Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1901-08-08

fitted him for this work, since he was
among the engineers engaged at the tun-
mel at Niagara.
AS A COMMERCIAL UNDERTAKING.
No doubt, as an engineering work, this
great power plant, exactly upon the
northern boundary of New York State,
VIII probably attract as worldwide at
tcntion as the now better known power
plant at Niagara Falls has acquired. Be-
sides, 1t is a work that is Of some ma
uonal Importance. since the building OF
the canal will make possible the passing
OF the Long Saulte Rapids on the Amei-
san side through the construction Of a
lock at the dam, whereas now American
vessels are compelled to take the canal
upon the Canadian side. Therefore IL
becomes in some sense national work
and the building OF the canal was carried
on in conformity to specifications and
directions OF the authorities at Washing
ton.
But after the first impression that calls
forth admiration and amazcment at the
brilliant conception and successful cXecu-
ton of this colossal plan has somewhat
subsidized there inevitably arises the con-
sheraton Of the commercial practica-
billy Of the plant MaSscna is a beauti-
ful farming country hitherto known only
for the perfection Of dairy products and
for the existence of certain mineral
springs that have caused tho place to he
sometime OF summer resort The near
est city OF considerable size is Ogdcns-
burg. 20 miles away. ottawa Is about 60
niles north and Montreal some 80 miles to
thu cast.
The inference arising from the fact that
thu millions needed for the completion
OF this work were easily raised In Lon
don and that the suggestion was taken
to London by certain cntorprising ciu-
Gems Of Montreal Is that the promoters
are confident that they are going to be
able to convey to Montreal and to sell
there sufficient amount of electric pow
or to secure the commercial success OF this
plan. 4 few years ago IL would have
boen moro doubtful than it ls to-day,
" neither electric current in paying quanti-
ties could be conveyed as long a distance
rs 20 miles. Many have thought that Buff
falo. v hich is some % miles miles distant
from the power plant 1T Niagara Falls,
was about the limit NJ the profitable
Transmission Of electric current In largo
quantities. But the engineers who recon-
n'rndcd the utilization Of the great water
power at Mvsore, India. so that an electric
current could be generated and conveyed
loo miles to the rich gold fields there to
BE- cony rtod into compressed air energy
for the working of the mines demonstrate
ed the capacity OF the later apparatus to
convey ut comparatively small loss and
with commercial profit a large amount Of
electric energy for a long distance.
POWER rOP CANADIAN CITIES
Doubtless the promoters had Montreal
on the cast, ottawa on the north Ogdens-
on tho west ard some of the small but
fourishing cities Of northern New York on
the south in mind when they considered
tho commercial promise to be discovered
In this plan.
They must have also had in view the
opening up Of considerable manufac-
turing interest within the immediate vicin-
ity Of the plant or course Massena can
not now compare with Buffalo, or even
with Niagara Falls. in the extent of the
facilities 1t possesses. Two