The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-05-17
COAL ALONG WHITE RIVER.
Capt. NOrvnl Shows What ~Indianap-
oils Might Possibly Obtain.

Captain Norval, who commands the Sun
shine at Broad Ripple, thinks that Indian
~apolis is asleep in not pushing the appro-
priation for cleaning out White river and
making 1T a navigable stream. He has been
up and down the river from source to
mouth and back again and he Is satisfied
that the river can be made navigable from
Indianapolis to the mouth and thence to
the Ohio. Last fall the Stella which was
one Of the Broad Ripple fleet, and which
draws eighteen inches Of water, made the
trip from this city to Spencer without any
trouble whatever and that, too, when the
water was at an ordinary stage. Such a
boat as the "Helen Could also on the
local shipping list, does not draw as much
water as the STELLA" and Captain Norval
Is satisfied that If the snags were taken
out and a few sandbars cleared out boats
of this size could navigate freely on the
river for seven months Of the year. AS
navigation on all rivers in this latitude, on
which the government spends large sums
OF money, is closed for certain months dur
ing the year, this could not be used as an
argument against giving White river an APP
preparation. Below the city Captain Norval
has found but two distractions which are
formidable. One of them is the sand bar at
the mouth of Eagle creek, which has been
washing out for years and which is now
quite a large bar. The other is the dam
at Waverly. but the Stella passed
through this in safety. The only break in
the dam was somewhat irregular and a
little difficulty was experienced, but the
boat got through. Below Spencer he says
boats are now operating.
Another benefit which the captain pointed
out is the coal along the banks in the
southwestern part of the State. He says
there are places along the banks of the
river where the coal is so near the surface
that a boat could tie up and dig out a
supply ample to operate ii in a short time.
If the river should be opened for naviga-
ton he says he would be glad to bring coal
10 this city at a freight rate of % cents a
ton, for which IS cents a ton is now paid.
He believes that s., O00Q00 will open the river
clear to the Wabash and make II a nav
igable stream, although smaller appropria-
lions each year would be productive OF much
good and in time render the stream navi-
gable TO commerce.
Inspector Vail was here q few days
ago from Evansville to examine the Aquatic
Clubs new house boat, and he is likewise
Of opinion that this city is neglecting
as he believes a fair appropriation will rem
der the stream ~navigable. If the govern
ment spent one-half az much money on
lucky. 1T would make lively boating on the
stream. and Green river is not as much
of a stream as Is White river, and yet
1t is covered with boats. Mussel Shoals, in
the Tennessee river, were far worse than
anything that is to be found in White river
and yet the government spends large
amounts of money each year on that stream
and boats are operated the entire length of
the river.
The meeting of the board Of directors of
the Commercial Club, which was TO nave
been held yesterday, was postponed and it
Will probably occur next week. AT the meet
ing the report of the White river naviga-
ton committee. in which so many people
seem interested, win be presented.