Page 46 - Industries_of_San_Antonio

SAN ANTONIO-HER TRADE,
46
Of the Catholic there are five, among which is the famous cathedral
of San Fernando, situated on the west side of the Main plaza and extend-
ing through the square to the Military plaza.
Of the Christian there is one.
Of the Episcopal there are four.
Of the Evangelical there is one.
Of the Hebrew there is one.
Of the Lutheran there is one.
Of the Methodist there are five.
Of the Presbyterian there are three.
This enumeration does not include seven churches with colored con-
gregations, four of which have Baptist and three Methodist congregations.
Among these religious institutions we find an influence cast which per-
vades the entire community, with, of course, a few exceptions.
It may be appropriate to mention here, with the influences that pre-
pare us for our worldly existence, the cemeteries to receive us when that
existence has ceased. There are ten, namely: The Catholic cemetery,
City cemetery, Hebrew cemetery, Masonic cemetery, Mexican Catholic
cemetery, National cemetery, Odd Fellows' cemetery, Old Catholic ceme-
tery, Polish cemetery, and St. Mary's Catholic cemetery. Besides these
are the government burying grounds, situated a mile from the southeast
portion of the city, which are very extensive and beautiful, having existed
since the establishment of San Antonio as a military pbst, and holding
the remains of all who have died in that service.
FIRE PROTECTION.
The laws enacted by the City Council, regulating the fire departments,
and prescribing the fire limits of the city, are indeed very strict. But,
when we come to consider the great importance of protection from this
great destroyer, we can only encourage the efforts made to avert its fury.
The limits wherein houses, not of fire proof materials, shall be built are
strictly defined, and have been for sonic years back. The result to-day is
apparent, for the last few years have, as they came, presented a remark-
able decrease in losses, even with the steady growth of the city taken into
consideration. There are five engines and companies kept in readiness,
and have proven themselves competent in the greatest needs—having re-
ceived repeated compliments from the officers of the most efficient compa-
nies in the United States. The total membership equals 200.
THE WATER WORKS.
Water is one of the necessities of man, no less essential to existence
than is food or air ; and, from earliest history, we find the greatest at-
tention has been given by men of learning to the acquirement of means
for an adequate supply, the necessity of which is exemplified to-day in its
thousands of uses beyond that of drinking. Early records tell us of the
digging of wells, and quarrels becoming national for their possession.
" The pools of Solomon," say the authorities, " near Bethlehem,
which remain now almost as perfect as when they were built, were con-