The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-03-31
THE ERIE CANAL.
TIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FAvoRs THE
DEEPENING OF ITS CHANNEL

TIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FAvoRs THE
DEEPENING OF ITS CHANNEL.
special meeting OF the Chamber OF Commerce was
proposed deepening of the Erie Canal Mr. samuel n.
Babcock presided Tho following resolutions were
offered by Mr. Samuel b. Ruggles, from the Executive
Committee, seconded by Mr.. +. A. Conkhng, and on
motion were adopted
Resolved, That the Chamber OF Commerce OF the
state oil New York continues strongly TO entertain tho
OpnlOn which II has repeatedly expressed IN former
communications TO the State Legislature, that the
highest commercial interests of the state well
its character and Just renown imperativey demo nd
amendment TO the state constitution committing
the sole management of the repairs and navigation
the canals TO single superintendent TO be appointed
by the Governor with the assent OF the Senate The
Chamber, therefore, deems the fact, now become
historical os matter OF profound con-
graduation for all commercial bodies and
classes, Tor all our business of every description
and Tor all the holders Of real estate throughout the
whole metropolis, that the State Legislature during
the present session, has finally passed Tor the sec
ond Time. by vote nearly unanimous in both houses,
the necessary legislative resolution Tor submitting the
proposed amendment affecting Tho vital reform IN
our canal system and policy 10 the vote OF Tho people
OF the State IN their primary and organic capacity,
to whose experience and intelligence II may well DO
communicated, and by whom, . the Leg isa-
ture shall fix the time for the election tho Chamber
confidently believe II will be adopted by an ovcrwhelm-
ing majority.
Resolved, That the Chamber of Commerce of the
State OF New York perceive and recognize with tho
the canal policy OF the State which now ox-
lists between the two great political parties
which Tor many years ned opinions widely differing
as to the propriey and the necessity OF charging the
capacity OF the Eric Canal and its kindred trunk lines
at the expense OF the State and are now so fully agreed
in respect 10 the vital necessity OF completing without
delay each enlargement by giving to the canals their
u legal depth OF seven feet water in channel wholly
Tree from INSTRUCTIONS Tho Chamber. therefore, re-
specially begs leave to express it's full concurrence
with the orlnOus recently communicated by the Gov
of he State in his Message the Legislature
%
plotting such enlargement OF tho Erie Canal to depth
of seven feet of water before the opening
OF navigation In the present spring. The
Chamber is particularly gratihed with the portion of
the Message which expressed the opinion in which
the Chamber fally concurs-hat the depth OF seven
feet now prescribed by law, may advantpgcousy be
increased from time to time and the convenience
and cxgcncics OF the State may permit to seven and
half or eight feet; that this additional depth may
readily be obtained without altering the cuverts, locks
or other structures of the canal or its walls below The
present bottom that such increased depth will greatly
facilitate the movement OF boats and quicken their
speed and thereby increase the amount OF their SER
vice rendered IN given time and diminish every ele
ment oil the OF transportation; tnat the ow price
OF materials present and the sclnty employment
of labor and the vital interests both of transporers
and consumers in chcapening the cost OF navigating
the canal all circumstances which now combine 10
demand attention 10 this subject by the Legislature
without delay and make the present III and
advantageous nmc in which to begin the work.
To all these cocent reasons the Chamber would beg 10
urge addition the depressed condition of the
merce ana business oil the CITY, ana especially he con
stantly Increasing dangers with which they arc
menaCcu by the superior dllgcncc, ana
tviy of the governments and corporate bodies Of tho
ncighboring States and OF the Canadian Domn ion,
seeking through tho great improvements IN their chan
ncls OF intercourse, IN rapid progress TO divert
from the state even the diminished commerce with tho
interior which it yet retains
Resolved, That in view of the considerations above
presented the representatives, OF the metropolis in the
Legislature, IN common with It's other members, VIII
spare effort and submit 10 needless delay in
adopting such measures of legislation as the exlgences
OF the State plainly require.
Resolved That copies OF these resolutions be trans
taA anIl IN npha nf
the Senate anu Assembly.