Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-09-11
BOSS PLUMBER REPORTS
INSPECTOR DAVIS WORKED REAL
HARD LAST YEAR
And Thinks He Should Have More
Men-High Chargers Handi-
capped This Year.

Henry B. Davis. District inspector of
plumbing sumbitted to the Commissioners
today his annual report for the fiscal year
ended June 30 last 1t shows that 80 100
inspections were made during the year, an
Increase of 1915 over the previous year and
4,763 over 1905.
Inspector Davis explains that the insight
f1cant increase in the number of inspections
this year was due to unsettled local labor
conditions which retarded building opera
lions and plumbing work. But he points
out that the work of his office has increas-
ed from sos inspections in 1895 to 32100
last year. and urges that he be allowed
more inspectors next year.
During the year 1.603 complaints of de-
fectiVe plumbing were filed with the IN
SpectOr.
Here's an Old Friend.
THE complaint of water in the cellar is
one which causes more inspection than any
other" he says land its cause is most
difficult to determine because it can be
brought about by leaking sewer or water
service not only in the house where the
water appears in the cellar, but in houses
quite remote from the cellar in which the
water appears. This last year we have
used aniline yellow powdered dye on sup
y.
which coors a large quantity of water a
yellowish green tint. 1t has been abe to
obtain very good results in using this dye
In defective sewers, as it is a most posi-
tive proof that the sewer of the adjoining
property Is leaking when the colored water
appears in the cellar where the accumula-
ton is complained of.
The inspectors office examined 3 1873 plans
for new buildings and approved 2,4S1 ap-
plications for alterations and additions to
buildings. A number of plans for District
buildings were not referred to his office
for approval. and he suggests that in the
future specifications for plumbing for mu-
nicipal structures be passed upon by him.
The inspector makes an appeal to the
Commissioners to secure main artery pub
lie sewers to the dcnsely populated sub
urbs, so that extensions can be made when
conditions warrant.
Please Do This, Congress.
Where there is no sewer available" he
says on this point, due to the fact there
is no main public sewer from which
branches could be made, occupants of
dwellings in the suburbs have to depend
upon temporary subsoil drains or sewage
disposal systems when they desire plumb
ing within their houses. 1t is frequently
found upon examination of the soil that it
is not suitable for either of these tenn
pOrary systems, that the occupants
are practically debarred from having mod
ern plumbing installed within their prem
lSeS. Public sewer and water mains when
extended increase the value of the land
abutting on either side, and naturally in
crease the revenues of the District by IN
creased taxation, besides giving property
owners an opportunity for installing mod
ern plumbing and lessen to a great extent
the danger of disease
The report contains a detailed statement
of plumbing repairs to public schools.
amounting to $4,000. The Commissioners
attention is called to the weakness of the
drainage act in the District. and recon-
menGaton is made that a new law be
drawn up by the corporation counsel and
submitted to Congress.
Inspector Davis concludes by reiterating
his recommendation of last year that one
or more public lighthouses be established
in the District.
Annual Estimates.
In his annual estimates to be included In
the Commissioners estimates for the fiscal
year 1869 which were submitted to the
Commissioners this morning, Inspector
Davis asked for an appropriation of s163-
3354 which is an increase of 500, 100 over
the appropriation allotted to the plumbing
department for the present fiscal year.
This large increase is caused by the re-
quest of Inspector Davis for two public
bathhouses, to cost $4S, 500, and the sum
of $4,000 for two public convenience sta
tons. The other items that add materially
to this big increase are S3SS4 for increased
salaries of employees of the plumbing Of
flee and 1910 for additional employees.
Inspector Davis asked that his salary of
$500 be Increased to s2,4O0; Richard A
O'Brien. principal assistant inspector of
plumbing from $1,000 to 81, 400; NJ ]. Fen
nell. w. H. Marsh, M. ]. O'Callaghan and
George A. Crawford, assistant inspectors of
plumbing, from $1,000 to $1,000; A. X. Nc
CONCEAL craftsman, increased from 81, 300
to 1900.
He also wants s7,1s5 for supplies and
salaries among the employees of the public
convenience stations. which is an increase
of $2,lS4. The new positions asked for and
the salaries for the same, are two assistant
temporary inspectors at $500, clerk at
Sl.2GD, one index clerk at $72O making a
total of 81, 120 for new positions. Mr. Davis
stated that this additional force is abso-
lutely necessary for the good conduct and
efficiency of his department.
The sum of $50,ooO is asked for with
which to repair and remodel the plumbing
in public school buildings.
NEW HUTMrOp MTNTOTrD