The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1896-12-06
RIVER AND HARBDR WoRk.
The Status or ApproprIatioas-The Me
souri-The Great Lakes.

~reht Lakoa.
wAsHINGToS, Dec. 5.-While increased esti-
mates have been offered in some public work,
one point which the second session of Congress
can make over the trst ia in appropriations for
rivers and harbors. 1t Is a custom that of late
has acquired the force OF unwlitten law that
the sums voted for this purpose at the first
session shall suffice also for the second,
On the other hand, the Sundry Civil bill
now carries every year millions for river and
harbor improvements. that have been trans
ferred from their special bill TO one which car
ries continuous annual appropriations. These
cannot very well be avoided. In addition, lat
years River and harbor Bill created o well-justi.
fed cutlery By its authorization OF contracts for
work, amounting to many millions, with pay
ments contingent on future appropriations.
Fortunately, however, Secretary Lamont has
thus far exercised the discretion given to him
in only n few cases, 30 that the burden from
this source to be thrown on the present Con-
gress will be lessened.
One noteworthy appropriation last year was
that OF s625 900 for the Mississippi. from the
head OF the Passes to the mouth OF the Ohio.
with an authorization OF IS. 3T5. 900 moro for
tho next four years. A difference OF opinion,
however. as to what should DO done with the
river work may result in some delay rs to tho
ga pondi.ure OF a part OF the latter sum.
priated $500. 900. With a like annual amount
for three years succeeding. Mr.. Lamont last
year suggested that 1t would take many years
under the existing plan to really benefit the
Missouri. and that the amount already appro-
present or pros pective commerce" He thought
that the facilities furnished by railroads un-
der sharp eGmpetition made s.d H. question
making further attempts to provide and
maintain. a nayigable, channel over a long
stretch of n shallow and shifting river In tho
face OF constant natural Obstacles. and where
prac tcally no commerce has existed for many
the work should continue. and. accordingly.
Mr.. Lamont says that the best way is to apply
tho appropriations TO the system approved By
allotments 70 special localities.
As TO the Great Lakes. there is no question
mont's figures show that during the last IFS
cal year ld.:DO vessels passed through the
canal at 81. Mary's Falls, aggregatinE lo,84s.-
O26 registered tonnage. and carrying l4.3D8.-
332 tons OF freight. 80 exceeding the net ton
mage through tho ::Suez Canal during TIE year
1855 by nearly 5000; 600 IONS. The total
amount freight carried TO ana from Lake
superior in 1895 e exceeds that OF 1904 by Ia
pprovement OF iiav Lake Channei' St, NJ
River. which shortens tho route eleven miles
and provides sal e NAVIGATION by night; The com
ing the year amour led To about 25. $50, 600 tons.
with stimated value OF S275. 900 600, an in.
the preceding year. This tonnage IS in s9.
cess OF the combined net tonnage OF london
and Liverpool Tor the year lsD1, as reported.
opened 10 navigation last August. though not
yet quite complete, will be OF great benefit.
Il is 800 feet In length, 100 feet in width, ami
lift apDrOximating 10 feet. A large amount
of money has been expended on this lick, and
get IL Is only a few per cent. OF the value of the
commerce that passes through the Detroit
River In a single season.
One matter which deserves the attention of
Congress IL that the existing law requires q
notice OF thirty DAYS TO be given TO the owner
OF a vessel sunk or wrecked In any river or har-
Dor before the Secretary of War may direct Its
removal. Mr.. lamont says that this period Is
much too long for the interests OF safe nAviga-
ton, and Is the cause OF frequent Complaint.
Less time should be allowed, at least for
ton.