Daily globe., 1883-10-30
cHaHBEl OF CGNNBRCB

rectOrS te6tereay-Ehe SuCJ@ct ~ BtVtr
improvements Exhsustigely Discussed.
The board of directors of the chamber
of commerce held an unusually long meet
ing yesterday morning, and though no
acted discussion arose in regard to the
old subject Of the improvement of the Fox
and Wisconsin rivers which was rather in
teresting. Some weeks ago communi-
cation was received by the board from
John Newton, colonel cf engineers and
brevet major general q. S. A., and presi-
dent of the board OF engineers for fortiti-
cations, and for river and harbor improve
ments, asking information as to the advis-
ability of further expenditure of $4,000
COO for the completion CT the improve
nents already begun on the Fox end Wis
consin rivers. This communication was,
at that time referred to the mercantile
committee, OF which D. 4. Noy es is chair
man. Yesterday Mr.. Nayes called the at
tention of The directors to the subject and
requested the members to send in writing
to the committee such infor-
nation as they may have
on the subjects as some of the members
desired to hear the letter referred to read.
Mr.. Noyes read it as follows:
Office of Board of engineers for fortiica-
tions, and for river and harbor improAe-
ment, ETC., Army building,
New YORK, Oct. 10, 1883.
Gen. John B. Sanborp, President
Chamber of Commerce, st. Paul, MINI -
Sir: As you are doubtless informed, the
government has been engaged sincs 1871
| in the Improvement of tbs Fox and Wis
consla rivers, with the object Of obtain
ing line of water communication be-
tween Prairie du Chen and Green Bay,
having depth at low water of four feet.
Doubts existing at the present time Of
the value of this line as part of through
system of cheap transportation between
the West and the East, it has been made
the duty of this board 10 report upon the
probable benefits in that view of this route
to trade and commerce, supposing it to be
completed to the stated depth.
This inquiry has practical bearing, for,
although the sum of $2.161,0 600. 90 has
already been expended, further sum of
$3,000,000. 90 is estimated for the compile
ton of the projected works Of improve
ment, and it is therefore important to
ascertain whether the probable advantages
to be obtained would compensate for the
additional expenditure to be incurred.
This board has been air eady engaged in
the consideration of the influences which
would have an effect upon controlling the
routes of transportation, but it is manifest
that its conclusions should not be reached
without the benefits of information derived
from those thoroughly acquainted with
the existing modes of transportation. It
has, therefore seemed expedient to apply
to your honorable body for such iAforma-
iion bearing upon the issue as it may be
convenient to you to furnish, and for your
opinion of the necessity CT completing
this Improvement In this connection,
however, attempting TO limit your dis
cussion of the question, the board Of en-
gineers would be much indebted for your
views as to the effect upon the proposed
route which would be eXerted by existing
centers of commerce and capital On the
western shores Of the lakes, and by exist
ing lines of transportation from the lakes
| and to the Mississippi, and westward OF
that river. 1t eeems also within the scope
| of this inquiry to ask whether from ST.
| Paul Or other city on the Mississippi rive
IN communication by rail with the country
west it would be advantageous in cost to
| transport by boat to Prairie Gu Chien and
| thence TO Green Bay. On behalf of the
board of engineers, am, very respect.
| fully, your obedient servant.
JOHN NEWTON,
Colonel of Engineers and Brevet Major
General q. S. A., President of the Board.
Mr.. Noyes stated that the committee
thought that any improvement of the wa
| ter ways referred to would be desirable,
more particularly if made under the su-
pervision of the Uniied States government
| and that it would have tendency to fix
uniform rates of transp ortation.
Capt. Blekely spoke strongly in favor of
the i'm provement and argued that depth
OF five fee. could be obtained. He admit
ted, however, that some were opposed to it
and always had been, but that it would be
desirable as a means of cheapening
freights between the west and
thu east, in his opinion there oould
be no question whatever. He aisc
| said that the harbor at st. Paul should be
| improved and the channel of the river to
Rock Island should also receive the atten-
tion of the governmrnt.
| Mr.. William Lee coptrsdicted Capt.
Blakeley as to the ammount of water that
| could be obtained if the Improvement
should be carried out. Capt. Blakeiey On
| the authority Of government officer, had
stated the depth OF water obtainable to be
| five feet. Mr. Lee declared that the gov
ernment officer referred to by Capt.
Blakely did not say five feet but only four
feet. He argued generally against the I'M
provement and in favor of
concentrating all our ener-
gies upon the Mississippi river. After
| that great thoroughfare was properly at
tended to than it would be time enough to
talk about other, lesser Improvements.
He did not regard the progress made thus
far as in favor of going forward with the
| work.
Mr.. McClung took the position that the
Mississippi river ought to receive the first
attention and that it was not wise to distract
our efforts He declared that after the ex-
penditure of $2,161000 on the Fox and
Wisconsin rivers nothing of any conse-
quence had been accomplished. At the
present time there was not 100000 worth
Of Improvements to show for the money
expended. He did not desire to be put
down as opposed to the improvement, for
he was no. opposed to it. He did not know
precisely no Y he did stand, and could not
| till he could be informed whether or not
the money already expended there had
Gona onv GOOD ar all IF over $4,000 900