The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1904-08-03

only, and build the city hall in a more
attractive portion of the city If
block or a plot of land can be secured,
suitable for anew city hall, on which
a building can be erected that would be
independent of any other buildings.
and that can be surrounded by a small
lawn, and not too far from the bust
ness center of the city, this might be
pleasing to a large number of our citi
zens.
This matter, however, I do not ex-
pect to see settled by this council, but
it is a problem that must be worked out
at some future date.
Water Department.
The financial condition of this de-
partment is all that could be asked
for. Last year the receipts from this
office were nearly $4,000. Ordinarily
this sum would be sufficient to pay all
expenses and repairs, pay interest on
the water and sewer bonds and leave
surplus for the retirement of several
bonds.
1t was necessary, however, during the
past season, in order to keep the city
supplied with a reasonable amount OF
water, to spend large sums for the de-
velopment of additional supplies at the
head of Boyer avenue and other places.
The pumping plant installed has been
of great benefit and without it we
would have been compelled to greatly
restrict the use of water in different
parts Of the city. During the winter
and spring it became necessary to re-
new some of the wooden drains and
underground bitches, which had be-
become decayed and fallen in. by the
substitution of thing, which will be per-
manent and probably last as long as we
use the present water system. These
necessary repairs cost the eXpendi-
ture of large sums for labor and ma
terial. A large amount of kalamein
pipe has been purchased to renew some
of the decayed pipe in different por-
tons of the city, and to extend supply
pipes to new additions and to other
districts in the city which are calling
for a water supply.
In ALL a little over $1,000 was paid
for this pipe All work of this charac-
ter which has been performed is per-
manent and will not need to be renewed
for great many years. Eight bonds,
amounting to $4,000, We're taken up, but,
while we were compelled to call on the
general fund for some assistance,
taking everything into consideration,
the showing made by the water depart
ment is quite satisfactory.
If this state of affairs would continue
Indefinitely there would be no occasion
to call for any change in this depart
ment, but unfortunately we have about
reached the limit of the supply in the
local fields.
At one time this summer, during the
extreme hot and dry period, we came
very near experiencing a water famine.
and but for the energy and good judg
ment displayed by the water superin
tendent and other officials in the water
department we should have been COM
PEELED to stop street sprinkling. and
possibly prohibited the use Of water
for lawn sprinkling.
Fortunately, however, we have been
tded over this unpleasant condition of
affairs, and with the exercise of due
diligence by the citizens in the con-
sumption Of water we will have no fur
Their trouble this year.
But coming down to the important
issue: It is necessary, and l might say
imperative, that we greatly improve
and enlarge our water supply. This
matter is not entirely in the hands Of
the city council, as you must cooperate
with the citizens before you can get
their consent TO issue the necessary
bonds for the development of a larger
or an entirely new supply. You have
taken up the matter in the proper way,
by securing the assistance of a reliable
and experienced hydraulic engineer,
who has had large experience and is
considered the best authority on this
subject on the Pacific coast. He will
make for you a very thorough investi-
cation; he has entered into the spirit
of the work with a great deal of inte-
rest, and when his report is received
you will find that he has entered into
every detail; therefore his report will
be all that you or the citizens of Walla
Walla can ask for.
After you have received his report