The New York herald., 1877-03-22
CLOSING LITTLE HE'LL GATE.

INFLUENCE ON THE QUESTION OF RAPID TRANS
PoRTATIoN-A PRACTICAL NAvIGAToRs opIN-
ION.
The opposition to the proposed closing of Little He'll
Gate by General Newton continues to meet with stren-
support. both by the Commissioners OF Emigra.
tion and by the directors Of the Children's Home
the island Of which Register Edgar Kctchum Is pres
ident Mr.. Kotchum has just returned from another
visit to Albany where he had interview with the
Committee Cities and in addition to the strong OBJ
jcctions tho ground of the dctrimont to tho health
of the people resident in the vicinity and tho inmates
OF the public institutions on Randals and Biackwells
islands. urged upon tho consideration OF tho commit
tee the effect it would have the navigation of the
Harcm River.
There can be no doubt OF the fact however care
less the residents may be about tho sanitary
part Of the question, that they thoroughly aroused
the question of transportation. and feel that
the navigation Of the Harlem River would be closed
during the winter months II Little He'll Gate STOP
OF this opinon, and the following letter from Captain
Charles H. Lopgsrcet who Tor the past twenty years
has been on tho Harlem RIVER has been forwarded to
Navigation Company
aI have the honor to reply to request asking
River the closing Of Little Hell Gate would have. The
principal navigation the Harlem River passenger
the moan. Of quick transportation ior about 1000
river partially covered with floating ice IL Is almost
possible keep the Harlem River open.
tho natural advantages enjoyed. During the
OF ice flood tide and easterly winds the floating ice
passes the East River and approaching the lower
end Blackwelrs Island to the shore
and the west channel to the Big Gate where
generally forms blockade the rocks to the Gate
which mpedcs the current aud gives IL additional
the westward and together with tho wind forces large
foes OF into tho mouth of the Harlem River
rapidly the stream until 1t reaches the Little Gate,
where Is drawn through by the rapid cnrrent into the
prevent blockade on the Harlem River. Having shown
the natural advantages possessed together with tho
that the STEAMBOATS, passing through river from
sixty seventy five times day and that yet almost
impossible to keep t open would decidedly that to
the advantages OF the by Lit
winter months.
kFfEcr on BUSINESS.
The of the Harlem
River during such periods for all time 10 matter
great Importance not only to eight thousand
persons who enjoy this but the inter
the city With 10 tho direct question
the action OF the ice previously stated will be the
until IL aches the point whore through the Little
Gate; that passage being closed II will press the Har
lem River past the Bronx Kills u shoa and rocky
p'ssare atforiing no reIien, until Il reaches Tho
vessels moored thcre and form gorge This
will continue the Hood tide without regard
When the tide slacks at the bridge there has been
least hours ebb tide In tho Big Gate. leaving but
little chance for the ice to In the Harlem River
sequenty IL must freeze up and stop nav CATION.
daily OF twenty and have closely watched
tho ice and tide and uy convinced that to close Lutte
He'll to close tho harlem River during
winter q. II. LONGSTREEr.