The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1909-01-19


nual harvest of danger and actual
property loss incumbent upon per-
sistent neglect to provide proper
drainage for localities where water
naturally accumulates.
The worst conditions prevail in
Peaceful valley, where the sewer
as usual is pouring out its filthy
flood. The pressure of water from
the streets above forces the con-
tents Of the overburdened pipe up
into sinks, adding danger of cpl
demic to the inconvenience and ex-
posure Of cold water.
A worse danger than all this
hangs over the little valley, for the
bursting Of the pipe on the brow
of the hill would precipitate a tor
rent that might cost human life in
addition to property damage.
The city hall knows all about
this, as complaint has been con-
slant for several years. Street
commissioners have inspected the
situation, the council has consid-
cred it, but no practical relief has
been granted. One suit for large
amount is now pending against the
city for food damage to property.
Every resident with range of the
sewer has just grounds for damage.
The city compels them to connect
with the sewer, in consequence of
which they are exposed to noxious
gas and sewage forced into their
homes through these connections.
The situation is an outrage and
can only be accounted for on the
theory that the council is too much
concerned with the finer homes on
the hill to pay any attention to the
humber ones along the river.
This morning the enormous pres
sure on the fecSsr blew of a man.
hole, and the tcorrent spouted out
into the street.
Generally speaking. the worst
food conditions in years prevailed
today, following the thaw and the
rain that fell during most OF the
night and all of the morning. In
Union Park an area several blocks
In width and mile or more In
length Is under water, and people
We're being taken to their homes
In wagons. and in few instances
wife were taken from the window
of their home on horse back.
The food in Union Park is still
rising this afternoon and the flood
eded area is widening. The water
Is rushing down Crestline street
from the south hillside with the
force of a mountain stream. In the
region of st. AIMS Catholic church,
which Is IN the center of the lowest
district in Union park. the water
this afternoon stood at depth of
six feet. The water has risen
around some houses to the floor
level. and II the flood continues to
rise will enter some homes before
nightfall. Car service on the w.
w. p. has been discontinued In
Union Park around the loop, and
no cars beyond Napa street. On
the Traction line the service is also
cut of at the edge of the flooded
district.
In Corbin park the waters from
the north hill have gathered on
their way to the river, flooding that
region from Cleveland avenue
north to the foot of the hill. In
places the water stood four feet
deep. rendering street car traffic
impossible.
The planning mill district north Of
the s. F. & N. tracks is under wa
ter, and at Division street the
water this morning was from four
to six feet and had surrounded
few Of the houses built in the low
spot just east of Division and south
Of the Lidgerwood hill. The water
had risen to the bottom OF the win.
dows at one house this morning,
and the family wood was floating
around on the miniature lake that
covered the premises. A culvert
passes under Division street to
give the water egress westward to-
ward the river, but 1t is entirely
inadequate.
Hangman creek had risen five or
six feet this morning. and In the
early hours OF the day carried a
small bridge and a shack house
downs. seam, A force of men were
engaged this morning cutting away
the ice from under the Latah
bridge to prevent the possibility of
II being carried away.
Street Commissioner Wither-
spoon was out battling with the
food at 7 o'clock this morning, and
has force of 100 men at work do
ing ali that is possible to remedy
the situation. He says where the