The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-01-14
Porter and Tandy Take New
land Over the Grill.
Latter Talks of Using River
Water in Emergency.
DISAGREE ON EXPERTS PLANS
Porter Slams Door and Leaves
the Conference.
improvements Held Up Wait
ing for Specifications.

Connection of Topeka water mains
with the river within the next twenty
four hours as a means of overcoming
the water shortage here was talked OF
as possibility today by Frank NJ
Newland, city commissioner of lights
and water. Newland made his asser-
ton during a discussion of the situa-
= ton mere between himself and Com
missioncrs w. G. Tandy and w. L.
Porter in the commissioners room fol-
lowing adjournment of the commits
sion.
The discussion, in spots. was heated
with Newland on the defensive and
-andy and Porter demanding a reason
for the poor water service and pres
sure. Newland laid the whole situa-
ton TO the low stage of the water over
the state and increased consumption.
Tandy was quick to question the
advisa bility of connecting the water
-lains up with the river. You do
that" he began, "and you'll turn into
the mains ALI the bacteria, typhoid,
and"
Must Have Sanction.
Il beg your pardon" said Newland,
''but We'll do it, if we, do, under the
sanction of the state board of health.
We have gas and machinery to wholly
purify the river water as it passes into
the mains"
Then" said Tandy, "if river water
is just as good as the water from wells
and the points under the river, why
not hook her up and alleviate things
for all times"
But there isn't a question" said
NewlanG. "but what the well water is
better than the purified river water"
Tandy and Porter wanted to know
whether or not the Kierstead recon-
mendations had been carried out
They have been carried out, Newla nd
asserted. so far as Kierstead has COM
pleted them. There was an argument
wherein the three commissioners dis
agreed as to just what Kierstead had
recommended. despite the fact that
there is a copy of the recommenda-
tions on file in Newland-s office.
Wait for Specifications.
Newland asserted that the recon-
mendatiOns included the placing a bot
tom ard pump in a well but said Kier-
stead had not filed the specifications.
He would not act, he said, until these
specifications, which Kierstead has
promised many times, have been sub
mitted. Neither would he start tun-
mel under the river until an expert
filed specifications.
Tandy wanted to know if Newland
had faith in Kierstead's work Think
he knows what he is talking about and
is honest" said Newland Later the
commissioner stated that he didn't
take much stock in the expert
oh" said Porter. you think Kier-
stead is honest and knows his bust
ness and yet you don't take any stock
in him"
LAS far as I'm concerned said
Tandy. II am for a dependable water
supply here. If it costs more money
than we have I am for getting the
money by bond Issue or some other
way l think the public will look at
1t the same way
Newland said that Kierstead has
been Communicated by the govern
rnent and for that reason, he thought
had failed to complete his work for
the city.
Whats the matter with you getting
on a train and going to see KiersteaC
and tell him to give you the things he
agreed to? Better still, get hold OF
him." said Tandy, land get him dowr
here before the commission
'We'll see if he is going to do any
thing. If he isn't going to do any.
thing. we'll get someone who will
The Experts Differ
Newland did not seem in favor o,
them" he said, have different ideas
In speaking of their increased waite
consumption. Newland asserted tina
the city is being forced to deliver t
the Edison company a supply one
third larger than usual. The stat,
hospital, he asserted, is also obtainin:
water from the city because the insti
tution's wells are dry
WHAT'S the idea" asked Tandy 80
looking after the states water supply
why not let them get their own water
They howl like blazes when we wan
them to do anything for US"
You can't hardly expect to see tn
inmates of the state hospital suffer
sal Newland.
We'll" said Tandy. II would Ger
tainly notify the state that it could onI
depend upon the city for water unit
il had achance to fix up its plant an
no longer" Newland asserted that h
stitute to quit furnishing water fror
the city mains to its neighbors
Should Have Prepared.
Tandy asserted that precaution
should have been taken years ago b
the water department to meet a
emergency like the present DR.
weather conditions, he asserted shoul
be e1larded against. A query by Por
ter disclosed the fact that asbestos
not being used on steam pipes expose
to low temperature at the plant. Thi
results, of course, in loss of powe
and steam.
The conference broke up with Por
ter getting up and slamming the doc
as he left the room, Tandy and New
land going to their own offices.