A thumb-nail history of the city of Houston, Texas, from its founding in 1836 to the year 1912 Page: 30

30 A THUMB-NAIL HIerOBY oF
The rapid growth of the city, and its numerous,
requirements, means that the growth, if yearly
maintained, as it has for the past several years, the
city of Houston must expend annually more reveIlue
to maintain in efficiency the various departments
and satisfy local conditions.
I shall briefly discuss the important demands of
the city and make recommendations for their improvements
and needs.
The water department is in splendid condition
and with the extension of mains this year will probably
place every one within the limits of the city of
Houston in easy access of pure water and charging
the lowest rate for consumption.
Houston has an efficient and up-to-date fire department,
and but for the unfortunate fire which
occurred in the manufacturing district on the north
side of the city during a tremendous gale, would
have probably maintained the smallest loss in any
one year since Houston's growth. I call attention
to this great conflagration from a commercial standpoint,
as the great losses from the immense quantities
of cotton and manufactories destroyed ran into
large sums of money. While numerous small homes
were destroyed, yet, I am glad to state, the majority
of those thus afflicted asked for no assistance and
are making plans to reconstruct their homes upon a
better and safer basis.
For those who were left destitute, too much praise
can not be given to the United Charities and the
kind citizens who came forward and cheerfully made