New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-03-09
TO SOLVE CANAL PROBLEMS.
ROOSEVELT DECIDES ON A COMMISSION
OF EXPERTS.
THEY ARE TO DECIDE WHETHER TT IS
WORTH WHILE FOR THE STATE TO
FINISH THE COSTLY PROJECT.
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE rRrBuvE.l

[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBuNEl
Albany. March S.-Governor Roosevelt made
an important statement tonight in regard TO
his policy Of dealing with the unfinished canal
Improvement The Governor said early this
evening experts had Informed him that 1t would
take S16,000,O0O more to complete the project
under the present plan. This would bring up
the total cost to the grand total Of S2j,OOO,OOO,
which is. curiousy enough about the cost of the
Capitol The Governor naturally feels disin-
cined to urge upon the Legislature the ex
pendture of large sum without more light
being thrown upon the probable cost Of the
Improvement and whether not. on the whole.
the commerce Of the State would be benefited
to the extent of S25 100000 by IT,
Accordingly ne announced this evening that
he had requested General Francis V. Greene. OF
New York; Frank S. Witherbee. OF Port Henry;
ex-Mayor George f. Green, of Binghamton;
John ~ Scatcherd and Major T. W. SymOns Of
Buffalo, to determine and report TO him before
the Legislature Of 1900 meets whether the great
scheme of canal Improvement should be carried
TO completion.
Major symons is a United States Army engi-
neer and, after a careful inspection of the Erie
Canal, he suggested It's enlargement. in order 10
permit Of the use Of grain barges on it. General
Francis V Greene is eminent engineer.
Frank s Witherbee is the owner of large iron
mines near Port Henry, on Lake Champlain.
and is well acquainted in practical way with
the canal needs OF the Champlain Valley. EX-
Mayor Green of Binghamton, is a member of
one Of the chief business concerns Of the south
ern tier and would represent anti-canal senti-
ment. Mr. Scatcherd is leading lumber mer-
chant Of Buffalo. has been president Of one or
Buffalo's banks and has always shown a keen
interest in canal commerce.
RoOsEvELTs LETTER.
The Governor sent the following letter this
evening to each of the referred to above:
Nv Dear Sir: am very deslrous Of Seeing the
canal policy of the State definitely formulated.
AS you know, the S9oOoOoO designed 10 deepen
the canals 10 the depth Of nine feet has been
practically expended and IT is reported that
S1600O0OO additional VIII be needed 10 carry
this scheme through. while at the same time
certain experts have said that the scheme, when
carried through, will not be satisfactory. In
short there IS much conflict OF opinion as TO
what policy should be followed with reference
10 he canals, and even as to the proper terminus
Of the canal on the lakes.
desire the opinion Of a body Of experts, who
shall include i'm their number not merely hlgn-
class engineers but men Of business, and espe-
cially men who have made study of the prob
lens OF transportation. who know the relative
advantages and disadvantages Of ship canals,
barge canals and ordinary shallow canals, VINO
are acquainted with the history of canal trans
portation as affected by the competition Of rail-
roads and who have the knowledge that VIII
enable US to profit by the experience Of other
countries in these matters.
l have decided ask five OF the citizens or
New York. whose reputation stands highest in
these respects, to act with the superintendent
of Public Works. Colonel Partridge, and the
State Engineer and Surveyor, Mr.. Bond, to
make the necessary Investigations (and where
necessary to call in the aid OF special eXperts)
to enable them TO report to me at as early day
as convenient the proper course we should FOL
low regards this vital interest OF the state
Of New York. ! desire very much that you serve
on this committee.
Last year the questions which arose affecting
the canals really twofod in character
namely those affecting the actual administra-
ton OF the canals. and those affecting the gen.
eral canal scheme Of the State.
AS regards the former. the questions are now
we'll on their way 10 solution. Three or the
hest-qualifed lawyers in the State have been
retained TO investigate and press home any
charge OF corruption against any canal 0tnca
which I'm their judgment. can be sustained, and
Colonel Partridge is administering the Office
Of Superintendent Of Public Works to guar
nntee the honest. efficient and economical man
agement Of the canals as they now are
The broad question Of the proper policy which
the State should pursue in canal matters re-
mains unsolved and I ask you to help me reach
the proper solution. Very sincerely yours,
THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
STATE OFFICIALS TO HELP.
The Governor said an appropriation would be
Of