The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-05-21
Mr.. JOHN r.
FREEMAN
UNDECIDED
Eminent Providence Engineer
Uncertain, II Is Said, Of Ac-
cepting New York Position

1t is said that Mr.. John r. Freeman,
the eminent civil engineer OF this city
who has been offered a most lucrative
position with the water works department
OF the city of New York is very much
undecided as to whether to accept the
position offered or not.
Mr.. Freeman is very much wanted by
the citizens of New York and the water
department in particular, for the reason
that most serious problem that of the
future OF the great citys water supply,
is before them, and this question is one
that will require men of the highest
standing in civil engineering TO cope with
successfully, and Mr.. Freeman is consid-
cred by experts one of the best In this
line i'm the country.
During the Ramapo excitement three
years ago Mr.. Freeman was called into
consultation on the water question in
New York by the Merchants association
and after looking the ground over gave 1t
as his opinion in voluminous report
that the Croton supply, as IL then existed,
would hardly suffice 10 furnish water
for the great metropolis for more than
two and half or three years longer. at
the most, and Mr. Freeman's statement
has been more than verified as the lower
portions of the city, the section getting
the water last, is already feeling the
scarcity.
The high degree OF skill and rare good
judgment displayed by Mr. Freeman In
the case won for him the highest regard
of the solid citizens OF New York. and
now that new source of supply and a
new system is imperative and must be be-
gun at once. a system TO cost millions and
tens of millions OF dollars 10 create and
years of labor, and to supply the city
with pure water for so years to come, they
come to the eminent Providence civil
engineer and make him an offer most
munificent I'm its scope.
The city will pay $4,000 to Mr.. Freeman
and the Merchants association. slO'OU
more making the salary offered Mr.. Free
man $40, 600 per year. or 5000 more than
the salary of the mayor OF the city and
twice that OF the vice president OF the
United States.
Mr. Freeman was seen this morning by
a News reporter, and stated that he had
nothing 10 say about the matter today
and probably would have no news 10
give out concerning II Tor some DAYS 10
come.
MR.. GEORGE 3. FRANCIS RESIGNS.
Mr. George Il. Francis chief engineer
of the Rhode Island Suburban Railway
company. has rendered his resignation or
the position TO General Manager Potter,
the resignation to take effect In June.
THIS action on the part of MF tSr @
portant engineering work about TO be un-
dertaken In New York city and vicinity by
the Pennsylvania railroad, one of the
most stupendous feats OF the kind ever
attempted. involving, as IL does. a huge
suspension bridge across the North river
a mighty terminal station In the heart OF
New York city, and then a terminal un-
der the city TO Long Island.
Mr. Francis, when interviewed, said
that at present he could give no definite
statement as to his line OF work. as he
had had no conference In this respect
with the railroad people as to details. He
has not seen the general plant and did
not know just what arrangements would
be made.
During the erection OF the new Union
passenger station in this city and the ac-
companying work Mr.. Francis was chief
consulting engineer for the terminal fa-
cilities commission.