The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1904-12-23
CONGRESS WILL
GIVE NO MONEY
FOR DEEPER CHANNEL HERE
Is THE OPINION OF cot. JAMES b
QUINN.

Conference with Chairman Burton
Closed with Little Hope for an
AnDropriation-From Every POssi-
BILE side Col. Quinn Argued for
savannah Project-TO Cut Down
and to save Expenses Seems AMI
bition of COMMITTEES.
Col. James B. Quinn, division chief
of United States engineers, returned
at noon yesterday from Washington,
where he had been called for con-
ference with Congressman Burton,
chairman of the House Committee on
River and Harbor Improvements. In
speaking of the results of the con-
ference. Col Quinn stated there SEEM
ed to be absolutely no chance of Sc
curing an appropriation for deep water
at Savannah from this session of Con-
gress.
The object of the conference seemed
to be to learn just how close the APP
propriations could be cut and still al
low contract work to float along. The
engineering officer was questioned
closely and the question rs it absolute
ly necessary was asked time and
time again. If that question could not
be answered in an unhesitating af-
firmative, the appropriation concerning
which it was asked, was rejected.
There seems to be grave doubts as
to whether any appropriation for i'm
provements will be made at this ses-
sion The object of Chairman Burton,
whom Col. Quinn characterizes as
very capable man, seems to be to give
each district just sufficient money to
maintain what has already been ac-
complished, keep present conditions in
tact and such minor improvements as
may be absolutely necessary.
Conditions at Savannah.
AS far as Savannah is concerned it
seems practically certain there will be
no work done on the river save the
completing of the present contracts.
The work under these contracts is now
practically finished and but little time
will be required to end them. II is
even doubtful if sufficient money will
be given for the work on Tybee bar.
There is at present a depth of only
nineteen feet there, and this work,
which is under ocean dredging, is not
under contract.
When Col. Quinn saw there was
practically no chance to get an APP
preparation for the carrying out of
the deeper water project. he suggest
ed that sufficient money be given him
to allow of a survey being made and
an exact estimate of the cost COM
piled. He stated he could do this
cheaper now than at any other time
and was DESTROYS of completing the
work. This request was denied.
Chairman Burton could not see what
good was to come from a survey and
so expressed himself as against al.
appropriation for it. This finally end
ed the matter.
Tried Another Tack.
The failure of the first two moves
did not discourage Col. Quinn and he
tried yet another tack through which
he hoped to get the appropriation that
Savannahians so much desire.
He called attention to the fact that
Savannah harbor is one of the very
few harbors whose depth is computed
as at mean high water. Practically
every other harbor in the country has
a depth of so many feet at mean low
water. As q result there is confusion
for shipmasters and captains who de-
sire to come to Savannah.
In view of this condition and for the
purpose of uniformity, Col. Quinn sug
gested that sufficient money be given
to allow of deepening Savannah har-
Dor to twenty-eight feet at mean low
water. Justice, said the engineering
officer, demanded that Savannah be
not compelled to lose the hight of the
tide when other harbors did not Even
this plea, however, failed and it be-
came evident if any appropriation was
made it would be a meager one.
Burton Is Consistent.
chairman Burton" said Col. Quinn.
lis one of the brightest and ablest
members of the House and he is thor
oughly honest. He believes conditions
are such that no large appropriations
can be made, and he is endeavoring to
save just as much money as possible
He and engineering officers at Wash
ington have worked hard framing up
a bill. and l was called merely to tell
just how little could get along with
next year.
1.-THE chairman of the committee is
well posted, as has been shown by sew
eral quick replies he has made when
appeals for appropriations have been
made 10 him. He seemed TO be as IA
miliar with conditions in my district as
] was and few explanations were nee
essary. He thinks quickly. and his sole
object seems to be to get along with
as little expenditures this year as pos
sibe
He is thoroughly consistent
throughout. There are several projects
on foot at his home district, and COM
mittees from trade bodies there and
from political organizations have be-
sought his aid in their behalf and ap-
pealed to him TO stand by his own dis
trict. He has turned them all fiat,
however, and is carrying out his cut
ting-down policy consistently.
I'VE may get a small appropriation,
but must confess the chances seem
10 be considerably against a.