New-York tribune., 1901-06-02
DRAINING NEW-JERSEY MARSHES.

The reclamation and utilization of the south
ern portion of the Hackensack meadows, which
are soon to be undertaken afresh, will call for
the exercise of much engineering skill and the
expenditure of good deal of money. Not only
is the experiment colossal one, but the out
come of it cannot be clearly foreseen. Even
We're the capitalists who recently purchased the
property willing to talk about their plans, which
is not the case, it might still remain doubtful
how far their hopes We're likely to be realized.
1Esthetic and sanitary arguments have been ad-
vanced in support of propositions to drain these
marshes in the past, although other considera-
tions were also involved. But when private in
vestors undertake task of this character it is
presumable that they are actuated primarily, if
not exclusively, by regard for financial returns.
The inclosure of similar tracts of land on the
New-Jersey coast with dikes has been accom-
plished successfully before All of them, we
believe, were devoted to the cultivation of
crops. And though the Hackensack and New
ark meadows lie at slightly lower level, that
fact will probably not interfere with farming
and market gardening, especially if systematic
pumping be resorted to. Hence if the real
estate venture which has just been initiated
has in view purely agricultural operations, the
practicablty of the scheme is hardly open
to question, whatever the pecuniary results
may be.
1t has been suspected, however, that the buy
Of the Pike property entertain more am
bilious ideas, and dream of gradually building
up city of warehouses, factories and homes.
Already three or four trunk line railways have
access TO the region, while the deep water of
the Hackensack invites the construction of
steamship piers. Besides, the extent TO which
surrounding territory Is being occupied makes
1t seem positively wasteful to this area for
the production of hay or potatoes rather than
for commerce, manufacture and residence. But
a mud flat, lying below the level of high tide
and not filed in with imported material, does
not afford the best possible foundation for large
structures. And though piling is highly ser
vceabe under such circumstances, the virtues
of even ping have their limits. Mr.. Vermeule,
in a recent report to the State Geologst, esti-
mates the cost of a three-foot layer of filling at
81 200 an acre. These figures are not absolutely
prohibitive, perhaps, but they are formidable.
Piling. then, seems TO be the only resource if
pretentious buildings are 10 be erected. And it
will be interesting TO observe how much engi-
neers viii be able to accomplish Herewith.
Whatever be the character of the industries
conducted In the region in question, If the land
be so efectually rescued from the sea that they
can be prosecuted in n satisfactory manner the
adjacent meadows to the southwest and north
will doubtless be reclaimed with little delay
The particular tract purchased by the Sprague
syndicate is probably the choicest between Eliz-
abeth and Hackensack. 1t has deeper water
close inshOre than the Newark meadows and is
more accessible from the Atlantic than the
vicinity of Little Ferry. Moreover, il has al
ready been Enclosed with dixie by other men,
who were prevented by financial and judicial
hindrances from completing the work of de-
velopment. Nevertheless, definite success by
the buyers of the Pike estate can hardly fail to
influence the destiny of the other marshes in
that part of the State.