Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-09

| sewer building, for models of which this
J city has been long famous. While these
| structures are buried from the sight Of
| the public, builders will say that they
| are one of the greatest assets of the
| city. because without them there is no
! development. with them their first cost
Is returned and continuing value is col
leCted by the city.
The greatest project, in my view next
to those of providing adequate water
supply and means of rapid transit. Is
that of the sanitary collection, treatment
and disposal of the sewage of the city.
In European cities, on account of the
more concentrated populations. smaller
streams for water supply and the neces-
sity of safeguarding public health. sew
age treatment and sanitary disposal are
absolutely necessary to make the cities
livable. American cities have been prodi-
gal of their natural water supplies, but
they must he conserved by avoiding the
discharge OF crude sewage into our rivers.
This can be accomplished by collecting
treating and purifying 1t as far as may
be before returning the liquid portions
to the rivers. What follows sewage
treatment will be the rectincation of our
river banks, the metamorphosis of public
dumps into pleasure drives and parking
areas so striking to the visiting Ameri-
can in European cities. This one thing is
eventually to become one of the greatest
only with the pleasure, comfort and
health which thousands of our people
derive from our own inimitable Fair
mount Park.
"The city of Philadelphia has for years
been making consistent progress in tie
matter of abolishing grade-crossings,
and is today the leading American
municipality in its accomplishments in
this regard. Bigger demands, however,
are now made, plans formulated. con-
tracts being entered into to change the
whole face Of the country in South Phil
adclphia. to enlarge the harbor facilities
and railroad terminals, which will per-
nit of the construction of n new city on
modern lines in the southern section
which will be a model of its class. The
removal of these gradc-crossnEs with
others is essential and can be consum
mated in n large measure with the funds
to be provided from the proposed loan.
"The solution of n very old problem,
hitherto unsolved, that is. the develop
ment of the southern section of West
Philadelphia. shall receive my most earn
est consideration, as | have pronounced
ideas that If carried out | feel sure will
enable this part of the city to develop
satisfactorally and CTeditably in COM
parison to other sections not laboring
under its physical disadvantages.
Probably few subjects in municipal de-
inventors and scientists of recent years
more than that of improving and devel-
oping. both by gas and electricity, the
art of lighting. This art is undergoing
changes which are revolutionary. Munic-
ipalities must be in advance In these mat
ters, and must look forward to making
extensive expenditures. Those who know
realize that the impressions of n visitor
to a city are largely controlled by the APP
pearance 1t presents in the mater of eff
fective illumination.
"The interests of the public always
appear to me to be personal in the matter
of public buildings. Therefore, good
housekeeping. proper repairs and ef-
fective service are required in this direc- |
tion. The small parks and market houses
involve problems along the lines of So
ciology, for in them the department |
comes in close contact with the great |
mass of the people. Civic betterment as
sociations and those interested in housing |
are giving much thought to improve
ments and have and will no doubt rem
der help.
Just glance over the public works
above should convince the
public that man In the position of Di-
rector of the Department of Public Works
should be deserving of their tolerance
and support, instead of condemnation for
every shortcoming which may be un-
avoidable,"