Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-03-04

together. we might have been out OF
service for three or four days. We
have had a number of narrow escapes,
OF which the people know nothing, but
we wish to put the department in such
shape that there will be nothing to
fear and we can do it without adding
a cent to the public burdens, or having
any one feel it. The new machinery
in contemplation will pump four-fifths
as much water as the present entire
plant, and will only cost one-third as
much money. We have arrangements
perfected to obtain the money here in
Wheeling, and will make our contracts
and arrangements here, and the mon
ey will not go away from home. We
can pay the bill in installments, just
al we are paying the Holly people;
and the new account will run out about
the same time as the present contract
there will not be six months differ
ence We have figured the whole
thing. and will ask for nothing out
side the revenue of the department.
We are self-sustaining, and will take
care Of ourselves All we ask for is
the authority of Council to go ahead
and put this department in good shape
we ask for no money. With the
proposed new machinery we could SUD
ply the city even if both the present
pumps should be disabled. and there
would be an abundant supply OF wa
ter at all times. AS it is now, we are
constantly worried. and the city il In
jeopardy. The thing has been a strain
on me, as it has upon the Superintend-
ent. and we have had some narrow es-
capes. We wish Council and the pub
lie to thoroughly understand the stu
alton. and take this opportunity OF
making it known. AS I have said,
we will obtain the money here. When
we Igade the last Improvement, under
contract with the Holly people, we
would have been laughed at If we had
asked for the necessary money here.
We were forced to go to New York.
Since then S139, GOO of the money was
taken ND here at home at a premium,
and we can get what we want now.
There is plenty of money here at
home. All we ask for is the author
itv. and we will see that the cost is
settled out of the revenues of the de-
nartment. Our plans are all prepared,
and | will say, that if we can go
ahead. we will not only have larger
pump than the two now in use, but
orr pump we'll will be very much
larger-about thirty-one by forty-one
feet. 1t will require an immense
amount Of excavation and masonry
but it will be just what it should be.
"As to other matters, we expect to
Law good deal of new main this year,
particularly slxteen-inch main on
tho South Side below Caldwelps run.
The new tin mill takes lots of water,
and when it is on there is shortage
IN the run Other similar improve
ments are in contemplation, for the
general good of the city.
Going back to the question Of new
machinery. If we could be insured
against breakage. we would be will
ing to say we have enough pumping
capacity for twenty years to come:
but we have no such assurance, and
are always liable TO accident. As we
are now situated two breakages and
A fire might result in incalculable dam
age We wish to provide against this,
and to acquaint the public with the
facts.
SUPERINTENDENT oliver corroborated
in detail what President Jones said,
and Mayor Butts and Chairman Haz-
lett added their observations and ex-
periences.
After general discussion Of the sit
nation. the recommendations Of the
BOARD were adonted and sent to Coun-
ell for favorable action.