New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-01-26
ExeCufIVe Canal
New York, January IA, 1898.
To His ExceIlency, Frank s. Black. Governor OF


Ny Dear Sir: In replying 70 your esteemed favor ,o
to tn the Conditions Existing and under which tho
Executive Canal Committee was organlzed;c o WIN
decadence OF the commerce OF the State and port
quite apparent to those most familiar with the sub
1ect that II the canals OF tho State ION which no
adequate bettcrrnent had been undertaken in thir-
ty-hve years. not put in condition TO meet tho
intense competition which the Improvement IN
other means Of transportation, the commercial
supremacy of our state would be forever lost ~,
State OF New York. the Canal Committee OF the
New York Produce Exchange in June. 1894, Issued
4 call TO the various commercial organizations OK
tho state asking for conference: This move re,
Committee which AZ once presented the subject Of
canal improvement TO the Constitutional Conven.
1893 result of which effort the appropriation
After careful and painstaking consideration. our
committee was convinced that tho sum named
this conclusion being confirmed later by the esti-
mates and dds for the work in question
was made. many features relating TO conditions
have come to light. NOT before apprehended and
beyond the power Of the most careful scrutiny to
Ii IS with confidence that briefly give expression
10 tho views of our committee to the unfortu-
nate condition that now confronts tho commercial
First-The loss OF commerce 70 the canals dur
ing the last season OF navigation only serves to
~ ca ths H 81 soon as
and IN conformity to the wish OF the people as
emDndtiCally expressed AT the pOl.S IN 1874, Wnen
the question OF the cost OF the work not under
consideration.
second-our committee IS rnalterably opposed to
n discOntnuance of the work now under contract
believing such step 10 be unwlse, nl-advised and
sure 10 result in added cost Of the work. and
loss OF yauab BILE time In completing the same.
Third-We would most emphatically urge a most
thorough and searching investigation OF the meth
DDS employed, Of the work completed well as
Of the contracts aud work still unfinished. and the
same 10 be made in such manner the Legis-
lature ard the Executive In their wisdom may
deem most sIpedient.
hal rrist bav
mado fraud committed in the steps already
taken II would seem TO he comparatively easy
matter, In the light Of such showing 10 guard
against a repetition OF the same in carrying the
muc h-needed improvement 10 completion.
Our committee is disposed 70 refrain from formu-
lating any conclusion as to neglect or guilt until
such time rs n and unbiased statement OF all
the facts on tho question disclosed by investl
cation. a position which In fairness we believe
should also be assumed by both the press and the
public.
While acknowledging in behalf OF the committee
the courteous consideration which = has received
al your hands, | beg leave 10 assure you that
stand ready all times TO respond TO any demand
that may be made upon us. and TO uphold your
hands in every effort put forth 20 maintain the
commercial supremacy of our State. and with
thanks for tho interest you have expressed In this
most important subject. am, very truly yours.
ROBERT r. HEFFORD. Chairman.