New-York tribune., 1907-10-06
SAME RATE FOR WATER.

The amount paid to the city by the firm OF
Hildebrandt & Byers for water used in sprins-
ling the paved streets of Manhattan since 1893
is S45.II3. The amount collected by them dur
ing this period through assessments levied upon
hOuseholders, could be ascertained only through
an examna ton OF the COmpany's books. but
those assessments have been more than nine
times as large as the contractors in Brooklyn
We're allowed 10 charge. and the Brooklyn con-
tractors doubtless made some profits out OF
the service given by them at the much lower
price. The rates charged the contractors for
water were practically the same. both being
fixed by the engineers OF the Water Department.
Ever since the street cleaners strike last sum-
mer when, at the request of Mayor Mcclellan.
DR.. Bensel took charge of the department. there
has been trouble over the question of water for
street cleaning purposes Even when the streets
were reeking with accumulated hItb tr1rns5iets
~ after the cleaning stan went back TO work
water was gruGsinSly furnished for flushing
purposes DR.. Bensel insisted that unless he
had lots of water il would be impossible to
give the city clean streets New flushing ma
chimes were successfully tested and a number
purchased by the city. Even before their use
tulheSS was rully demonstrated they had to be
put out OF commission because Of lack of water.
As soon as the obvious danger of epidemic
from filthy streets had been passed il is as
serted the Water Department began 10 shut
down upon the amount of water TO be used and
about a month ago the supply was cut off Alto
gether. All along there has been more or less
friction between the two city departments but
this last action of the Water Department bsS
aroused the ire of the Street Cleaning DEPART
ment. DIR. Bensel when a Tribune reporter
talked with him was quite frank on the sub
jeCt.
Yes. il is quite true he said. I'VE have had
no water for street cleaning for more than
three weeks. Why, the employees of this de-
partmenJ have even been compelled TO steal
enough water from the city hydrants to clean
out the city's garbage carts. 1t is ridiculous to
expect us TO keep the streets clean and in a
sanitary condition without any water for flush
ing. No one who has the proper sense OF smell
need be told that dry sweeping is not effective.
OF course it may be necessary to shut of the
supply completely, as has been done. but If an
essential public service Is to be crippled in this
manner. how is il that firm OF private contract-
Ors is able 10 get what water il wants for street
sprinkling purposes? II would not be so bad ~
this sprinkling service was of the Slightest usa
20 us in cleaning the streets, but as a matter or
fact 1t is hindrance rather than an assist
ance
In order TO be effective the sprinkIing carts
should be Immediately followed by the sweep-
ers Otherwise the dust is simply converted INTO
a greasy, sticky mud that is not Onlv difHcuIt
10 remove later on, but constitutes a serious
danger TO horses II must be obvious to every-
one that the sprinkling of the streets is mart or
the legitimate work OF this department ana
should not be farmed out to a private firm win
the privilege of charging what il likes for a.,
inadequate service. An adequate street snrtn
king service could be given the househOlders a