The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-08-29
THESTREET SPRINKLERS.
WHKBIMEN WANT THE CITY TO USE
THE IMPROTED KIND.
The Present Mode Of Watering the Streets
- Not Conducive to Bicycle Travel
Tho Richmond League to Act.

Asa result OF the numerous complaints
made about the present system Of sprink-
ling the principal resident streets OF tho
city. II Is likely that some concerted
movement will soon be made TO abolish
that method and introduce new one
more satisfactory both TO pedestrians and
those ont for n drive as well as TO those
who are expected 10 look after tho condl-
tion Of tho streets.
II IS a generally acknowledged fact 80
far as ] have been able TO learn, that by
IA, present system 81 sprinkling
the streets. instead Of the dus-
being simply sctu,d. there are con-
stan'ly mud-puddles all over 'hs
s,sote and a perpetual sluch. Some
times Tor squares tho mud and slusn is
6isarroeablo 20 everybody who undertakes
20 walk or ride where the sprinkiing carts
have been.
PERFORATED sPR1NKLERs.
Perforated sprinklcrs arc not used as In
most cities. By this system II would be
necessary 20 have tho carts make an OK
fra trim hut then the dust would be set
tied without having tho streets turned
into unsirhuy and unhealthy puddies as az
present.
The carts now pour on. two big streams
in arcat quantities Of water which stanos
in small pools some times for nearly hair
a 6av. There as no lct mp when the cross
fnrs are reached. and ladies have 20 get
their feet wet and bCdraggle their skirts
10 get across the streets. Whcelmcn and
drivers have no show az all. They have
20 Dc going through a perfect slush oil
tho time
II IS proposed 20 start n movement 20
remedy this matter. flany complaints
havo been made and 81 IS expected that
the Richmond LEAGUE Of Wheelmcn VIII
take up the question and adopt some plan
b. which 10 stop the nuisance. Several
whcelmon who are members OF the lcasre
are DESTROYS Of having q meeting IN re-
fcrcrco 10 the matter. and Il IS likely thst
tia president. Mr. James Lewis Andc"ton.
will call a meeting in the near future 10
take some action.
COLONEL CUTsHAW TALKS.
Colonel w. -. Cutshaw, city E0gincer,
vas seen yesterday about the compifints
made lie said De had also heard many
complaints along tho same line ana ne
thought something should be d2he' ~
the present system OF street spI'iN-.nh,
said ne. the people were dlssa'e','", ,, ~
streets like Arlh'fr AAe-AA'e''-'
were being injured.
The water stood FOR hours IN s'"""
nools some times. and soft slush was
formed which caused ruts and holes 10 pe
made when vehicles drove over them. lie
Thought II would be a good plan 10 have
the streets sprnkled by the city ana 10
havo II properly done This he thought
wonld be much more satisfactory, even
n the citizens had TO pay little tax 10
have u done He suggested 10 have men
with reel carts and hose and attach the
latter 10 hydrants along the stttets a"i
give them a gentle sprinlling several
times per day. or course, in rainy
weather this would not have 10 be done
nv this plan the streets would be kept
in much better condition and not so much
water would be required
col Cutshaw said me thought II would
be % good plan for tho Richmond League
OF Whcclmcn 90 appoint committee TO
confer with special committees 10 repre-
sent the street and Water Departments
81 the city 90 suggest plans and make
Inquiries into tho subject with a view TO
arriving at some plan 10y which to abolish
Tho present bad system and substitute
better one.