New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-18
CITY'S DANGER FROM FIRE.
NEED OF BETTER WATER SUPPLY
URGED BEFORE THE MAYOR.


Fire Commissioner scannel has pointed out the
danger Of fire threatening the city because OF an
insufficient water supply, and has taken action to
remedy the evil A week ago the Commissioner be-
gan an investigation into the subject. He ascer-
tained that while all the water In the two rivers
could not have saved the Windsor Hotel yet the
engines at the fire drawing their supply OF
water from 20-inch pipe, the new 4S-inch main not
being connected.
The Commissioner had several conferences with
the Water Supply Committee and the Board Of Fire
Underwriters. He told the underwriters OF the Fire
Departments position. and asked that the fire un-
derwriters investigate the subject in behalf of the
great insurance interests represented by them, ana
make a report to him.
The Water Supply Committee. Of which John W.
washburn. e-president Of the Home Life 1nsur-
ance Company is chairman. made report. in
which II was said that the delays which have al
ready occurred in lettering the supply have sub
jected the interests of between three million and
four millions of population and the dependent and
tributary countrywide interests which centre here
unjus,lfable fire hazard. This hazard II is de-
clared. must continue throughout the construction
OF new work. The report also states that the az
Sregate fire insurance capital of the entire world
might be wiped out within twentyfour hours by the
destruction OF property in comparatively small
part of this city.
There a hearing before the Mayor at 2
O'Clock yesterday at which number OF fire under
writers merchants and others. accompanied by
Fire Commissioner Scanne Chief Bonner and
Water Commissioner Dalton were present. The OBJ
5ect Of the hearing TO obtain from the Mayor a
promise TO relieve the ctys present need of water
F. r. Kennedy said that the only feasible plan at
present that proposed by the Ramapo Water
Company. lie added that when the bill passed the
Legislature which permitted the city to take water
from the Catskills and the Ramapo district II was
obtained through the efforts of committee of mer
chants OF which he (Mr. Kennedy was chairman,
and which included Charles Stewart Smith, John
Durham. Of Durham, Buckley & Co. and others.
The Remapo Water Company has offered to furnish
TO the city additional supply of pure water
that Will guarantee suffciency for the next
twenty years or more.
George A. Stanton said that. theoretically. the
city should own its own water plant. but, owing TO
the financial conditions at present prevailing that
was impossible. and the Ramapo people stood ready
10 afford that relief which the exigencies OF the
demanded. He said that within the next five
be exhausted. and the city bound to suffer
from water famine.
John H. Washburn said that the Ramapo Water
Company proposed to place its reservoir twelve hun
two thousand feet. II necessary. and this would be
sufficient altitude TO give the city the needful press
ure.
THE best thing you can do" said the Mayor us
10 go TO the Water Supply Commissioner. and then
TO the Board Of Public Improvement. Then, when
me in the form Of an official report, something will
be done. | can promise you that within the next
few weeks possibly. some steps will be taken.
will assume the responsibility OF seeing that some
thing is done"
The committee. after thanking the Mayor. went