Albuquerque evening citizen. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1905-1907, 1906-03-28

To The Evening Citizen:
Having followed with keen interest, the discussion
presented in the city papers concerning the proposed
bond issue of the city of Albuquerque at the approaching
election for the purpose of purchasing and extending
the present water system would be glad to give my
idea and conclusions, in your valuable paper this
absorbing subject which vtaly affects the future OF
city.
At the outset permit ME to say that | have not
heretofore expressed my views in the matter either
publicly or privately neither have been called up
make statement in the press by anyone; but the
conclusions drawn have been reached through careful OBJ
servations and deliberate study Furthermore, 1t Is
hoped that may take exception to an honest opn
on reached in conscientious manner which all of us
owe as duty toward good citizenship. 1t is believed
by the that has held the confidence and esteem
of most of the members of the Water Supply company
any opinion expressed concerning the present water
plant not founded grievances of personal ma
ture. In my mind any conclusions affecting the sou-
tion of economic problems in sanitary, hydraulic and
mechanical engineering should not be operative wnen
sought through malice or revenge.
What occurs to the proper step for the city coun-
ell TO have taken before allowing opportunity to
vote on bond issue would been select less
than THREE COMPETENT HYDRAULIC ENGINEERS
pass the question of whether not it would be
wise judcious for the city to take the existing
plant stands the reason for this will be
made plain further This step should have followed
Immediately after Mr. Rifle made his report.
Permit say, with all due respect to the public
in general that the wholly incompetent to
pass the requirments efficiency of any water sys~
tenn this is absolutely question for the hydraulic en-
gineer alone settle The people, however, can readily
pass on the efficiency of the service after the plant is
once installed but the conditions HOW the service
was obtained passes from them into the broad field OF
the science of engineering
Now, to point: Throughout the whole of The
water discussion person has been able to def
nitey show that water could furnished ANY
CHEAPER by the city after purchasing the plant tnar
what the present company is now doing.
Again, from engineering and geological stand
point a gravity flow of water from the mountains is moi
only possible but is certainty. A flow of at leas
5000 gallons of pure mountain water, every twenty
four hours can developed the base of the Sands
Mountains of the city, in fully three more local
tiles; this in my mind is true beyond the peradventur'
of doubt Even the Jemez country is not beyond ou
reach the city of Los Angeles will bring its wate
by gravity flow for distance of one'hundred and ft!
miles. Should the water come from that source, thu
problem occupying the attention of the Commercial
Club, in irrgatng the valley to the north of the city
could thus be partially solved.
Let say right here, to the people of Albuquerque
that the present system of pumping water up hill ant
then letting it down again is entirely wrong. VIII!
utilize gravity this universal force of nature gen
erously placed disposal without money and with
price? The many advantages of this system are OBJ
vious to all
The chief residence portion of the greater Albuquer
que is destined be the mesa, about the Universt
Heights A bill is pending in congress for a Who'll
section of land the Highlands to be set aside for tn
cy's principal park. Be it said that the Highlands ar
by right and be supplied with water Can the pres
system do it advantageousy
Lastly, let examine into the potency Of the pres
plant before voting the bonds for its purchase.