The morning times., 1897-02-04
GREAT FALLS WATER RIGHTS
The Government Is Preparing to
Take Possession of ALI.
An OLD PLAN MEETS FAVOR
Chairman Babcock Reports That
the Cost Would BE Less Than
Claims Now Made and Electric
Light and Power and Escape From
smoke Would BE Added Free.

Chairman Bahcoc reported, with favor
able recommendation from the District
Coundttc, yesterday, II l.. 1913, pro-
viding for the acquisition 10y the govern
uleut of all the water rights at Great Falls
The report says the present maximum
supply of $4,000, coo gallons of water
GAY win te insufficient for nestle pur-
loses and a further diversion OF the stream
iu.o the reservoir viii be necessary u
timatcly, according To Col. Elliotts reck-
oune 20O,O00, eco gallons Will he required.
From records kept since { SO it is calcr-
lated that an effective force of SEQ horse
Toyver can bc secured by means of turbine
wheels fIonl the How at the falls at the
lowest stage. This power can be readily
transmitted TO Washington,
1t is believed 10 be desirable for the gov
ernment TO secure at once this power, and
a sufficient supply OF water for the Dis
trict. The surplus I oSrcr can be used for
lighting government buildings and the
streets, 10 run elevators, printing presses
and other machinery in he edepartmentsand
al the navy yard.
A careful estimate has been made by the
government engineers Of the cost Of PUT
ting up a Plant sufficient 10 utilize the
rover an the Great Falls, and light the pub
lie buildings, the streets of the District and
furnish over for the government buildings.
These estimates, together with the esti-
mate for maintenance, show that the light
ing and cover cal be furnished by using the
surplus water ut the Great Falls at much
less than can Toe dong by the use Of steam
power, and much more desirable result
o5tained The use Of electricity for power
pun oses VIII also dispose of the smoke
caused by the increased use OF coal, al
ready a subject of complaint, and threat
ening INJURY 10 the beauty Of public build
ings and works Of art in the District.
Already claims are before the Court Of
Claims for the governments use Of water
rights at the falls that aggregate S773,-
GOO These claims are based on the theory
that tile permanent diversion OF the water
above the falls reduces the available water
power at the falls and Injuries private prop
erty rights there.
II is believed that all the water rights
and land necessary can be condemned for
sum much less than that already asked
for, as given above. BY taking the whole
at this time by condemnation htiga tion
for all time The improvements outlined
can be made when it shall he deemed best.
The bill presented does not provide any
appropriation OF money, but for imme
diate condemnation, the amount to be
taken to be ascertained within three
months by the Secretary OF War and At
torney General 1t also provides for the
ascertainment OF the value Of these water
rights and lands, together with the set
tlement OF all existing claims, by the
Secretary of War and Attorney General
these officers being given the power tC
appoint three diSinterested persons to as
certain and advise them in reference t.
the values. If the Secretary and Attorney
General cannot agree with the owners
then the Attorney General shall, within
six months, bring suit in the suprem,
court of the District of Columbia. anC
have the value ascertained by the court
The Commissioners letter, urging the
passage Of the bill, accompanies the re
port.