Smyrna times., 1902-01-08
MOVEMENT To SHORTEN
SMYRNA RIVER GROWING
CONGRESSMAN BALL VISITS SMypNA
UNDER SPECIAL INVITATION

Was Taken Over The Proposed Route and
Shown How the Distance Gould he
Practically Lessened -Four Miles.
The movement set on foot previously
to shorten Smyrna River by cutting
open series of canals and lessen the
distance from Smyrna Landing to the
Dela~ Bay from eleven to SIX miles
received a fresh impetus on Friday
when Congressman Ball made a visit
to smyrna and was taken over the
route. The Congressman was accom-
panied by Mr.. r. H. Robinson. his
private secretary. They came on
special invitation of Mr.. A Z. Jardipe.
president of the Smyrna Board of
Trade, who took the distinguished
guests down the river on the Steamer
u. +. Brady, Ostensibly to go as far as
Flemlng's Landing, where teams
would be in waiting to drive them
back, but just below the "Brickstore
Landing" the Brady got fastened in
the mud and the party had to make
their return trip in farm wagon. The
experience, though unfortunate in one
respect served to Impress the need of
improved navigation facilities. and
gressman Ball assured those present
that he would do all in his power to get
the necessary appropriation of S25, 600
which is thought will be sufficient TO
meet the expenses of a permanent i'm
provement.
Great Benefit to Fruit Growers.
The shortening of the distance
would be of great benefit to this COM
munity. 1t would insure daily boat
to Philadelphia, and would lesson the
time between the two cities by ut least
two hours, an in addition to this i'm
provement would be permanent, and
the government would not be called
upon each year to make au apprOpria.
ton to clean out the river. The
Strengthening of the river would pro-
duce strong current that would pre-
vent the forming of sand bars at the
mouth of the river, and where the
canals are proposed to be cut the land
is marshy and the washing of the banks
would not fill up the river like the
sediment from sand or clav bauk.
The parts of the river which it is
OrOnnSnH tn oh
constantly fill up and greatly impede
navigation, especially at low tide. The
proposed improvements of SMYRNA
River are hailed with delight bv the
fruit growers of this section. as it
means quicker transportation for their
products and all doubts removed as to
getting their fruits in the city in time
for the early markets.
Those who composed the party were /
Congressman Ball and his secretary.
Mr.. Robinson, Mr.. A. E. Jardine, Mr.. !
j. E. Garter, Mr.. H. B. Grieves, Mr.. !
George H. Dick. Aside from the bus
mess interests of the trip, a pleasant
time was had socially on board of |
Steamer Brady. Next week a com
mlttee will visit Washington in the
interests of the proposed improve
ment. Congressman Ball will meet
the committee and introduce them to
the proper authorities.
Winter Service on Smyrna River.
A comparison of the service so rem
dered by our local steamboat company
with that of our neighboring streams
shows conclusively that we are fav-
ored. AT this season and until March
the first, all the other lines cease run
ming there boats because it is more ex-
pensive, because it is attended by more
risks and because there is no money
III the business for this period. From
March 1st to August 1st, and from
September 1st and January 1st The
other lines operate but for two trips
each week. Our steamboat line runs
continuously throughout the year, never
less than three trips each week and IN
fruit season daily. Our people are not
called to invest any money in this en-
terprise and are only solicited to give
united support to maintain a service
that all should be proud to have. It is
proposed to improve this service and in
THIS connection a strong effort is being
made to sacura ON anDro,,r;ot;o,, L..