The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-09-13
MAY DRAIN NEAR THE CITY.
MAYOR MELDRIM MAKES A RE-
GUEST OF THE COMMISSIONERS

As One of the Precautionary Meas
urcs lie Thinks the Outlying Area
of the City Should BE Put in a
Thoroughly Sanitary Condition.
Vice Chairman Lathrop Says Any
thing the Mayor COnliders Ncces-
sary VIII BE DOne-There VIII
Probably BE Meeting of the
Board To-day to Consider the May
or's Communication.
1t Is probable that within a day or two
the majority of the convicts now working
In Buckhalter swamp, will be brought
nearer the city, and put to work upon the
drainage that may be needed to protect
Savannah.
Mayor Meldrim addressed a communi-
cation to the county commissioners Sat
urday afternoon calling attention to the
fact that yellow fever exists in the west,
and urging that everything possible should
be done to protect the city and put it In
good shape in case of any emergency. To
that end he requested the commissioners
to put as many of the convicts as posi-
bic to work on drainage near the city lin
It's, so that the portion OF the county i'm
mediately surrounding Savannah may be
well drained and put in a thorough sanl-
tary condition.
1t was evident that Mayor Ndeldrim,
while not apprehending any immediate
danger. considered that every precautions
airy measure possible should be taken, and
for this purpose he brought the matter 10
the attention of the commissioners. AS
Mayor Meldrlm was not in the city yester-
day, it could not be ascertained just what
he thought necessary to be done at once in
this direction, but it was learned that the
intent of his communication was TO secure
prompt attention to those areas near the
city which are in need of drainage.
Vice Chairman F. S. Lathrop of the
board of county commissioners, was seen
last night by a representative of the Morn
ing News and asked about the matter He
from Mayor Meldfim and that it had been
given. consideration by himself and Com
missioner Guckenheimer.
There is not a quorum of the commits
sioners now in the city" Mr.. Lathrop
said, las Mr.. West is out in the country.
As he will return tomorrow we will hold
a meeting sometime during the day forSthe
purpose of giving Mayor Meldrim's letter
proper consideration.
The absence of d quorum has prevent
ed any action being taken with regard to
the matter, but if Mayor Meldrim wants
any or all of the convicts brought up TO
do work near the city limits because of an
emergency, L am satisfied that he can get
them. Mayor Meldrlm speaks of an
emergency in his letter, by which he
means. no doubt that every precaution
should be taken at the present time. We
are not going to let Savannah suffer, and
you may be sure that whatever is needed
will be done Wheruver Mayor Meldrim
and council think drainage is necessary
for the protection of the city, the men will
be supplied to do the work. We have not
been able yet to take any action in the
matter. so none of the details of the work
have been arranged. This will be given
attention tomorrow"
Commissioner Guckenhelmer was also
seen with reference to Mayor Meldrims
letter but said he could say nothing with
regard to II. He stated simply that there
was not quorum of the commissioners in
the city, and that It had not been possible
up to that time to give it proper consld-
Grafton. He said he and Commissioner
Lathrop had conferred with regard to the
matter. but that nothing definite had been
decided on.
What Mayor Meldrim has asked of the
county commissioners is exactly in line
with what the Morning News has advocat-
ed for some time. 1t has been urged that
drainage near the city is necessary, and
that the outlying area should be put 10
proper condition for the thorough protec-
ton of the health of the people of Savan-
nah. While there is no fear on the part
of the authorities with regard to the yell
low fever in New Orleans and other west
ern points reaching this section, it is
deemed advisable that every step possible
be taken to fortlfy the city against every
possible emergency. and this is said to
have been Mayor Meldrims idea in COM
municating with the county commission
ers.
1t is indicated from the remarks made
by those of the county commissioners in
the city that the request of Mayor Mel
drim will be complied with and that any
thing which he considers necessary for
the protection of the city in the way Of
drainage near its limits will be attended
to. The action OF the commissioners in
this matter will be awaited with much in
terest.