New-York tribune., 1876-03-25

ment Of the next session OF the legislature to report
what II any, specific improvements other than heretofore
mentioned, essential to the interests OF the state
The advantages Of improving the waterway OF me
Erie Canal discussed by me in the annual message
OF 1873, and again in the annual message OF 1870 In
the special message of March 10, 1873, while showing
the enormous outlay the canals for alleged improve
new construction, exposing the fraudulent devices
by which contracts were obtained, and Inviting
investigation the quality of the work, still ip
sisted on the immense benefits, at comparatively small
cost, OF improving the waterway, In the following Ian
guage: In nv judgment, far moro important i'm
provement of the Erie Canal would be effected by q
Thorough system of ordinary repairs which should gye
progressively deepening il, wherever reasonably prac-
ticabe from 10 eight feet az the object would be
merely to enable the submerged section OF the boat 10
move in larger Of water. so that the displaced
iuld could pass the boat IN larger space. Pace.
structures or to carry the walls OF the canal below me
bottom and the benefit would be realized in each
portion of the canal improved without reference to any
other part Of the channel which should remain nm,
changed in facilitating the movement Of tho beat ana
quickeDng ts speed. IL would increase the amount OF
diminish evopY element Of the cost Of transportation Il
would benefit the boatmen ard carriers more even than
one cent a bushel remission OF tolls IL would ne OF
times its cost expended in the average manner
OF so-callod improvements on the puDic "OIhs'
S s" e. IS tSs tSs % asato 0o FaISay prSser "S whc
seek the fame Of magnificent constructions anc OF the
ensnoers who bnl monuments for exhibition 70 nep
on jobs" l renew the recommentation OF my annua' @
vision be made by law TO enable the Engineer, soon
after navigation opened to measure the depth OF water
in the canal by sections as Often as every or rou
OF its ehgth anu on the upper any io|e, % ~ hot
each lock-" These opinions are deducted rom the peat
engineering science applied TO canal naygaticn ana
arc coniirIncd by practical experience.
In the present depressed state or bsnessl rOnd an
Increased necessity and favorable opportunity FOR go
ing with this The interests OF the cOnsu-
In cheap navigation, OF the b0lmen and forwaluerS
for every facility In their business the low prices 0l ma
eral aud the scanty employ OF labor are all err
cunsances which conspre to demand attention 10 ths
subject, and TO make the present nj ana Advantageous
which begin the work; and do now earnestly
consideration OF these Recommendations WHICH
l regard OF high public importance.
avail myself o. this opportunity to renew ihe recon-
mcndatOn recently submitted TO you, that a.laW DO
passed comforting the Canal Board full powers OF ln-
yesgaton and redress Of al wrongs done To me state
in respect to canal work Ii seems 10 be quite clear mat
such powers ought to be vested in that body, ana III
similar body In respect Of the particular occasoh
likewise rene the recommendation Of on ample appr0-
priaton i'm aid OF the defense OF the State against d
lent unjust canal contracts and in all or clVll ana
criminal actions III behalf OF tho ctate growing out OF
canal frauds IL ls impossible 10 properly prepare sucn
cases for trial without larger expense than the state has
hitherto been accustomed 10 make Inc machinery oi
the state for such legal controversies ~ very INADEQUATE
and ineffective compared with that or the United stes
Government, other Government, ana needs 70 10
supplemented by accessory In recent instances
have rich and powerful pubic dellnquenis
in the courts def ending their possession OI pder anu
their personal liberty by very humer0us COUNSEL silmh
lated by enormous fees exceeding many times ordinary
professional compensation. The cncct Is 10 demand es
traOrdnary sacrifices Of time and effort ON the part o
those who repr the people 10 render tue HeatOs
extremely engrossing and burdensome. The stare VIII
not initiate the practice of extraordinary rate OF pro-
fesODal but not TO Oresee ana 10 pIO'lde
for attention, effort, and aids commensurate Win the
necessity, Won be practically TO abandon the assertion
the rights and the protection of the interests ol Tue
people against the wronSdoers - , ,...,