Water Works at Houston, Texas.

Water Works at Houston, Texas.

An ordinance recently adopted by the City Council of Houston, Texas, directing a contract with James M. Lowry and associates for the construction of water works, pledges the city to pay $75 for each hydrant for the use of the city in cleansing gutters and for fire purposes, fifty of which are to be erected; the exclusive right to remain in the hands of Lowry and associates for 25 years, at which time the city has a right to purchase at an assessed value. Should the city fail to purchase, then the company are authorized to continue five years longer, when the city has again a right to purchase, and so on each five years; private individuals are to be allowed the use of water at five cents per too gallons used; if the citizen uses a metre, he must pay rent therefor ; the expense of tapping mains and running of connecting pipes to be paid by the party served; for the hydrants used by the city, payment is to be made in city scrip, which shall be receivable for any and all dues and taxes, except bond tax, market-house dues, and fines assessed by the Recorder. It is considered the most favorable contract yet made in Texas, as every house. Engine and other apparatus to be used is guaranteed to be of first-class quality, and work to commence within sixty days frem date 01 contract.

An ordinance recently adopted by the City Council of Houston, Texas, directing a contract with James M. Lowry and associates for the construction of water works, pledges the city to pay $75 for each hydrant for the use of the city in cleansing gutters and for fire purposes, fifty of which are to be erected; the exclusive right to remain in the hands of Lowry and associates for 25 years, at which time the city has a right to purchase at an assessed value. Should the city fail to purchase, then the company are authorized to continue five years longer, when the city has again a right to purchase, and so on each five years; private individuals are to be allowed the use of water at five cents per too gallons used; if the citizen uses a metre, he must pay rent therefor ; the expense of tapping mains and running of connecting pipes to be paid by the party served; for the hydrants used by the city, payment is to be made in city scrip, which shall be receivable for any and all dues and taxes, except bond tax, market-house dues, and fines assessed by the Recorder. It is considered the most favorable contract yet made in Texas, as every house. Engine and other apparatus to be used is guaranteed to be of first-class quality, and work to commence within sixty days frem date 01 contract.