The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-10-31

Editor Morning News: Very recently
three reputable engineers appealed to our
honorable board OF Mayor and aldermen
to institute a rigid investigation into work
already done in the sewage plan, for our
homes. determined by that body, and their
appeal seems to have been treated with
silent contempt Was that just 10 the
community, for the projection OF whose
health this new aud expensive system is
projected, and which is TO be paid for by
an increase Of tn tax burdens Of the same
community? If mere are defects i'm the
construction, as far as IL has progressed,
there viii never be a more propitous and
economical time than the present for ex-
aiming into and remsdying them. In this
matter the public are more disposed TO
listen to The criticism Of practical engineers
than to accept the unfortiGed assurances
Of alderman committees who lay no claim
TO being either experienced engineers or
expert sanitarians. In the opinion, there
FORE of a very large number OF those
whose properties are to bear their pro rata
of the burden for a house drainage sys-
tenn Council erred most egregiously I'm not
giving heed to the note of warning sound
ed by Messrs Craig, Thomas and Sugden,
and turning on the strongest calcium
lights TO make clear and comprehensive
10 All interested the most SlInpIG 10 the
most intricate features of the plan, which
may ultimately be an expense exceeding a
haH million dollars, and has been adopted
for affording an independent system of
house drainage. 1t Is q matter to make
haste slowly in. Years have been consumed
an reaching present conclusion: II would
be quite safe, IL likely to be productive Of
good, 10 consume another decade in dis
cussing so Vial an issue. and exhaustive
criticism should be invited not repealed,
at every stage, and as to every phase of
the matter, that In the end the very best
results be secured.
Scarcely has the memory of the appeal
of Engineers Thomas, Craig, and Sugden
faded in our minds when for a criticism
as 10 the wisdom In the selection Of the
outlet for the system of sewage. a bonded
officer, sworn to faithfully discharge the
duties Of his Office in the interest OF
the people mot the Mayor and
aldermen), whom he is paid TO serve, Is
threatened with impeachment for doing
his boupden duty For II DR.. LeHardy
as health officer OF the city of Savannah,
had reason 10 believe that sewage matter
forced INTO the river, as Is proposed, VIII
endanger the health of the city, he would
be an unfaithful steward II he failed 10
cry out his warnings from the very house
tops, though against the unanimous con-
trary opinions Of the Mayor and aldermen
of decapitation as q consequence But
the people are behind DR.. LeHardy IN this
fight and bid him to speak out fearlessly
his convictions for they are far more
concerned IN securing good system ana
a safe outlet than some patched-up plan
that has 10 be hidden out of sight from
expert criticism with an outlet that the
experience Of the city of Boston alone
should make US hesitate TO adopt for Sa-
vannah in a so much warmer climate.
Again since the adoption of the contem-
plated plan of outlet Hutchinson's Island
has been given TO the Georgia and Ala
hama Railway a wise disposition, under
proper conditions. of an area that has
been a burden upon the health and treas
ury OF the city for generations The
wharyes to be built by this company will
increase the caualling Of the river, raising
the water until spring tides VIII cover
the wharves on this side or force their
owners to raise them higher to protect
the new warehouses as well as fronts.
There may be nothing In this, but 1t will
be the part Of wisdom to examine II In
connection with sewer outlets determined
,,r,ot II the river must he made the dump
ing place for sewage at the risk Of pub
lie health
been signed, sealed and delivered for this
work. and, therefore. Investigations must
cease. and criticisms be stihed Though a
thousand contracts bound the city to the
execution Of an Injurious scheme for any
municipal purpose, they should be set
aside at any cost. No sacrifice is too
great for the protection of the health OF
this city, and SO the people cry out In the
market place: Heed not these warnings.
We municipal legislators, and your heads,
not DR.. LeHardy's. may take their last
rest on the executioner's block.
Pro Bono Publico.
Savannah, Ca, oct. 70.