one source of supply, in order to increase that of another. These are important facts, and ought not to be lost sight of by the municipal authorities, or by the people of this metropolis.

As if to leave nothing unexamined or unsaid that might determine the authorities and citizens of New York to undertake this noble and useful enterprize, which it was made the duty of their Commissioners to report upon, the effect of bad water upon the health of '

CROTON AQUEDUCT. 13B

cities is illustrated by many striking examples, and the report, marked with great research and ability, and pervaded throughout by an earnest spirit, thus concludes-; The quantity of water, in order to be effectual, in preserving the city from disease, must not be limited to the ordinary wants of domestic consumption merely, nor ought it

136 MEMOIROFTHE be restricted to the poor, or those in moderate circumstances, by a high charge for its use ;

but, on the contrary, the quantity supplied should be abundant, the quality good, the cost moderate, and to the poor gratis. In order to effect the aforesaid object, a portion of the interest, at least, on the capital necessary to complete the project, and the annual expense attending the delivery of the water, should be paid by a tax on the real and personal estate of the city, in the same manner that the watching, lighting, and repairing the streets and roads, are paid or as the ;

expense of the police, criminal courts, board of health and public schools are paid. These axe matters in which the poor man partakes equally with his rich neighbor, all being proper and necessary municipal expenses for preserving the peace, health, comfort and morals of the community and are of no greater importance in a public point of view, than a ;