Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-09-17
INJURIES THE MAINS.
WATER PIPES BADLY AFFECTED
ny THE ELECTRIC RAILWAYS.
HONEYCOHBED WITH ELECTROLYSIS.
Tests Made Recently show That the
Damage f. Extensive-The Com
panies Are ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
for Water Meters.

] The Council Committee on Water has
| another grave problem besides the filter
ing Of the James-river product confront
ing them. Superintendent Boiling made
startling report at the meeting held In
| the City Hall last night to the effect
that the water mains on those streets
where the electric cars run are in very
bad condition as a result of the action OF
the current Electrolysis, the technical
term for the defect, is the honeycombine
OF the pipes. and Mr.. Boiling said he had
been compelled for some time past TO
keep a gang of men employed making re-
pairs. and In consequence the work OF
putting in water meters had been practi-
cally stopped
In 1886 an ordinance had been passed by
the City Council, making 1t incumbent
upon the street-railway companies TO put
i'm underground wires, which would at
tract the current and carry 1T back TO the
power-house. This ordinance had not
been complied with, and tests made re-
Gently showed that the mains were in a
very bad condition as result or the
action of the electricity.
SEyENTH-STREE MAIN AFFECTED.
The large main which passes the storage
battery of the Richmond Railway ana
Electric Company. on Seventh street De
tween Grace and Franklin streets. said
Mr.. Boiling, was very badly eaten by
eIectrolysis. and this company, whach
had hitherto made all repairs Of this ma
ture. had ignored a communication sent
TO them on the subject ten days ago.
The committee discussed the situation,
and Messrs. Mills. Montgomery, and
Cutchins were appointed committee TO
confer with the City Attorney as 10 what
steps might be taken. 1t was developed
during the debate that the company is
liable to a penalty of $50 day for each
day that II fails to repair damages after
II has been notified of their existence,
and some steps may be taken to enforce
it.
TO PROVIDE CLEAR WATER.
The chairman appointed Messrs. Zim-
hermann and Ferguson to act with him
self i'm considering methods TO provide
clear water for the city, and a motion
made by Mr.. Montgomery that SO should
be appropriated for making an analysis
of the James-riyer water was ddooted.
A petition was received from Messrs.
Gay & Lorraine and Samuel II. Cottren,
who have the monopoly Of street sprin-
king in this city, asking for reduction
of the present rates for water Used by
them in their business.
After considerable discussion, a motion
introduced by Mr.. Zimmerman to the
effect that the gentlemen should be credit
ed for such days and half days that their
sprnklers were not worked during the
next twelve months, was adopted.
The relative merits of the Hersey, Nc
Gowan. and other water meters were
discussed Bids for supplying the depart
ments with meters were received from
Smith-Courtney Company, John II. Nc
Gowan Company, G.. 81 A. Bargamin, and
the Southern Railway Supply Company.
In every instance the bids were the same,
each firm being subject to the combine,
and on motion Of Mr.. Montgomery it was
decided TO divide the orders among the
four bidders.