204 The Philippine Journal of Science isis 



forced leakage/=» and would have established a filtration plant 

 at the Deposito to prevent impurities in the water. ^"" Moreover, 

 he would have taken keen interest in the carrying out of his 

 original plan for fighting fire. A small fire brigade was operat- 

 ing by January, 1885, as soon as the first fire hydrants had been 

 installed. The first hydrants were procured from the Domini- 

 cans at 10.25 pesos apiece,^" while the second supply of one 

 hundred was bought by contract from Wilks and Company at 

 8.50 pesos each, the cost of private installation being fixed at 1 

 peso. The first fire that the new fire brigade was called to was 

 in the nipa barrio of Santiago (San Fernando de Dilao) in Jan- 

 uary, 1885, and another was successfully attacked in Tondo in 

 the following month."^ 



To Palacios also was due the project for the organization of 

 the waterworks' employees into a special corps, entitled the 

 "cuerpo de fontaneros," who at a later date were given permission 

 to carry arms,"^ and the arrangement for proper hospital service 

 in case of injury or sickness. It is almost impossible to estimate 

 the benefit conferred upon the city by Palacios. If Carriedo 

 deserves commemoration as the originator of the system, Pala- 

 cios deserves equal honor as the man who despite many difficulties 

 made the system an actuality.^^* 



By the will of Carriedo, a gratuitous supply of water had been 

 promised to definite institutions, but this permission was largely 

 extended, the only condition being that the institutions should 

 be of public benefit, establecimientos de heneficiencia.^^^ In all, 

 more than 50 applications were received, although only 32 were 

 considered with favor. Among those who were unsuccessful 



"•76id. (Aug. 15, 1885). In February, 1887, the natives of San Juan 

 del Monte were discovered tapping the main pipe. Ibid. (Feb. 4, 1887). 



"° In June, 1885, the assistant engineer answered a series of complaints 

 with the assurance that river water was always dirty, and that all filtra- 

 tion should take place at home. Ihid. (June 1, 1885) ; (Aug. 27, 1890) ; 

 (Aug. 25, 1893). 



^'^Ibid. (March 27, 1886); (March 1, 1887); Expediente sobre contrac- 

 cion de las 100 bocas de incendio (1885). 



^''Ihid. (Jan. 22, Feb. 28, 1885). 



"* The actual appointments to the "cuerpo" were not made until April 5, 

 1887, although the appropriation was passed on September 21, 1886. 

 Expediente para la creacion de doce plazas de peones fontaneros y dos capa- 

 taces. Incidente relativo al personal de la traida de aguas que necesitan 

 licencias para traer armas (1894); Actas de Manila (1885), 58-60. 



'" Major T. F. Case when City Engineer of Manila, paid a well-merited 

 tribute to his remarkable care and accuracy. Annual Report. Municipal 

 Board. City of Manila (1903), 58-59. 



"•Actas de Carriedo (July 11, 1889). 



