New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-16
BRONX KILLS HEARING.
NezU-Y York Delegation AdUocates
ImprOUealentS.
[FRom THE TRIBUNE BUREAU

wasbinp+on Ian ia strong delegation, repre-
senting commercial interests Of the Borough OF
The Bronx appeared before the House Committee
on Rivers and Harbors to-day and urged the ne
cessity for the Improvement OF the Harlem River
by widening the channel and OF creating channe!
through the Bronx Kills. The committee extended
to the visitors the courtesy Of an unusually pro-
tracted hearing and its members were evidently
impressed with the forcible arguments OF the dele
cation.
1t was apparent, however from the character Of
the questions asked and tho views expressed by
Chairman Burton that both Of the improvements
desired will hardly receive favorable consideration
at this time 1t is possible however, that before
final action more liberal decision may be reached.
The improvements estimated to cost 900
for the Harlem River and s2.5Oo0oo for the Bronx
Kills, and Mr.. Burton desired TO know which OF
the two in the judgment OF the delegation. is the
more important. The consensus Of opinion ap-
peared to be that the interests of that section were
n greater need OF the Harlem River improvements.
though Representative Shober confessed that, with
the map Of the Harlem before him and the
DRY OF the views of his constituents behind him,
he was seriously perplexed what reply to make
The point was made by Mr.. Shober thar the i'm
proveenents in the Harlem River begun in
1874. and that the constantly increasing needs OF
that section demanded their completion. He held
that 1t would be the part of wisdom and economy
70 proVioe ior the immediate continuance OF that
Chairman Burton explained that this was ono Of
the many improvements throughout The country
which would compel the expenditure Of fully
s5tv.OOo,OV0. In the face OF proposition Of that
magnitude. the committee found itself IN a seri-
GUS dilemma He asked that certain statisticG.
covering total tonnage. transportation facilities
and other important points, be prepared fer the
Information or the committee and these will be
forwarded at once.
James L. Wells. ex-president Of the Board of
Tax Commissioners OF New York, was the princi-
pal speaker, and delivered a carefully prepared
adoress explaining the necessity for the proposed
improvements II. D. Dumont. president OF the
Merchants Association. made argument In sup
port or both improvements but spoke especially in
taVor or the Bronx Kills showing the ADVANTAGES
mat would be secured by the improvements de-
sired State Senator Hawkins gave information
concerning the transportation facilities OF New
YORK and the present congested condition of the
lower part OF Manhattan-a condition these i'm
provements were calculated materially TO improve.
Representative Goulden and John De Hart were
also heard IN support Of the propositions.
The delegation has been in Washington two
days and its members have employed their time
almost exclusively in the interests Of their bor-
ough. They called General Gillespie, chief of
engineers, yesterday and filed with him the map
showing the desired Improvement, which was
adopted by the Board of Estimate and Apportfon-
ment and approved by Borough President Haffen
and Chief Engineer Briggs It decided to
refer the matter to the New-York Harbor Line
Board. which will hold public hearings on the
subject before making its recommendations
Committee on Rivers and Harbors the delegation
appeared before the House COMMITTEES on Public
Buildings and Grounds to urge the passage of
Representative Goulden's measure providing Tor a
Dostoff1ce building in the Borough OF The
Bronx. This afternoon the delegation, accom-
panied by Representatives Goulden, Otis and
shober. called by appointment the President