The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-01-21

"a persons were killed and 66 injured,
making total of l00.\ On the eight
elt ctric roads within the limits OF the
State. the total uum Der OF accidents was
2S. The total of persons concerned was
33, of whom were killed and 26 injured.
FACTORY INSPECTORS.
In compliance with the provisions OF
Chapter 17S of the public laws, Colonel
Elisha II. Rockwrif- -eHd-Afs.- Fanny
Purdy Palmer, the factory inspectors,
have thoroughly Inspected the different
manufacturing establishments and others
coming within their jurisdiction through
out the State. Five hundred and eighty
two esta olishments have been inspected,
employing 55, ,979 adults over l6 years OF
age, 4297 children under that age. The
factory inspectors both recommend that
the age at which IL shall be lawful to en-
ploy children In manufacturing establish-
nents shall be increased from i to 13
years.
HARBoRs
Municipal ownership CT docks, particu-
la-ly on the westerly side of the harbor
of Providence, south OF HIPS wharf. Is
a subject that requires careful judgment.
The possibility of the city OF Providence,
in conformity with the practice OF other
large commercial cities, acquiring the
ownership OF the water front. and of
providing means for handling freight by
steam power, is in harmony with the
best modern practice. New York. Glas-
gov, Hamburg and other cities have
taken similar action in relation TO the
water front bordering on their several
rbors. The demands of modern busi-
ness for the handling of large masses of
freight are often beyond the resources OF
individuals and even of private corpora
tions. The indirect benefits to be
gained by municipality by providing
modern facilities at its water front, in
the way of increased value of taxable
property and of attracting business in
commercial lines, has justified such mu-
nicipal action. 1t is possible that this
question will be presented for you- con-
sideistion during the present session.
An important feature connected with
the harbor is the action of the strong
tidal flow upon the sandy shore In the
neignborhood of Fields Point. Ii has
resulted IN forcing the main cnannef
against the east shore of the river. The
barbor line ct Fields Point provides for
an increased width OF the river at that
point Of about $50 feet II IL expected
that this broader channel, once rnade,
would msintain itself by the tidal flow.
In such circumstances the main ship
channel would be held westerly OF It's
present position. The possibility OF con-
structing jetty or dixie between starve
Goat Island ana Fields Point, TO cut of
the current eddy now running easterly
along the southern shore of Fields
Point, has been considered. Such feat
ure would unquestionahy lie OF great
benefit to the harbor. is cost Is well
within the expenditure that can properly
be asked OF the Unite1 States Govern
ment. An effort is TO be made at the pres
ent session of Congress TO tecure an ap-
propriation for a thorough survey OF the
conditions existing in this portion OF the
harbor, to determine the improvements
that may lie advisable. Tho possibility
OF making Providence the main distribut-
ing point for New England OF coast wise
freight, should continually. tie horne In
mind. Any increased facilities that can
be secured will stand as an additional
reason for shipping TO avoid the long and
dangerous passage around Cape Cod.
The results that have already bcen Sc
compiisheu in making Providence hsr-
Dor availa bic for vessels OF modern size
and draught, should snCOufaRe furrnrr
efforts to secure such facilities as vii!
enable this community TO reep the benefit
OF the natural advantage OF Narragansett
Bay.
BREACHwAY AT BLOCK ISLAND.
Various kinds Of craft, increasing IN
size as the brescbway was deepened, uti-
lized to Great Salt Por4 as harpor.