New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-12-09
CHANGES At NIAGARA FALLS.
THE BRINK OF THE CATARACT STEADILY RE
CEDING-COsT or IMPROVEMENTS.

THE BRINK Of THE CATARACT STEADILY RE
CEDING-COsT or IMPROVEMENTS.
The Commissioners Of the state Reservation at
Niagara met Yesterday at No. PA Broadway and held
an investing meeting. Those present We're Andrew
II. "Icen. president; James Mooney, Of 1uiialo John
hodge, ~ LOckpor, and Daniel Datcheler, OF Utica,
commissioners Henry f. Gregory secretary and treas
uiNr; ]. v Wclch superintendent Of the reservations
ana John 1orart. state Engineer and surveyor. Com
missioner John VI. Bowers was absent in Washington
Mr. Eogart presented a report which showed that
Niagara Falls rccede over two feet year ,IIc has
made a survey Of the falls showing the position Of
crest lines and bluff Of the falls, and furnishing sta
tSics rs 10 the recession Of the falls since 1S42.
Tie state GeoDg,t made a survey of the falls in
l-i2 and this Is the earliest Trustworthy record. Mr.
Bogart found that the total mean recession of the
Horseshoe Falls since az l0i feet and inches
which j, an average If over two feet a year The
maximum recession at one point since that time
Wa 80 feet. The mean recession Of the American
Fall in the same period of time was thirty feet six
inches. The total area Of recession of the American
Falls since 1-i2 $1,000 square feet, and
of the Horseshoe Fall, 27j,4OO square feet
The average recession Of the Horseshoe Falls has been
greater in the last four years account Of the falling
of rocks few years ago The surveyors have placed
monument, in such positions that further surveys
be readily made.
Mr.. Bogau gave it a, his opinion that the diversion
of water from the Niagara River thr ugh the proposed
tunnel would have no apprcciablc effect on the vol
ume II water passing over the American Falls. lie
estimated that 10000 cubic feet of water pas, the
fall every ,ccond. The point OF diversion Is l3G
mile, above the fall. and the capacity Of the tunnel
lO00O feet In every three feet Of fall there Will be
reduction of 1.3 inchc, if the tunnel runs full, or
les than half inch every foot.
Their, have been many improvements made recently
at the mll-. which We're treated by superintendent
T. '. WEIGH. the superintendent u the rservation in
hi, report step, have been taken to restore tho
original shape Of coat Island by filling in the empty
space between tho crib work. The bridges to the island
having been repaired. be- widened, and tho
docking around Bath Island. which in bad
condition, la, been taken away and high rip rap
II -tonc ha, been around the margin. Mr.. Wclch
estimated that So 800 needed for further improve
mcui9. a, follows. Construction If roads, Bath and
Goat Islands. S25oOO; elevator on Goat Island -
replace riddle stairs, $4,000 bridge from Goat
Island t. Luna Island, $500, filling up race II 900
and wntcrpipr iu tower race 10 supply the inclined
railway. 5000.
The Commissioners ordered the report, Of Mr.
Wclch and MI Bo-art To boz printed. and when the
Commi-- ION meet, al Albany january step,
VIII be- t1h,u 10 urge the Legislature t. make ~ui
Nccut appropriation for the needed improvements.
Nj. Gregory reported that there was now ,.13l -
In the Treasury. he had received during the year
-5H-l 90 from the inclined railway. Saj.4lI -. from
mo state treasury. ~. $50 rentals 10 - interest.
Si55 G- balance from 80