New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-11-22

The latest report concerning the opposition 10
the 1,0OO-ton barge canal is that those who have
been considering ever since tAc election how the
viii Of the people, expressed by an OverwheIm-
ing ma ority of votes on November 3 might he
annulled will try TO secure the passage of q bill
at the coming session Of the legislature ordering
another survey OF the canal route OF course.
the only ground on which that course can be
urged is that the survey made under the direc-
ron Of State Engineer Bond, on which the plan
OF canal improvement was based, is untrust-
worthy. 1t would not do TO explain that the
long delay consequent on another survey. put
ting the whole matter over for at least year.
would exactly suit the purposes OF the opposi-
ton
1t is interesting, therefore, to consider the
chances OF convincing the legislature that the
work already done is not 10 be depended on.
As il happens, a great deal Of competent evil
oence as TO that matter has been collected In a
convenient form, ana is ready for examination
at any time 1t was effectively used during the
recent campaign in discussions Of the canal
question, but its value has not been exhausted.
In beginning mis- task Mr. Bond organized a
large engineering force, which, if the usual
weight is to be given to esta blished reputation,
must be conceded 10 have been remarkably COM
petent He then appointed. first a consulting,
and subsequently a permanent advisory, board
Of distinguished and DISTINGUISHED engineers. 10
whom every detail was submitted for approval.
rejection or revision The late George :. Mort
son testified to the extreme care and fidelity
with which the work was originally done, and
afterward tested by the board Of which he was
q member, and his colleagues have all ratified
bis opinion.
But il may be said that this IMPRESSIVE tesri-
mony related to estimates Of cost etc. made
from accepted data which NAV have been
faulty. Let us hear, therefore, what Professor
William II. Burr, Of Columbia, member Of
the Isthmian Canal Commission. and also q
member Of the advisory board las 10 say on
that subject: The care and thoroughness with
(which these surveys and examinations. extend
ling over the entire route, were executed has
never been approached on any preceding canal
work in the history Of the State Of New-York
''or any other State in the Union" The charac-
ter Of the material encountered was a matter
that received particular consideration, anG we
learn from Professor Burr. as well as from Mr.
D. J. Howell, who was in charge from first TO
last under the State Engineer. that a large
amount Of money was spent in borings through
out the entire route. and that the samples Of the
material so obtained were studied marked for
location, classified and preserved. That was
Only one detail. but unless there has been a
conspiracy TO deceive the Governor, the legis-
lnture and the public, the same standard Of con-
scient,ous care was competently maintained n
all respects OF course, the report submitted as
the basis Of legislative action was only sum
mary q the work DONE but 'the detailed maps
calculations and all the specifications are on
.fls 81 the Office Of the State Engineer, and are
"open 10 the inspection Of any one who sees fit
''tO 20 through item"
What reason Is there 70 suppose that another
szryey would have. or be designed 10 lave any