Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1898-11-04
NEEDS OF THE CITY.
Discussions Before the University
Extension Study
Class.
MAYOR MBDILL ON WATER SUPPLY.

cent PIant-Bunding Regulations, Drain
! age and Food Considered.
Rock Islands building regulations
water and food supply and drainage
system, and how each could be inn
| proved, were discussed before the
study class of the University ENten-
sion Center of the High school last
night. Many points were developed
and suggestions advanced that were
invaluable to those interested in the
enforcement of laws and introduction
of modern methods, all with an object
of keeping pace with the advancement
and improving conditions of a fast
growing municipality such as the city
in which we reside.
The study class is conducted in con-
nection with series of lectures on
British Municipal Life being de-
livered by Prof. Zueblin, of the North
| western university, and is proving an
interesting feature. The class is led
by Prof. c. w. Foss, of Augustana
college, and his pupils are Ill citizens
both ladies and gentle-l- II who
consider the instruction of sufficient
benefit to lend their presence to the
meetings.
The discussion last night was open
ed by 0. Il. CerVin, who in treating
the question What building regula-
tions exist in your city; are they OBJ
served?" made answer by giving the
statutory laws providing for out
swinging doors in public buildings,
fire escapes on structures of a given
height, and also in referring to the
fire limits ordinance, which had been
in operation in both Rock Island and
Moline for many years, yet all its re-
quirements were not fully lived up
to, and more stringent enforcement
would increase the safeguards against
confagration. Mr.. Cervin believed it
would not be long until we felt the
good effects of the recently enacted
plumbing ordinance.
Mayor MediI Heard.
There is no subject before the peo-
pie or which engages the attention of
municipalities more than the question
of public water supply said Mayor
Medill in discussing Have you good
and adequate water supply, and can
it be improved. - Neither is there
more deserving one, for the PROPOSE
ton of pure water appeals to all.
Rich or poor, high or low, no matter
what may be ones situation in life,
the necessity of pure water for do
mestic purposes is apparent. When
we reflect that 4 large portion of the
germs of disease. such as typhoid,
etc. are carried in the water, we can
readily perceive that aside from the
Inconvenience of using impure water,
that it is a serious menace to the pub
lie health.
I'm the matter of location, that is,
taken in connection with its water
Rock Island is fortunate in
one way, and | might say unfortunate
in another. 1t is fortunate by reason
of its location upon the banks of
large and unfailing stream of
running swater, a supply unlimited
and a source that can never be ques-
toned.
In this respect, say, that it is
for the reason the city
of Moline with a population of 10000
i'm mediately joins us on the up-river
side, and deposits its entire sewage
into the river, which, of course, con-
teammates and poisons the water.
Fortunately the island of Rock Island
the river into two branches,
and as the Moline sewage is discharg
ed into the south branch, it does not !
reach the main channel of the river |
until it passes the point from which |
the city of Rock Island draws its
supply. While we apprehend no fear
of our supply being contaminated
with the Moline sewage, yet it i'm
poses upon our city great expense
by requiring'us to pipe our supply |
from the main chsnnel of the river at |
or near to the draw span of the |
bridge" The MAYOR then dwelt at |
some length on the history of Rock |
Islands waterworks, and finally |
reached the magnificent plant rapidly |
nearing completion at the south por- |
ton of the city. This plant, he said, |
was being built on ideas gathered on
ly after long and careful study and |
and if the result would |
be as hoped for, there would be no
better water supply plant in the |
world than possessed by Rock Island, |
in furnishing a pure. clear and whole
some water. Mayor Medill also ex-
planned all the details in connection |
with the building of the plant.
W "a hdil in5 III tASSuSSIHS tlc /
question What improvements are !
needed in your drainage system?" said |
that it was apparent to all that we
needed general plan by which to
carry off waste water. The present I
system was not harmonious, as he I
put it, the majority of the drains be
ing constructed with reference to a I
particular locality. He believed, too,
The time was not far distant when
cities along the rivers would be
obliged to burn or make way with
heir sewage in some other manner,
N order TO stop the contamination Of
streams.
Dr. E NJ. Sala. under the head of
Have you q stringent food inspec-
ion?" answered that Rock Island,
Ike other cities OF its size, had not
II 81 l. IL Il. I