Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1890-03-06
ZOE = Nnw KrAnRArnR.
A Bill introduced 10 Provide for ths
Preliminary StcOs.

A BiIl introduced 10 Provide for the
Preliminary Stcps.
A Washington special says: Tho Senate
committee on commerce and tine House
committee on rivera end h9rbors have
under their confederation joint resolu-
ton authorizing the President to appoint
commission to make survey of the
vicinity Of the mouth Of Delaware Bay
for the purpose OF selecting Bita for the
erection Of hprbor Of refuge for vessels
of heavy draught.
Senator Cameron introduced the bill
in the Senate Gnd MIR. O'Nein in the
House, and it is generally admitted that
nothing that is likely to come before the
river and barhor committee during this
| session more worthy Of commentator
than this project.
The present Delaware BreskTater waa
built in the days Of light-draught VESSELS,
and it was thought that the structure
would be sufficient for all purpo5es. The
harbor OF the Delaware eapoa il not By
any means adapted to the vesssls Of to-
day any more tran the old DOCKS along
! the Wharves were capable Of aeoommo-
dating big transatlantic steamers.
rho two big piles Of stone running at
angles to eRcn other ore scarcely sufh-
cient 10 afford safe harbor for light
lraaght vessels, snd CO the average
draught Of vessels, caaatwise and foreign.
ID about 1G feet, there are but few place
inside of tho BTaaEwster where SAFE
anchorage for thst depth of bottom can
be found. Thsre are few, to be sure,
but when the wind shifts around to the
east and the coastipg traders all turn
their headB toward Cape denlopsn, it is q
very difficult matter to get good berth
for aay kind Of craft.
Almost every severe gale that swesps
along the Atlantic coast causes more or
less disaster Of the Braakwater. Not only
outside ID II an unsafe habor, but behind
the big stone walls hundreds Of vessels
have sunk and their crews found watery
graves. The Cyclone Of last spring suak
number Of sohooners besides Bleaching
many others.
1t has been not infrequent occurrence
for captain to an -hor mis- vessel in the
deep water between the Breskwater and
the shears OF night, with the wind at the
east, and before morning have it veer
around to the north and blow gele. In
o few hours that sama vessel has dragged
her snchor and gon TO pieces ON the pills
OF stones that was meant to be refuge
for her.
The plan ~ proposed by the congress
men ia entirely feasible and the Appro-
pEiaticn could not be pat to better ad-
vantage. No authentic plans have YET
been agreed upon, but il il proposed to
allow the present BreakwsteE to remain
az it is. The commission may decide to
, enclose this harbor, OF 3 distance OF two
j miles, with wsll OF stone. snch plan
would not only afford safe anchorage fol-
vessels of heavy draught, but il would be
double security for smaller craft nearer
i TO ehnre.
] The epaca between the BreakWater and
!. the shcal, known as the shears, Is of
j sufficient depth to allow a vessel drawing
"a feet Of water TO make safe anchorage.
!. A semi circular wall enclosing the hsrbol
. from the northwest to south would bt
!, all that could bs desired. II this il no
!, available for the purpose an equally goot
! site is to be found at the Brown shoals
, about nine miles above the oapes.
i The expense would be far greater her,
q than further down the bay. Bang FUR
= Their towards the western side of the bsl
I it would be good harbor for any wint
4 from south to northwest. In south
= easterly gale it would be but q poo
anchorage.
!, The committee ask for $40, 900 to pur
4 sue their investigation. The resolution
!. is being very favorably received, and tt
i probability is that the appropriation vii
i be made.