Mr. Powell. They take their own samples?
Mr. Darrow. Yes, sir.
Mr. Tawney. Is there any State law in New York with respect to the discharge of raw sewage into rivers or running streams that you know of?
Mr. Darrow. Not that I am aware of.
Mr. Tawney. So every city or village or town is free to utilize the St. Lawrence River, or any other river on which it may be located, as an open sewer?
Mr. Darrow. That seems to be the case; at least, they practice it. I know that where shallow streams have been used and it has been a palpable nuisance that they have applied for injunctions and restraining orders on account of its being a nuisance.
Mr. Tawney. What is your opinion with respect to the wisdom of utilizing these running streams as open sewers? Do you think cities of some considerable size should be prohibited from discharging raw sewage into streams where cities below are dependent upon the same stream for their water for domestic and sanitary uses?
Mr. Darrow. I think they should be prohibited from doing so. I think that all pollution of all streams should be prohibited. I think that it is not only a menace to the public health, but it is a great economic loss.
Mr. Tawney. That is the judgment of all the sanitary experts and engineers that we have had before us throughout this entire investigation, and I am very glad to know that you corroborate their views.
Mr. Powell. You are opposed to depositing raw sewage into a stream entirely?