE DECIDED BY A vOTl
With the annual report of the Depart
ment of Public Works presented to Coun
ellis by Chief Bigelow yesterday there wa
an interesting introduction by the Chic
himself relating to the work under his care
He makes some significant remarks concern
ing the proposed free bridge 30 the South
side, briefly comments again on the extra
ordinary consumption Of water in this city,
and devotes considerable space to his hobby,
the parks, or, as he calls Schenley Park,
''Pittsburg's Play Ground"
The Chief says: SIN this review of the
years work, 1 would call attention, briefly,
to til. immense growth of the city, both in
population and increased number of resi-
dences, alike in the city proper and SUBJ
urbs, and the consequent necessary in
crease in highway and sewer construction,
water supply and lighting facilities
Economical and EminentIy Satisfactory.
1.-THE work of this department in these
lines has been eminently satisfactory as well
as economical, and done in as short time
as the weather and the means at our disposal
would permit. The work in all these
branches was far in excess of that performed
in 1890. The repairing on improved streets
alone Amounted to l29,s67 square yards at a
cost of s55 400 g. and the repaving to $685.
3s, l9, a total of 1924. 7sI so expended in con-
struction.
"The comfort and convenience of the citi-
zeus has been enhanced through this de-
paftment, having been enabled by enlarged
appropriations to do more and better work
than in any previous year, and trust the
same liberal policy will in the coming year
strengthen so important a department OF
the city governments. The improvement
manifested by cleaner and better lighted
streets is so marked that it merely needs in
spection and slight exercise of compara-
tive memory to demonstrate itself. In these
respects and in a reasonable rate of taxa
tion, PittsbuIg will compare favorably with
any of the larger cities OF the country, and
are in themselves eloquent testimonials to
municipalities.
Too Much Good Water Wasted.
"The sanitary condition of the city is GER
tainly very much improved, both by the
new and effectual appliances for street
cleaning and the heavy additions to and i'm
provements of the sewerage systems. While
on the subject of sewerage and pipes, atten-
tion is called to the report of the Water Sup
ply Bureau, which shows US to be the
heaviest consumers of water, in proportion
to population, in the country. Although
this is commendable from the stand
point of cleanliness, it is a fact that
nearly 20 per cent of the water is
absolute waste, through carelessness or
worse, on the part of consumers. Some idea
of the work done by the Water Bureau may
be gained from the average daily number Of
gallons pumped during the past year, which
was IS 49,, 900 or almost the entire maximum
capacity of the pumps. The limit will no
10 dnrinO
mer
"To check the waste it should recommend
the adoption of the meter system. to pro-
vide for an adequate supply, the placing of
additional pumps in service at the earliest
moment possible. The subject of fuel Is
also one which commands careful attention,
In fact our whole provisions for water sup
possible, are not what they should be In
view of the rapid growth of the city in the
asst few years. |
Waiting for Decision on Location.
provision has been made for the erection
Of a free bridge across the Monongahela
river, and the only cause of delay is the
ack of a decision as to itslocation. Beyond
the generally conceded necessity that one
md of the structure shall rest on the South
side, no agreement has yet been reached by
The citizens of that end of the division of
The city, and it is possible that the matter
will have to be decided by vote One thing
should be kept in mind, however, that a
structure, such as bridge, Is not erected
For day only and the future trend of pop |
llation should be largely taken into consid- |
era ton in locating the bridge.
Surveys and construction have been in |
progress during the past year in Schenley,
Bedford and HERON Hill Parks. |
There are a number of good driveways now
IN the two large parks, the stone for which !
was furnished from the quarrles on the |
ground During the present year a large |
md attractive section of Schenley Park will |
be opened up by the construction of new |
roads, and it will be made accessible to resi- |
md the Southside by connecting the exist |
ng system of roads with bridge over For |
ward avenue.
Pittsburs's Favorite Playground.
"The area of schenley Park, includ-
ng the last acquired entrance tract, |
s 4Ss acres. Even to-day with the |
,mall appropriations and time avail |
.ble for its establishment and i'm |
orovement it is the favorite playground Of |
Pittsburg. Equestrian parties are seen daily |
On the newly finished roads. and applica- |
ions for permission to hold picnics are as
plenty as the available dates, while the |
thousands upon thousands who flock thither |
to breathe pure air and enjoy natures works |
s simply incredible.
"The more attractive this magnificent |
breathing spot is made the more visible will |
he its effects for good npon the community. |
With the prospect of a conservatory second |
TO none in the world, a nucleus already upon |
which a good geological collection can be |
formed and its natural attractions in the |
shape of romantic and picturesque scenery,
Schenley Park will have within q very few |
years reputation equal to that of Central |
Park. New York, although the latter cost |
millions where our park will only need |
owing to the numerous and won
lerful advantages we possess.
A Lake in Highland Park.
"The property recently purchased and |
now included in Highland Park makes its
present area 2l0 acres. The old basin will
be converted into lake during the present
year and a number of new roads and bride
paths constructed. The views from High
try The improvements in Bedford and
Heron Hill Parks have kept pace with the
others, and altogether the immense num-
Der of visitors to Pittsburg's vari-
ous breathing places shows that
such provision is appreciated |
by all the people. 1t is also noticeable and
creditable to the city and the people that
with such great multitudes as here gathered
from time to time in these resorts, few If
my, arrests have been necessary thus
that. If the beauties of nature en-
hanced by art. have not of themselves a
moral effect, they are at least enjoyed by
good and reputable class of people for
whose benefit and enjoyment no stone
should be left unturned when it would add
to the comfort and recreation of the park
pro jectorS."