Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1860-01-26


sAbmt the following
-.------.-----.---RE REPORT RT.----------,----------
Tn proceeding under the Act on the first
day of July last, / appointed Orville W.
Childs, Esq, civil engineer, to the general
supervision of the surveys, estimates, and
other duties involved. A party was organic
ed and the surveys were made the past season,
the estimates have Since been completed and
the report of the Engineer is herennto annex
ed, from which it appears that the length of
the line, as located or the new work necessary
to complete the extension as conte mplated by
the Act is SO 48-l00 miles, and its estimated
cost is $829,488,2l.
The report fully describes the line, and the
character and extent of the work, required to
be done, to complete the extension, and gives
evidence of the care end skill bestowed ,as we'll
in making the surveys, as the estimates of its
cost.
After crossing the Susquehanna at Bingham
ton, inthe pool of dam, the line is wholly
inland through a country generally favorable
for the construction of a Canal, except at sCme
along the shore Of the river, rendering protec-
ton wall necessary.
From personal examination Of the ground
plefIOuS " luC oul anu GdicluL ltftC"
of the estimates am of the opinion that the
amount reported as the cost of constructing
the Canal is as correct as is practicable and
with no material increase of the price of pro.
visions, materials and labor above those of the
past season, on which the estimates are based
it is believed it would prove sufficient to CON-
plete the work on the plans alluded to in the
Report, which are substantially the same as
oIo -, H. ,o1 6
the Chenango Canal, and which | consider
more practical and economical, having regard
to the extent Of business, &c, than any other.
In the estimate Of the probable increase Of
business that would result from the construc-
tion of the extension Canal, more northern
traffic in coal from the Wyoming and Barclay
mines, and the transportation of ore and lime
stone from the Chenango Valley south, is main
ly relied upon.
The ability of the proprietors of these mines
to compete successfully in this and other north
ern markets with coal from other sources, is
fully discussed in the Report, and favorable
conclusions arrived at Return freight of ore
to the numerous iron works requiring it, and
limestone for agricultural aud other domestic
uses, would tend to reduce the cost Of transpor-
tation and increase the freight and thereby
From visit to the Barclay Railroad and
Coal Companys works. in July last it appear
ed obvious that this company ls prepared to
do much larger business that they have hith-
erto done. This Road appeared substantially
built and in good order the fixtures at the
mines and facilities for mining are quite per
feet, and sufficiently extensive to enable the
Company to forward a large amount of coal,
and with great economy. Their coal is semi
bitminous, and said to be quite free from sui
phur, and other impurities which affect un-
faVorably some other bitumnouS GOALS
Although the operations to any considerable
extent are of comparatively recent date, as far
as the coal has been tested it is said to sustain
good reputation. Sufficient time, however
has not elapsed to enable the Company to in
troduce it as extensively, and to establish for
it the reputation to Nhch it is probably just
ly entitled.
The coal of the Wyoming Valley is anthra-
cite, and of good quality. The coIIieries are
quite numerous and favorably situated with
reference to convenient shipment of coal on
on the North Branch Canal
The tables contained in the Report show the
quantity of coal shipped from the mines on to
the State Canals at Elmira, and the quantity
points, and the per cent of increase from year
TO year since l849. They also contain other
information relating to the coal trade Of this
State, and of Pennsylvania, which furnish
fair basis for estimating the probable future
increase in the traffic of this article, and the
increased amount of ore, limestone. &c, that
would be taken from the former for use in the
latter State
The method adopted, and the calculations
employed in estimating the probable increase
cf business, are fully stated in the Report, and
the deduction, showing that the business Of
the extension together with the increased bus-
ness that its construction would furnish to the
other State Canals, would be sufficient to pro-
duce toll of SAC, ,927 68 appear to be consist
ent and judiciously made.
The extension Of the Chenango Canal would
form an important connection of'the Canals of
this State, and those of Pennsylvania, as we'll
in facilitating the interchange Of the art cles
of coal, &c, above referred to, as the numer-
Gus other articles for which a demand would
be created, and that would, through this chan
mel, be supplied.
The growing Importance Of the coal trade
is indicated by the annual increase in the
quantity, and the gradual dlminution in the
prices of the coal that has hitherto entered the
State and with these borne in mind also that
this extension Canal would, if constructed, lie
in the line, and would open communication,
the most direct, between the coal fields of
Pennsylvania and the markets that will be
furnished to large portion of the eastern and
middle, and the whole northern New York.
and that large proportion of the articles
of coal aud lumber would pay toll on a dis
tance over six times greater, and ore and
limestone on distance three times greater
than the length of the extension Canal-its