The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-04-24

adopting Che Smiths cove route BY draw
ing the lock back from Shilshose bay the
high ground on both sides Of the canal
below the lock viii almost entirely obscure
both the lock and the dam from view from
the Sound. and an enemy would have to
simply taking flying shot at the lock and
DAM CT lie within easy range Of projected
mortar batteries: while. by advancing three
miles further. he would have the Smiths
cove lock under Ere from almost q full
semi-czrcie- Against landing parties the
Shiishole bay route. with the lock drawn
back. would be more easily defended.
%. Curvature-The curvature would be
materially reduced by taking the Shilshoia
bay route, especially IL straighter line
than the one projected be taken across Sal
mon bay. For the portion OF the canal
which would be probably used by large war
vessels tfrom Lake Union 10 the Scundi,
this is considered to be OF material adyan-
tage.
II. Compiieations-There is in existence a
contract between the state of Washington
and certain parties whereby these parties
have right TO certain material for filing
in tide lands. which the United States would
have to remove in making the excavation
for this portion OF the canal This is full
~ set forth with the possible complications
in a report by Capt. Harry Taylor. corps
Of engineers, United States army, of Feb
ruary e. 1888. In compliance with the sec
ord Endorsement on letter OF Robert
Bridges to the secretary OF war dated
November II. 1898.
-. Foundasion-In driving piles in
Smiths cove it has been found that at first
they are driven with difficulty then
stratum is reached which they penetrate
very easily. indicating suhstratum OF
Qllicksand. which would give trouble both
in excavation and construction. This in
form2 ton was obtained from letter from
the state engineer of the state of Wash
ington. dated April Il. 1897. which was sub
mitted with the report OF Capt. Taylor.
mentioned above. The Indications point 20
very good foundation at moderate
depth at the point suggested by this board
for the lock in Salmon bay.
Fayers Shiishole BAY.
&c. Cost-The increase of cost OF the
Smiths cove route ever the Shilsho,e bay
route was given BY former board as
100000. but owing 10 the high prise per
unit for excavation has been reduced by
Capt. Taylor to one-half OF this amount.
tSee report OF August 10. 1896. to the chief
of engineers. United States army) There
will be an additional cost due 10 the in
creased excavation necessary on account
OF the drawing back of the lock from Shils-
hole bay. but this. at the most would not
be more than $50.o00. and it is possible that
enough better foundation would be obtain
ed TO more than offset this.
THUS IL Is safe TO say that the Shi!shole
bay route would result in a saving TO the
government Of at leas. $4,000, and prob
ably more.
-. Convenience-As to the matter OF
convenience. 1t is true that vessels going
from the farbor of Seattle to Lakes Union
Or Washington Will have TO go five or six
miles moro by the Shilshole bay than by
the Smiths cove route. When II is consid-
cred that all vessels wilt be towed or go
through by their own steam. an additional
distance OF n few miles will not make anv
difference when once started. Besides this
all vessels going into the canal direct from
sea, or going to sea direct from the canal,
VIII have shorter distance to travel than
they would have by the Smiths cove route.
g. Great Northern ralroad-While II ia
not thought that the Great Northern rail-