More hopeful reports were received touching the water supply. C. H. McMasters, of the Chamber of Commerce, has charge of the water relief work. The company is placing men all along the mains, plugging the broken places, and thereby assisting the flow. It was serving some of its customers to-day, and hopes gradually to increase the service. The water continues to run by gravity pressure. The only difficulty the people are having is in carrying supplies to their homes or places of business. The ice supply continues bountiful, and at many corners lemonade is being served at five cents for as many glasses as you can drink at one time. More effective measures were taken to keep undesirable people off the island. Soldiers patrolled the water front, and challenged all who could not show a proper reason for their landing, or who were unwilling to work for the privilege of coming into town. Assurances have been received by the railroads that they will do all in their power to reopen communication, and their present plan seems to be to concentrate all forces on the work of the reconstruction of one bridge. Crews are coming down the Santa Fe Railroad from Arkansas and St. Louis with full equipments to restore the line. Local representatives of the Southern Pacific have had advices from headquarters to proceed with repair work without delay. Telegraph communication has been partially restored, the Western Union and Postal Companies having reached the city with one wire. Large forces have been at work along the lines of both companies, and connection with Galveston has been attended with many difficulties. BUSINESS BEING RESUMED. A larger number of business houses than on yesterday are open, and advertising their wares at no advance in the prices. Carts with disinfectants are going through the streets. The gutters are being covered with lime. Carpenters are having all the work they can do. The storm tore hundreds of roofs off, and the people who are living in topless houses are eager to obtain coverings so as to prevent the destruction of what they have saved if a rain storm comes along. Thus far, however, the weather has been clear. The relief committees are steadily broadening the scope of their work. They have established bureaus for the issuance of orders and rations in every ward, and though there is a multitude surrounding every bureau, applicants are rapidly being taken care of. There seems no present likelihood of inability on the part of the committee to furnish all the rations that are asked for. There is of course, a scarcity of fresh beef and of milk, but bread is being provided in abundance, as well as hams, potatoes, rice and other articles.