Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1897-08-12

ZION. wilson road from the report OF
the engineer hoard, dated October I'd,
1896 The report said that about
l,W0, 900 cubic yards, an average OF
%, 900 cubic yards Per year, had been
dredgpd from the Christiana Rivor
aimee 1879. tho cost of the improve
ments, including that OF the ietty,
baing 1862, 526.Sl. He emphasized the
portion OF the report which said tho
proposed plan was not practicable, In
tho opinion OF the board.
In commenting on the report, BIO
said that tho stream was narrower than
it was several years ago. lie held that
thu trouble was that wharves had been
built out into it and charged the
Board OF Port Wardens with neguct of
duty. He showed where no part of the
s225, SA appropriated coald he expended
as there was 40 act of congress pro-
hibiting the expenditure of any portion
of tho appropriation unless tho entire
project could be completed with the mp
preparation. Gen. Smith was not to
blame; IT was the act OF Congress.
The report which showed how per-
manent Improvement could be made by
the building Of ietty at the south SIDE
Of the Christiana's mouth, also one at
Braudywine and deepening the channel,
said that an expenditure of Si7G 522
would bB necessary.
In view of the fact that the act of
Congress prohibited tine use of any nor
tion Of the appropriation and that Gen.
Smith was in nowise Responsible, Gen.
Wilson moved TO lay tbs resolutions On
the table. In making the motion no
said TO adopt such resolutions would
be tho wrong way to obtain whnt Ia
wanted. He believed as Glen. Smith Ia
constantly among the people OF Will
mihgtOn and acquainted with their
nesds, ii would no better 10 allow the
work TO remain in his hands than to
place IL with somebody elso.
Daniel Ross agreed with Gen. Will
sons reasons for tahling tho resolu-
tions. lie thought that to adopt them
would do more harm than good.
MIR. Morrison took exception TO Gen.
Wilson yemarks. He quoted from Gen.
Smiths annual reports, bearing upon
the improvements in tho Christina
River. lie contended that tho prcsont
condition Of tho stream was cause for
complaint.
Mr.. Morrison said that about three
months Rgo he had been informed that
Gen. Smith had written the Washing
ton authorities that he had no prOjvct
upon which to use tho big appropria-
tion.
In regard to the sewage, Mr.. Morri
son said that committee from Will
mington Ind been informed by IN as
sistant TO the chief Of engineers that
Gen. Smith had written him advising
that an appropriation be held up until
the CITY should make arrangements for
changing the system OF disposing OF
tho sewage.
Gen. Smith said he had never re-.
ported depth thar did not exist in the
Christiana. In reference TO delaying
the award OF contract for dredging,
which had been charged against him,
he said that the bids had been held
up, az he considered them exceHsivs.
Il. 4, Warner asked Gen. Smith why
the cost of surveys aud other such eS-
psnsss bad reached 80 per cent Of tho
appropriations,
Gen. Smith stated that big item Of
expenditure was tho matter Of surveys,
| two of which were recently made by
order OF the government at a cost Of
| so, 900. lie said that the amount OF
help in his Office varied according tn
tho quantity of work. He denied that
30 por cent Of the money had been used
in contingent expenses and said the
figures which had been quoted were
wrong,
Mr. Ross thought the Board Of Trade
would serve the interests of Wilmington
bvtter by working with Gen. smith
than getting up quarrel.
Some discussion arose over the figures
/ ,ly al NJ
a town meeting was not place to con-
slider matter of bookkeeping,
The motion TO lay the resolutions on
the table was lost by vote of to
against it, Gen. Wilson and Mr.. Rost
voting in the affirmative.
Gen. Wilson suggested that tho board
hold a conference with Gen. Smith anl
sse il thorough understanding could
not be reached.
E. Il. Warner said he was willing tt
consult with Gen. Smith, to ascertain
and publish the exact figures, as he hat
no ieaire to do any injustice to Gen,
Smith.
Is. ii. Baynard said II tho existing
conditions continue few years longer
a trolley road can be- run down thu
Christiana.
Gen. Wilson agreed with him, hu
said no blame attached to Gsn. Smith
lie openly declared that the board u
engineers which had been responsible.
for tho condition Of affairs had beer
"paclyed" by the Secretary OF War.
MIR. Ross moved that further GonRid
GRAFTON of the resolutions be postponed
until conference could be held with
Gen. Smith. The motion was not aec
onded, but instead motion, which wa
made by Il. H. Warner. authorizing tn,
chair to appoint committee of three
to confer with Con. Smith was unani
| mously adopted