HYDRAULIC ELEVATORS AND MOTORS. 145 
that the parties who usually operate elevators are the very ones who know the 
least about them; the corrosion of pistons, crystallization and oxidation of cables, 
and many other disorders common to elevators, being matters they do not com- 
prehend. The frequency and fatality of these accidents in Kansas City finally 
led the city authorities to appoint an elevator inspector, who is under heavy 
bond, and whose duty it is to examine every elevator at least once a month, and to 
grant license to run only to such as he deems in safe condition. Thus far since 
the establishment of this office, we have had no serious accidents, which leads me 
to the belief that in most cases a monthly examination will discover in time the 
causes of many terrible casualties; also that it is not safe to operate elevators 
unless so inspected by some competent person. 
The hatchways of elevators in large buildings are points greatly feared by 
firemen. They well know that when a fire once reaches this shaft, it takes but 
a moment for it to be carried from floor to floor, until the building is soon patt 
saving. Although this great danger is well known, it is the exception rather than 
the rule to provide elevators with fire-proof hatches. A properly constructed 
elevator should, it seems to me, be provided with hatches, or better still, built 
within brick fire-proof walls, with openings to be kept closed when not in use. 
In this way costly buildings, valuable merchandise, and many lives would be 
saved from fire every year. 
Although considerable has been said on the subject of elevators, I am aware 
that the ground has not been covered, and that difficulties have been pointed 
out, rather than remedies suggested. There is much yet to be brought out by the 
engineers, to whom the subject more properly belongs. 
In the meantime, although elevators claim many of the objectionable features 
in the business of water supply, most of them are not of a nature that should 
condemn their use ; on the contrary I hope that with the joining of our experi- 
ence there will be an improvement in the methods of their supply. Inasmuch 
as they must be furnished with water, all that can be done is to adopt such rules, 
and fix such rates as will compensate in some degree for their objectionable quali- 
ties. 
Water Motors. — My remarks on this subject I trust will be more to the 
point than they have been upon the questions already discussed. Cerfainly my 
ideas are more decided so far at least as supplying water motors is concerned. 
In many respects I believe water motors furnish as nearly perfect power as 
it is possible to attain. A motoi;, for instance, properly connected and supplied 
by the even pressure from a reservoir is probably the most reliable and steady 
power known, not excepting the most improved and costly steam engines. The 
convenience and little attendance necessary in operating, make them especially 
desirable for many purposes. Where only small power isrequired, or even where 
considerable power for only occasional use is desired, they are particularly well 
adapted and can be driven at small expense. Even for greater power they possess 
advantages over steam engines which, to a considerable extent, compensate for the 
large water rates that ought to be paid for their supply. These advantages are, in 
