It would seem as though petroleum is destined to pervade every part of the city. Our wharves, streets and warehouses have long been burdened with it. We scent either “crude” or “refined” at almost every corner. Despite the most determined efforts to keep petroleum at a proper and agreeable distance, it has gradually encroached until it has entered every street, alley, shop and dwelling in the whole city. It has even found its way into the city basin, and we now daily drink a portion of petroleum!

The water drawn from the hydrants yesterday tasted and smelt so strongly of oil as to be perfectly nauseating. Many persons complained of being seriously ill, and attributed their illness to the impurity of the water. Buckets were drawn full, and let stand a moment, when the beautiful colors which are produced by petroleum when dropped upon water, were visible upon the surface.

The oil is drawn from the Allegheny River, but how it gets into the supply pipe is not so clear. Some allege, and with a good degree of plausibility, that the impurity comes from the numerous refineries along the Allegheny River, immediately above the water works, and consists of that heavy, tarry material known as residuum — a horribly nasty and deleterious substance which sinks to the bottom of the river.

Whatever may be the cause of the impurity, it must be ascertained and obviated at once. Petroleum may be very good in small doses — it used to sell here for a dollar a bottle, and was accounted a good patent medicine — but when a person is compelled to take a portion of it in everything he eats and drinks, the effect is by no means healthful or agreeable.