Chicago had a very narrow escape on Saturday, and yet did not altogether avoid the misfortune of a water famine. The stoppage of the water supply was the result of the long-continued cold weather. Ice, driven in from the broad lake, settled so deeply at the sources of supply, two or three miles out, as to reach and block the lakes. With billions of gallons of pure water at her very doors, Chicago suffered all the inconveniences and perils of a water famine. The trouble extended over the entire city, including the suburbs. Private families, factories and business buildings suffered the greatest inconvenience. Elevators ceased running and fires had to be banked to prevent explosions from overheating of boilers. Business at the stock yards in the great slaughter houses was at a standstill, and there was no w ater for the thousands of famishing animals in the pens. There was no steam for heating purposes, and the guests in the hotels were unable to get water for their ablutions, and families who were not early risers were without their customary coffee at breakfast. Diver John E. Scully, while working at the troublesome ice at the main crib, became entangled in one of the portholes. Every stroke of the big pumps two miles away sucked him farther and farther into the pipes, and for twenty minutes the entire north side system was stopped in order to save his life. He was working thirty-five feet under water. Scully is an intrepid fellow, and was the only diver brave enough to tackle the crib’s portholes. In some way his suit became entangled in the iron, and his experience was harrowing. lie suffered all the tortures imaginable from want of air to keep his lungs going, and for nearly an hour was fighting face to face with death. He made a brave battle of it, but his strength was nearly exhausted and he was ready to give up when he was liberated from his watery prison and bobbed up feet first to the surface. Trouble was caused by the breaking of the signal line. The men above knew at once their companion’s danger, the rope tightened, and they felt Scully being gradually drawn to his death. Captain McKee telephoned Scully’s peril into the Chicago avenue pumping station. The engines were immediately shut off. As soon as the suction was stopped Scully was drawn from the hole in an unconscious state. The men ripped the suit from top to bottom in order to give the man air.

The Topeka (Kan.) Water-works Company has gathered a storm about its head, the disturbing element being the city council. Ihe members of the council became excited and abusive, and the Mayor was compelled to resort to extreme measures to maintain order and decency. One councilman defied His Honor, and was ejected from the chamber by a policeman. Other members seized their coats and left the meeting. After a time order was restored and the meeting continued. And all this trouble grew out of an alleged neglect of the water-works company to extend the mains after being prodded for two years. It culminated in a resolution that allowed the company nine months in which to make the extensions, failing in which the city fathers will invoke the aid of the courts. The company’s side of the case has not yet been made public, but it is safe to presume they have a story to tell.

If you are a current subscriber, login here to access this content.

If you would like to become a subscriber, please visit us here.