New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-11-02

nections. At most seasons OF the year the Hart
ford boats crowded with passengers. and the
same conditions would prevail here and Spring
field
The probable landing at Hoyoke would be at
South Holyoke a couple Of miles below the big
dam which gives the Paper City her wonderful
system Of waite power. For some distance below
the dam the river is fun of rocky rapids.
he expensive clearing channel through these,
and this is not necessary.
Holyoke stands particularly in need Of an open
river. Her future growth is directly dependent on
IL. Any one who knows Holyoke knows that no city
IN New-England is more constant in healthy growth
and THAT everything which retards it must eventu-
ally give way
This is the way Holyoke's growth is dependent on
an open river. set forth by one of the conserv-
ative manufacturers of the city:
The upbuding of Holyoke has been due TO the
remarkable water power derived from the Con-
necticut River, power second TO none in the
try. except that Austin. Tex. Practically all
of the available power is in use, and future
growth is only possible through the Introduction
steam power, and steam power means coal
We cannot expect m anufacturer TO come here
unless he can secure coal cheaply his
competitors in other towns. Although are only
few miles away from Hartford there is a diff
ference Of 50 a in of transporting
coal from the mines and the increased cost is due
20 the fact that Hartford has water outlet while
we have not"
The problem OF opening the Connecticut from
Hartford 10 Holyoke is not difficult one from an
engineering point of view. The government has
carried 70 successful completion a score of prof.
ects vastly more difficult and of them did
not present half the value 90 commerce that this
one has the face Of it.
The distance is thirty-four miles and a channel
with nine feet depth low water and a width OF
80 feet at the same stage is demanded This
would permit the extension OF the present traffic be-
low Hartford. A local traffic would thrive on such
a route doubtless, but would justify its crea-
ton.
The most serious difficulty Is presented in Enfield
Rapids. stretch OF Eve and a half miles below
Enfield dam The government engineers say of
this: The ped is OF rock. rough ana irregular the
slope Is steep and variable. the banks bluff and
mainly of rock. The total fan depends upon the
sJase or water. but its maximum al extreme low
stage probably does not exceed thirty-three feet
though il has log been actually measured Out
side vi this short stretch the Is Of moderate
slope, winding in and Out through the valley with
a fairly uniform width OF l,500 feet.
Major Leach estimates the cost Of this trnurova-
ment at not more than 100000 and the cost OF
maintenance at about $500 a year Three dams
would be necessary. each with suitable locks for
the passage OF vessels and these form the largest
item Of expense. $4,000. IL is estimated that il
would be necessary 10 exeavate 100000 cubic yards
Of rock and 100000 cubic yards OF sand and gravel
at combined cost Of $4,000.
IL is proposed 10 make the dams OF the movable
bear trap type In order control the in fresh.
e times This VIII greatly decrease the expense
opposite % Kings Island would be permanentiv
OVERLOOKED and would make compensation neces-
sarE The water power now in use al Hoiyoke
sn1 Nincsor Locks would not be damaged
The chief objection 70 the project so tar outside
u the natural opposition OF the railroads 70 having
Their territory Invaded by water route. comes