and the expense of the project. With the information in the possession of the Corporation, should they decide to carry the project into effect, the first and second considerations may safely be left to the judgement of those who shall be selected to superintend and direct the operations. The difficulties to be encountered, are much less in the opinion of the Commissioners, than those which have been overcome, both in this county and in Europe.

120 MEMOIR OF THE As to the cost, necessarily large, owing to the situation and construction of the island on which the city is built, and the distance from which the water is to be brought,

there cannot be a doubt, in the opinion of the Commissioners, but that the operation will

prove a saving concern if properly and judiciously conducted, and eventually, when the

population of the city shall have reached its maximum, result in great profit to the proprietors."

Thus encouraged and stimulated, the Common Council resolved to proceed in earnest, and the Manhattan Company joining in the general impulse, made a proposition to

the Common Council for the sale to it, of all their immunities, rights and privileges of

every kind, relative to supplying the city with pure water, and of all the property, steam engines, pipes and hydraulic works, of every sort employed therein.

This proposition was frankly met by the Common Council, who, on 6th February, 1834, adopted a resolution accepting the proposal of the Manhattan Company, to enter into negotiation, for the aforesaid purpose.