Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1828-09-12

through Georgetown al dh eio'a'ion Wv
as that of The Canal now at the Little railsas ia'
on as to Congress street; and thence conforming
to the depression of the ground, to descend ny
successive Locks into Rock Greek. BY 2reserV-
ing the highest elevation of the Canal as lar as
Congress- Street, and conducting it at some
distance from Bridge Street, the COMMITTEE
have consulted the interest OF Maryland, OF Inc
CITY of Washington, and of the Government OF
the U. States, by favoring the future extension
of the Canal, on the same level, towards the
Eastern Branch.
Rock Greek j, is proposed to raise by dam
or mole, a, its junction with the Channel OF the
Potomac, to an elevation OF about three 1eet
above common high tide water, and thence de-
scending by tide Lock 10 enter the RIVER
The Creek, as we'll as the extensive Hats near
its mouth, and both above and below the Lower
Bridge, may thus be converted into useiui
Basin or harbor for Boats, common 10 both
Washington and Georgetown, and alike adVan-
taeeous TO 10th Moreover, II secures, by us
elevation above tide the means OF continued
Canal, along the margin OF Washington and
the Potomac river, TO the Mouth oil iiher creek,
at small comparative expense. whist iof
the benefit OF the contemplated branch Of the
Canal TO be made by Alexandria, 1t Is proPos-
ed, that a suitable site be procured, and pro-
the commencement Of The Aqueduc' required
therefor, as well as for the support OF the side
Of the Basin or Canal, from whence it may be
taken.
In the progress Of their inquiries, the Com
mit,ee have sscertaned some decided objections
to the plan Of continuing the Canal through
Georgetown, partly arising from an applehtn-
sion Of the health Of the Town, 6y passing
through *, and dense population, and partly
from the heavy expense probable to arise from
damages 10 houses and lots, and thereby IN.
curing to such Stockholders as may not feel
an interest in such extension, an unreasonable
tax upon their subscriptions.
AS relates to the first objection, opinions are
various, even among professional mer, some
entertaining apprehensons Of its effects, Others
Believing thar, under proper regulations, guard
ing agains, vegetable growth on its sides, pre-
serving cleanliness throughout, and gentle
current or How of the water through the Town,
that it may be conducive, rather than injurious,
TO health. The Committee have made much
inquiry on this su5 ject, and, so far as they have
received information respecting the experience
Of other Towns through which Canals are
known to pass, both in America and Europe,
such information is not calculated to excite or
confirm apprehension as TO its effect here, espe
cialiy when guarded, as is proposed, by walling
ON its sides of fair front, and impervious to
the growth of egelable substance, and by CIV
ing 20 the Canal, as is proposed to be done,
such gradual, progressive mo,ion, as, while II
shall not imp de the ascending nasigatinn, will,
at the same time 1eciaaily prevent slagnation
The second objection applies to the erira
expense OF constructing Canal ihtough
Town: the Ccmmiltee have endeavored to as
rney would suppose the total cost to be- aboui
100000 dollars, exclusive Of Locks Deduct
= ON this the estimated average cost IF a Canal
from Cumberland, for the same extent of dis.
lance, say 10000 dollars, leaving an extra cos,
o. about $4,000 dollars, but probable as YOUR
Commitler believes, to be less, rather thar 10
exceed that sum. But, it rs to he remembered.
that, comprised in and growing out of this
ezra expense, and the necessary purchase or
condemnation OF Houses and Lots, the Comma
will have acquired a valuable Basin al the
mouth OF Rock Creek, with its appendent water
rights and privileges, an extensive mole or nier
iikeiy 10 be OF grra, utility and profit. Besides
which, large surplus OF water for hydraulic
usIs, Will 1t is supposed. become disDosable
within This section 10 infinite d,an,ape, and
which, added 10 the tolls and other revenue.
de'irable from and within it, will probably rem
der i, so productive as 10 o5viatc This obiec
ior.
Having thus stated, and it is hoped obvia. |
&c, the two prominent objections TO the promo.
ed extension OF the Canal, the Committee. in
onciu,ion, will remark, that, in considering
his subJecl, the various rights and interests Of
n several Cities OF the District, prf scented.
obviously, at The threshold Of their inquiry. a
'rons, paramount claim, upon their most seri.
us and attentive delberslion The sub,crin>
ION. IN all OF them were spirited, liberal, and
thcien'-in one OF them, most essentially so.
his formed the nucleus, around which ba,
rown up into maturity this great institution.
whose Interests and prosperity, this board is
he especial guardian, and which needs only the
armnnioLs coopera'i"n OF the Company, to pro- !
"oe he mos suspicious results. a conformi
% the reasonable wishes Of such importan,
MEMBERS OF he concern then, was, from The first.
<eeeaingiv desir bic to this Committee; and
81 the less so, iiom il, earnest wish 10 cher
n cordial and friendly feeling and supper, be.
'een our several communities, whose essential {