Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-12-01


protecting them, or in creating new channels
and basins and giving them protective works.
The operations to this end comprise the removal
of distractions of various kinds, such as rock in
place and powders, bars of clay, sometime
indurated; Of gravel, sand, and other alluyial
matter; Of RATS, often extending from the sur.
face Of the river nearly to the bottom, formed
by masses of drifting trees, or the accumulation
of slabs, edgings, and sawdust; of timber and
other constructions placed in channel WAYS to
o6struct or close them; the construction of
bikes, dams, wing dams, and revetments and
the building Of canals, break-waters, and piers,
all tending to promote the general Interests of
commerce and navigation, by furnishing in
creased facilities Of communication and giving
greater security to trade.
The condition Of the public works and grounds
of Washington, and the progress made In their
construction, repair, and Improvement, are
very creditable to the officer in charge. The
improvements exhibit good taste, with much
economy Of expenditure. Many vacant and
unimproved reservations have become attract
i've places Of public resort, at little expense.
In accordance with the prOviso attached to
the appropriation for the improvement of the
channel Of the Delaware river at or near the
Horseshoe Shoals, board of engineers was
convened; and in view of their report upon the
feasibility and expense of the plan proposed for
the prevention and removal Of the obstruction,
upon the proposed plan until after tina method
adopted by the local authorities is fully tested,
and tits found that the means used by them
will not be sufficient to maintain an open chan
Section of the river and harbor act of March
3, 1873, directed that report be made upon the
practicability of bridging the channel between
Lake Huron and Lake Erie, without material
injury to the interests of navigation, and upon
the number and character of vessels navigating
that channel. The subject has been commit
ted to board Of experienced engineer officers,
who are now engaged upon it. 1t Is expected
that tn cir report will be received upon the
early part Of the session Of Congresses.
The removal of the wreck In the channel-way
off Sandy Hook, required BY the act approved
January 3, 1873, was completed March 6, leav-
ing clear depth Of 25S feet at mean low
water.
Urder the authority granted by the act APP
proved January %, 1873, q contract was closed
for the construction OF an iron hull for light
Missouri, and Arkansas Rivers, and 1t Is ex-
pected that the boat will DO ready for service
during the present season.
The Lake Ontario Shore Railroad Company
submitted . project for Q bridge across the
Genesee River, and In accordance with the pro-
visions Of the second section Of the act author
izine It's construction, approved March 8, 1873,
certain notifications In the plan were required,
and OF these the president Of the railroad COM
psny has been notified.
In carrying out the provisions OF recent acts
Of Congress authorizing the construction OF
bridges, my attention has been called 10 the
fact that certain bridges have been built, and
gable waters Of the United States without any
authority OF law; and further, that certain par
tier Claim the right to BRIDGE and that one Of
those parties 10 now constructing bridge under
authofity claimed to be derivod from acts grant
ing right Of way for railroads through public
lands, and granting lands TO aid In the construc-
ton Of road chartered By State authority. In