Daily capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1896-1899, 1896-01-01
A LARGE INVESTMENT.
THE BEST WATER SYSTEM ON THE
PACIFIC COAST.
UNDER WALLACE MANAGERS
THE SALEM WATER WORKS PUT TO
THE FRONT.

which has grown from imperfect be-
ginnlngs until to-day IL furnishes our
city and its inhabitants with excep-
tional water service. The great sue
cess attained by this company In the
past few years is largely due to the
systematic plans and work carried out
under the management of President
j. NJ. Wallace. The first two years of
his administration were devoted to
perfecting the system of intake, or
that portion of the plant which is
used In securing the water to serve
out TO the people. New engines and
pumps have been put in, the reservoir
perfected, and mammoth new sue
tion main added. These improve
ments cost vast amount of money,
but are sufficient for generations to
come. The year just closed has been
especially devoted TO looking after the
details of the service, and this import
ant work will be continued during the
present year.
At present the company has over
thirty miles Of mains, and the auto
matte pressure records show that for
over two years the pressure has run
from 10 to 80 pounds per square inch,
while 90 pounds Is all that is required
by the company's charter Many
minor improvements are planned for
this year, aside from the important
task Of re-ratlng the entire city, with
view to equalizlng the rates making
the same satisfactory to both parties.
II is the aim of the company to meet
every reasonable want OF its patrons,
and when II is considered how widely
the buildings of the city are scattered,
lt is easy to realize that the Salem
Water Company is getting less for its
excellent water service than any COM
pany on the coast. This fact is demon
strated by the reports of the water
supply companies.
Several changes have been made in
the officers of the company, necessi-
tated by the withdrawal Of Supt. ].
NJ. Martin, who has so faithfully
served the company for years. The
officers as at present organized are as
follows:
j. M. WALLACE, president.
CHAs. A. PARK, secretary.
LIZZIE MoNARY, assistant secretary.
! A. L. Brown, superintendent and
chief engineer
f. W. POWERS, assistant superln-
tendent and collector.
That these officers are eminently
qualified TO conduct the business
affairs OF the company is readily con-
ceded by all who know them, and the
people of Salem are certainly TO be
congratulated upon the continued
good services thus insured.
Mr.. j. M. Wallace came TO Salem
early In 1892, and took charge of the
Salem Water Co.'S. affairs January /,
1893. He has put the property In an
excellent condition and has made a
record for this corporation that leaves
little TO be wished for by the stock
holders or the public. There has been
no manipulating or stock water.
. ing, but a square business
management, open TO the public and
fair TO every consumer. Mr.. Wallace's
first step was to increase the pumping
power so that steady pressure could
be kept up all over the city. His next
step was TO maintain supply OF
water In the reservoir that would give
unfailing pressure in case OF a pump
breaking or any ether emergency.
Having the heart OF the works all
right and sufficient head on the big
hill south of the city, maps were made
showing the mains on every street and
the connections on every block. With
these maps in his office, a pressure
register at his right hand, and tele-
phone at his left, the president OF the
water company Is virtually monarch
OF the situation, and can give personal
attention TO every detail OF the ser
vice and TO the wants and complaints
OF consumers. Mr.. Wallace is not
only man of great executive ability
perfectly straightforward In his deal
ings with patrons, but Is master OF
details, and kicks and controversies
are few and far between with him AND
the army OF people served with William
ette nectar the year around. But Mr.
Wallace has forbidden the reporter tC
enlarge upon this, and Is ayerse 10 in
teryiews or laudations OF the press
But so much is given In THE New
YEARS JOURNAL, as a matter OF pnb
lie interest, and IL is believed the com
, munity share with the writer a just
degree OF pride In the very successful
management OF the Salem Water Co.
which is now property without 1
superior on the coast,
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ExtrB copies OF the New Years edl