Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1896-08-18
r,,NNe,,Nc THe CHANNEL.


The object OF tunneling the English
channel aud thus doing away with the
disagreeable voyage the European
tourists know 40 well has been several
times started and as many abandoned.
The last time this work was attempted
1t was Mt the expense Of the English
Government. After working some time
the project was again abandoned on the
advice Of the English war office, which
regarded the tunneling ms impracticable
in view OF the expense IL would entail.
Again Il seems probable that the work
will be attempted, and at private ex-
pense, and that the English Government
may even get paid for letting the work
out.
To understand how this may be, 1t Is
only necessary 10 take ruler, and draw
n straight line on map from the South
Wales coalfleld to the North Of France
and Belgium coalfield. This line will
pass through the British coaliield and
the chalk deposits of Kent. Now
biologists have long argued that as the
geological formations around Dover and
Calais are exactly similar, IL Is almost
certain that by sinking deep enough the
same coal veins will be found In the
southeast OF England as on the opposite
side OF the channel. The geological
theories have been lately verified, and a
syndicate has been formed 10 work the
kentish coalfields near Dover.
Several feet of workable coal OF a btu
minous character are now known 10
exist under the chalk aud the underly-
ing formations; and these veins OF coal,
without doubt, extend under the Straits
TO the North of France. There also
seem To he good reasons To believe that
the whole South OF England Ia an
enormous coaliield.
The French were ut one time very
DESTROYS that the tunnel should be made
Now, however, that the kentish coal
fields hSve been proved, IL Is hardly
likely that they will allow the millions
Of tons OF coal under the channel to re.
main UNIV orked. The French and Eng
lish governments will each lay claim e
half way across; all beyond high water
mark will be absolutely the property oi
the respective states. Should the Frenct
work their coalii,lds, the English mus
INK 10 meet lNtUl III piuti ~ r'i AAia'
they do not cross the boundary line anC
take English coal. The sought-for tun
ucl would then be completed. 4 syndi
cate 81 contractors are considering
proposition 10 make the E0glish end o
the tunnel TO meet the French ten mile
out; on the understanding that they pa!
sl0, 600, COO for the privilege, put dowl
eight lines Of rail, each in al iudepcnd
ent tunnel, and Ia exchange get on'
mile OF coal on each side Of the whol'
length Of the work.
The contractors figure on ten feet o
workable coal, and estimate the amour
they would be entitled 10 as 300, 0O0,Uv
tons. Being near 10 London and othe
large towns where coal Is relativel,
dear, and having no royalties, way
| leaves, aud other charges 10 paw, the
will make profit Of at least - cent
per ton. which would give gross prof
| OF $3.50, 100000.
Tn. traffic receipts are figured at
total income on the English half o
=, 900, 600. The benefit to England
would be- to turn the tide OF American
travel 10 Great Britain and all passenger
for the Continent would undoubtedl
land on English soil first.