The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-02-11
CIsTERNs FOR WATER SUPPLY.
Would Be Relief to Waterworl1s
During Fires.


Some time last summer designs and plans
were prepared by the city engineer at the
request Of the Fire Commission for the
construction of cisterns along River street.
by means of which water from the river
could be supplied to the fire engines in
times of fires on River and Bay streets
The cistern question was agitated at
some length by Chief Mcguire and advo-
Gated in one of his annual reports, receiv-
ing also the Endorsement of the commits
sion.
Attention was called yesterday to the
fact that these designs had never pro-
crossed further than the city engineer
office.
Had they been matured into something
more tangible" said the gentleman who
called attention to the matter, 'tthan mere
drawings, 1t is evident that the depart
ment could have done very much better
work at the two big fires the other night
HAD half the engines been drawing water
from the river there would have been
water enough to furnish few streams at
the Cathedral fire without waiting for the
engines.
Chairman Grayson of the Fire Commits.
sion, When spoken to about the matter
SAID; The commission urged the con-
struction of these cisterns. The whole ex-
pense would not have amounted to more
than $500, and this would have been com
pensated for several times over by the
good that would have resulted from the
use of these cisterns at the River street
hre the other night"
evidently the cisterns would be a big adj
dItlon 70 the fire protection on River street
and as the cost is not great they might
yet prove valuable investment. Another
oid project OF the commission which never
amounted to anything, would have come
in very nicely on the night of the fire. This
was treboat. There was a great deal of
talk of securing fire boat year or two
ago, and it was said that an ARRANGEMENT
would be entered into with the tow boat
company for the use of one of it's boats
Inc commission went so far as to have
a competitive test of the tugs suitable for
such purpose. Nothing further was ever
done about the matter however. The tow
boat owners are sore because of previous
experience in fire work and will not go to
work at fire unless by instruction of
some person who will make a specific
agreement to pay them for their work 1t
seems that the city has no previous occa-
slons refused to pay their bills for services
rendered at river fires The Insurance COM
panies claim that they are not liable and
property owners expect the city to protect
their property. The tow boat owners do
not propose to risk the injury and destruc-
II,
hold off from fires now,
A gentleman who is largely interested
In property on River street, in speaking
with Morning News reporter of the mat
ter, said: THE tug boat owners are right
The city should not expect them to risk
their valuable property without compen-
satlon from some source. What the city
should do is to either buy a fire boat and
rent it to the towboat company or make
an arrangement with the company to
equip one of its boats especially for fire
work. This boat could be used for shift
ing and other work inside the harbor
but should not be allowed to go beyond
certain limits, 1t being required that the
boat should respond promptly to the fire
signals Such protection is needed. There
is more valuable property exposed to dan
ger from fire on the river front than In
all the rest of the city put together"
The little revenue steamer Tybee, which
gave the alarm for last Sunday nights
Bay street fire from her mooring across
the river, could have done valuable service
at the fire had she been equipped with
hose and in fact might have prevented
the conhagration.