Page 47 - Industries_of_San_Antonio

47
COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES.

nected with a scheme for supplying Jerusalem with water." In Assyria
and also in Persia, from our earliest knowledge of those countries, towns
situated miles from any ample water supply, were connected by.channels,
canals and even by subterranean tunnels. Egypt and China were the
scenes of extensive works for carrying water for domestic purposes, as well
as irrigation. They have existed from remote antiquity.
The Eastern hemisphere was not alone in its progress, for we have the
remaining evidences of similar works in America before the Christians
settled the country. Our earliest knowledge of the City of Mexico, which
was built on several islands near the lake shore, "was connected with the
mainland by four great causeways or dikes, the remains of which still
exist." One of these was constructed by Montezuma. It supported the
great wooden acqueduct of Chapultepec, which was destroyed in later
years when the Spaniards besieged the city. Hydraulic works were prose-
cuted by the Incas of Peru. Among the ancient nations, the Romans
extended the works to the greatest perfection and magnificence. Indeed,
there are but two enterprises in existence now which exceed the works of
the Romans in their magnitude, being the supply of New York from Cro-
ton river, and the city of Glasgow from Loch Katrine. The latter works
were completed in 1858, and convey daily a supply of water equaling
20,000,000 gallons,
Although the improvements of modern years have been unprece-
dented in the world's history, regarding everything in mechanical pursuits,
there are few places to commend such extensive operations as the last two
we have cited. Nevertheless, the perfection attained in smaller under-
takings is just as commendable, for the results are ample in the supplies
of water for all purposes intended. Few cities in America, which have
sprung in ten years from a population of 7,000 to 35,000, can show the
perfection of such institutions like San Antonio. It was early seen by the
citizens that works of this description were necessary to their future inter-
ests, and in a few months after taking the matter into consideration, all the
paraphernalia necessary to the construction of the San Antonio Water
Works was in the city and labor immediately begun. Although the de-
mand was not near so large at that date, the directors, anticipating the
future necessity, operated on an extensive scale and are now able to sup-
ply a city twice the size. Every month witnesses the laying of new pipes
in suburban parts, and the proof of the company's competency and the
excellence of their machinery, is that seldom, if ever is, a complaint en-
tered. The works are located at the head of the San Antonio river, and
the city is furnished with the freshest and purest spring water.
The company has reaped a financial benefit from the works, and, as
the city advances in importance, they propose to extend operations, keep-
ing fully abreast with the times. The present management consists of:
George W. Breckenridge, president; J. H. Kampman, vice-president;
Joseph Ulrich, secretary; San Antonio National Bank,.treasurer.