The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1912-02-26
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W
The water works test Friday after
noon of last week was the source Of
much local interest. The resignation
of two of the appraisers in session last
week to fix value in the present wat
err works plant, the adjournment of the
board of appraisers without making
satisfactory report, Mayor Elders
declining to appoint two other APP
praisers to take the place of the re-
signed members and the withdrawal of
the proposition of the purchase of the
water works by the city, which was to
have been voted on in the near future,
has increased the interest on the
water works subject, but at the same
time has placed the question in very
indefinite shape.
Some old time history and memories
of these water works might be enter
tanning in the present condition of the
mind of Keokuk people. On July 10,
l1S7S, in review of this subject, The
Gate City said: 'The great incon-
lvenience to which the citizens of Keo-
kuk have been periodically subjected
through lack of water, an inconven-
fence amounting almost to distress at
times, induced w. c. Stripe to study
the subject of an artificial supply of
that indispensable element Some
three years since, few citizens, at
his invitation, met at the U. S. en-
Dgineer's Office to inspect his plans and
consult respecting the feasibility of
erecting water works. The plans, so
far as they were matured, met their
appreciation. and he was requested to
complete them and make estimates of
the probable cost and profits"
Before the plans of Mr. Stripe were
completed Mr.. Weir had completed
ia plant at Muscatine and came to
Keokuk and submitted a plan to the
city council. His plans comprised a
reservoir on the avenue capable of
holding 130,000,o00 gallons, with pump
ing machinery to furnish 100000 each
twenty-four hours, five and one-half
miles of mains and fifty hydrants, at
a cost Of s150,000
/ Quoting again the words OF The
IGate City:
4 Mr.. Stripe also appeared before the
lefty council and upon permission be-
4 ling given him, addressed them in
opposition to Mr.. Weirs proposition,
mainly on the score of its extravagant
cost, criticised 1t in detail and proved
to the satisfaction of all who heard
him that the entire apparatus pro.
posed by Mr.. Weir could be furnished
\ for a sum but little exceeding one.
half his figures. Considerable excite
lment ensued on the subject, Mr.. Weir
i having stated publicly that his plans
would surely be adopted. But the in
exorable logic of figures prevailed and
the Weir project was abandoned. Now
was Mr.. Stripes opportunity. He in.
vited a number of gentlemen who had
manifested an interest in the matter
to meet him at his residence To them
he exhibited his plans and estimates
which they examined infinitely, and
having approved them. determined tc
submit them to the council and ask
their cooperation to establish the
work"
Mr.. Stripe met the council, exhibit
ing his plans and estimates to that
body His proposition was to erect
a pumping apparatus to furnish 900,
600 gallons of water per day, a stand
ppe sixty feet high, to be erected al
the intersection of Second and High
streets, location 154 feet above the
city datum line, and about eight miles
OF mains, at cost of $4,000 to SIS,
600. This plan would have furnished
an ample supply of water for domestic
purposes, without the Intervention OF
fire engines at any point in the city
no higher than Main street The
council gave his plan a qualified ap
prevail, but demanded that in order tc
have the entire approval of that body
the whole city must be protected by
the MIGRANTS independent of the fire
engines. Mr.. Stripe again went to
! work and devised a plan which was