Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-08-11
STUDYING LAKE CHAMPLAlN
CONGRESSMAN CONSIDERING A DEEP
WATERWAY.
Chairman Hooker of the Committee on
River and Harbors Charmed With
Lake Cbamplain, Which He Consid-
ers Most Practical Route.

On the very forward end of the hurr-
cane deck of the steamer Chatcaugay,
from Port Henry to this city Monday
morning, there sat Il distinguished com
pany OF men admiring the beauties of
lake and mountain. The party was made
up of Gov. Frank S. Blacis or the Empire
State, Congressman Wallace L. Footc,
jr., of Port Henry, Warren B. Hooker of
Fredonia, William l.. Ward of Port Chcs-
ter and George n. Southwick of
Albany, ana Harry f.. owen of Port
Henry. Gov. Black and Messrs. Hooker,
Ward and Southwck, who represent New
York districts, have been the guests Of
Mr.. Foote for several days. Mr. owen
is Mr. Foote'S cousin and law partner.
They were on their way to Port Kent,
whence they were to take n trip to AuSa-
BILE Chasm and Bluf Point in Mr.. Foote's
four-in-hand brake, which was also on
the boat and which was also to be used
for at least a portion of the return trip
to Port Henry. The Chateaugay made II
side trip to Por. Henry yesterday morning
to get the party and was half an hour
late In arriving here in consequence.
The trip was not altogether for pleas
ure, although all of the party were enthu-
sast.c over Lake Champaign. MIR. Hooker
is chairman of the committee on rivers
and harbors. and Mir. Ward is also a
member of that committee, which VIII
probably take some action on the sub
ject of q deep waterway from the great
lakes to the sea at the next session of
Congress.
Through the courtesy of Congressman
Foote. a Free Press man, who was on
board, had the pleasure of meeting Con-
gresham Hooker and talking with him
about the object Of the trip. Mr.. Hooker
was familiar with the other two routes
suggested. by the Erie canal and by the
Oswego canal but it was the first time
he had ever visited Lake Champlaln. which
he declared was the finest body OF fresh
water he had ever seen. He did not con-
slider the recent adverse report of the
deep waterways commission as being
final decision against the Chnmpla'n
route, since an appropriation has been
made for u re-survcy Of the route. The
preliminary surveys have now cost about
$4,000 and the waterway itself will prob
ably cost from $4,000. 900 to 1925 600, GOj. In
his opinion the greatest objection TO the
Champaign route was the fact that por-
ton of the waterway would necessarily
be through Il foreign country, cntailtng
complications in case of any unpleasant
ness with that country. Mr.. Hooker adj
mittod, however, that the present war
had so ccmcnted Great Britain and the
United States that such contingency was
very remote. He heard with pleasure
something of the demonstration Of inter-
national goodwill in this city July T. He
Is not in favor of giving the right Of way
to any private corporation. He wishes it
10 be frec-toll canal owned and con-
trolled by the government lie believes
that a waterway over this route can be
built for less money than over either Of
the other two routes suggested. In short
It Is in every way most practicable
route.
Congressman Fcote is naturally an earn
est advocate of The Champlaih route. 1t
nj IN
abroad ut five shillings Il ton. rate
which would give a boom to that indus
try and would open the way from many
other enterprises in this section.
Concerning Mr.. Foote. Mr.. Hooker said
that the voters of his district should re-
turn him to Congress. During his two
terms he has gained an euviabc reputa-
hon and through his close relationship
with Speaker Reed and other leaders of
the House he is in i better position to
serve his constituents and look out for
their welfare than any new man could
POSSIBLY be-