Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-01-12
DELAWARE RIVEn IsfPROV EMEYT.
Larger Appropriation Required for Reopen
lng tho Channel,


Gen. Bingham has written the Sec
Rotary of War, calling his attention to
the estimate OF the Department of
$500, 600 for improving the Delaware,
and urging strongly an increase. He
says: Under date of January 23d,
1885, the Board Of Engineers, convened
by direction of the Secretary of War
for the purpose of considering the sub
ject of the permanent improvement of
the Delaware River and Bay, recon-
mended formation of a ship channel
from o point opposite Philadelphia
to deep water in Delaware
Bay, a least width Of 600 feet and a
depth of 25 feet at mean low water.
The estimated cost Of obtaining a
channel of the. above dimensions was
about 81, 425, 600.
Under authorities granted by the
Secretary Of War the city of Philadel-
phia is now improving the channel at
Greenwich Point, Mifflin Bar and
Schooner Ledge, In view Of the work
thus provided for by the city and the
low prices for dredging obtained in
the recent contracts, the estimated cost
Of completing the improvement from
Marcus Hook ice piers to deep water in
Delaware Bay, In accordance with the
approved project, has been reduced
from 1906, 900 to $500, 900, this estimate
being based on the assumption that the
city Of Philadelphia will complete the
channel from the city to the Marcus
Hook ice piers. ol4
1.-THE city Of Philadelphia, under
date December 26th, 1894, appropriated
SlS5, 600 for the improvement of the
y,I.a ~,
again April Both, 1896, made an addi-
tional appropriation Of $500, 900. These
appropriations were made by the
municipality in order that greater ex-
petition in the channel work might be
obtained and thereby aided the govern
ment improvement to that extent
presume your recommendation in
the book of estimates Of $500, 900. COM
pleting improvements, has been based
upon Lieut.. Col. Raymond's estimates.
"From late information which is in
my possession find that $500, 900 will
foot channel all the way to the bay, for
formed opposite Reedy Island has
shoaled considerably during the past
year. The removal Of the new shoal to
uic' pptAihHtpl auptil W ~ iCCb Will COSt
about 1925, 900.
"Col. Raymond, in submitting his
estimates for $500, 600 for completing
the 26 foot channel, assumed that the
city Of Philadelphia would complete
the channel to the Marcus Hook ice
piers. The city has done much excel.
lent work, but has failed to obtain
sufficient width OF channel. To make
up this about SIS, 900 will be required
It is proper for me to repeat here that
the contribution or appropriation made
by the city has been an act wholly vol
untary, and for the purpose of expedit-
ing without any obligation or requires
ment in the. premises.
II ask an immediate consideration
Of this subject In order that the Chief
Engineer Of the army may submit to
you an amended estimate for complet-
ing the improvement, and the same be
communicated to Congress or to the
chairman of the committee ON rivers
and harbors at the earliest practicable
date, as | have been informed the river
and harbor bill will be reported to tho
House at the close Of the present week. -
Gen. Bingham has requested that
Coll Raymond, u. s.. A., having charge
of Che Delaware River improvement,
may be ordered to Washington and ap-
pear before the. committee on rivers
and harbors either today or tomorrow.