The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-05-06

structions all over the United States,
has been devotfng a large amount OF
space to the new inventions perfected
by Mr.. Rogers. The State Journal has
explained in full the new street curb
line sign proposition suggested by the
city engineer. Also the concrete man
hole covers and the combination paw
ing filler. All of these things have been
taken up with enthusiasm by the
Municipal Journal. Mr.. Rogers has adj
vanced many theories for the benefit of
this city-and what is more surprising
the city has failed to take advantage
of many of them and put them into
practical use. All Of the other cities
over the country are pouring letters
into the office of the city engineer ask
ing for information concerning the new
inventions while Topeka curls up in the
huge arm chair and waits for some
covers recently invented by the city en-
gineer would not only save the city
thousands of dollars but would be a
great improvement over the old style
covers. What's the reason
There is a faint rumor going the
rounds to the effect that the South side
drainage board is getting deeper into
trouble A few days ago they faced the
proposition of making the bikes and
damming the sewer water from the
city. This stunned them. Now num-
D6r OF PROMINENT IIl6H wiz no Z esA 10y
been against the dixie building have
consulted with attorneys and 1t is ex-
pected that injunction papers Will be
issued in a few days enjoining the
board from commencing operations
upon the bikes. Such is life-on the
river front
Chief Wilmarth has invested in a
large number of flash lights for use in
the stations over the city. Since the
new ordinance requiring wrenches ana
the like for shutting off gas from a
building the firemen have found it diff
ficult to feel their way into cellar
hunting for the cutoff valve. 1t was
absolutely necessary that these nash
lights be procured for the use of the
firemen in their regular hunt for cut
offs. 1t takes more than search war
rant to find these valves in some resi-
dences and business houses.
Another new startling reQuisition
from those who have failed to receive
the proper salary from the city The
watch-dogs" at the fire department
only receive a salary of $3.50 month
and they ask for enough to pay board
These watchmen are only on duty
when the companies are called out ana
the stations are left empty
City Engineer Rogers has made the
annual brick test in preparation Tor
the six miles of paving to be laid TINS
spring and summer. This test consists
in "rattler" rotary at the Capltai
Iron works. The bricks are whirled
and TANNED against each other for
considerable time-the ones standing
the test are selected for the best. The
citv engineer has refused to give out
any information as to the test until
thorough examination Is made put II Is
rurnored from very good authority
that the Fort Scott brick made the
best showing. The Topeka brick have
not been reported.
Out on the Martin & Dennis sewer
the people in the vicinity OF seven,
tenth and Buchanan have connected
their houses with the unfinished sewer
and allowed the sewerage to run into
the pipes-there to stay. until the pro-
per connections are made, AS re-
suit the pipes have filed ana the PEG
pIe are enduring back water. This IS
strictly prohibited and Assistant CITY
Engineer Fulton journeyed to the place
this morning and put a stop TO the
whole proceedings.
Some interesting figures have been
compiled by the city clerk showing the
cost of the different city departments
per capita. The fire department costs
the most money per capita-sss9 The
ttoal cost of maintaining the fire de-
partment is $43.217.37. This averages
s11s.4o a day The street department.
costs $50 GIL SO, or $s4.69 a day. This
EQUALS s.714 per capita. The electric
light department equals a grand total
of s14,4s405, with a daily average OF
s3971 and a cost per capita of $685..
The police department totals SIS, 167. AZ
with a daily average of S17.H and a
cost per capita of $-65- The engineer
ing department costs the less UP to date
ONLY Sc. 3371 IL will run this department
or SIT .36 a day. Capita of $.146.
There is a movement on foot at the
city hall to clean out the trash which
has collected in the many corners and
hooks in the building. 1t seems that
in the basement of the big building
there is a choice collection of every
thing from pack of chairs and furni-
ture to city ballots This should be
picked over or spontaneous combus-
ton will be the result. Then In the
corner closets under the stariways ma
teriaI of all kinds has been stuffed
away for future disposition. Assistant
City Engineer Fulton cleaned out a lit
tie cubby hole the other day that con-
tanned old maps and trash stored there
when the building was first built, With
out any system of fire escapes what
ever and with combustible material