Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1893-11-02

Win tnelT OWN eyes lne nature Oh Tue
damage done to the bank that prevents
the waters of the Delaware river from
breaking into the land facing the city in
that direction, revealed state of things
that was really remarkable to every wit
ness of it, even though some Of the party
were themselves marsh owners.
The sea-dyke, as it is supposed to be,
10 at several points nothing but mud
bank and one of very limited proper
tions at that, 1t is no wonder that a
storm that swept spray over the tops of
trees standing back from the Edge Moor
wharf, brushed aside the Lilliputian
structure erected by the Cherry Island
Marsh Company, with what seems to
be the insane idea that it would with
stand the terrific waves that dashed and
tore to shreds 40 or so feet OF the solid
wooden built and ballasted railway
wharf of the Edge Moor Company but
few hundred yards farther down.
What is clearly demonstrated, even to
the most unprofessional eye, is that a
structure of far different character
than that of the one now existing must
be placed there. Anything else would
be useless. The alternative of surrender
ing back the reclaimed land to Old
Oceans rule would be far more sensible
and largely more profitable. If anything
be undertaken it should be of perma-
nent character. No patching, as has
been the custom hitherto from year to
year should be tolerated.
There Is no break in the Christiana
river bank until that spot is reached 200
or 300 yards this side of the government
lighthouse property. There there exists
gap of 100 feet or so and smaller one
little farther on. The first one was
caused by the accident of scow or
some such vessel going aground and
butting through the mud bank which
stands in front of the stone riprapping
of the river.
This mud "guard," as it is called in
river terminology, being broken away
the riprapping was left bare for the un-
obstructed action of the waves.
It should be remembered that the gov
eminent work of riprapping along the
Christiana is, generally speaking, strong
and firm enough to resist of itself the
effects of any storm, no matter how
severe.
This criticism however does not refer
TO the banks outside, along the Della.
NoAOr w OAollAhO WhlCu WAS VIC ODleCb
of the trip. When passing out by the
Light house it was noticed that the light
tower just at the mouth of the river is
leaning all askew, like that famous
wonder of the world the Tower of Pisa.
1t is a wonder too, that the crazy look
ing concern has not toppled down long
ago and fallen headlong atop of some
passing vessel whose channel at that
point makes 1t necessary to hug the
lighthouse very closely.
The appearance of the rickety object
Is q disgrace to the City of Wilmington,
The proper authorities should have seen
that the government removed the dan
gerous and unsightly object long ago.
Right along side of it strange struc-
ture, painted red and apparently con-
structed of iron, and with a great
metallic PROV similar to that of man
of-war's ram pointing out towards the
river, looms up into view. 1t is under
stood that 1t is the foundation for new
light house. It is being erected on the
cofferdam principle. II is stated that
the old structure belongs to one depart
ment of Uncle Sans subdivisions of
bureaus and the new one to another. So
that If Wilmington wants the govern
ment to hurry up and give US decent
looking harbor's mouth, those citizens
aspiring for decent appearances will
have to appeal in duplicate on each
occasion to the different bureaus.
Z But this is diversion. 1t was, how.
ever, one Of the sights en- route. And
there is no reason why the citizens Of
Wilmington should not be informed Of
the impression the entrance gate to this
growing commercial emporium makes
or would make on a visitor, as his eve
catches the first object introducing hin
to the port of Wilmington.
The tug Majestic which took tn,
party out Wednesday then turned he
PROV up stream towards Edge Moor
Long before reaching that point, glanc
ing along the shore line, the spectacle
catches sight Of the dip in the low banl
indicating the spot where the crevass,
is and through which the water from
the marsh, it being at that time low
tide, was rushing and pouring through
like a millrace. All around were eyi
dences OF the sad havoc caused by tn
big storm.
Beyond the crevasse and inside tn
wall was the long large expanse o
flooded land. In the midst were line
of trees standing like sentinels on ice
The visitors got out at Edge Moor an,
walked as far as the unbroken wal
would allow them. 1t was here tina
was revealed the fiimsiness of the exist
Ing system of embankment.
The crown Of the work was onl
seven or eight feet high. The part tina
was broken seemed to have nothing q
all OF what is known as backing; that il
earth or stone behind the rip-rapping {
any quantity to establish substantis
bank. The base was hardly 20 fee
through. OF course, when Saturday
big waves broke over IL, the narrow cart
backing was very easily disposed Of.
There is one point that the reade
ihould be informed upon. II is that /
regard to the character of this form {
bank protection. There is usually a
accumulation of mud in front of th
bank. This natural deposit extend
from 30 to 40 feet and very often mol
put into the river.
The builder of the bank depends
course great deal on this natural Or,
lection. II is this that in river termil
,logy is called the guard" This guar
also very often several feet high an
covered with grass which adds to IL
fafength of the protection. Back of tn
8 built the mud bank, which is, ,
ilways should be, riprapped, that
covered on the front that faces the riy,
With slabs of stone. This proven
Eashing away and gives opportunity fl
he hardening of the bank under natur
Jccumulations and growths.
In the crevasse near Edge Moor Il
guard" was broken through by barg
Before the storm workmen had iu
5laced the mud bank in nosition Anal