Gilpin observer., 1906-11-08
world, but designed only for the fleet:
Of the United States.

world, but designed only for the fleets
Of the United States.
Whitney is a man of education who
spent much time over this plan, and,
having made an extensive study of
hydraulic engineering, has prepared
definite plans of how the trick can be
turned. He now has two books in
press, both laid in the valley of the
Salton sea, and both replete with in
formation concerning this strangely
misunderstood region.
Startling as the plan is, and radical
ly different as it is from all schemes
hitherto proposed for the relief of the
stricken valley, engineers are prac-
tically unit in the belief that it can
he accomplished and at a small ex-
pense at that. When completed, it is
2dmitted that the finest harbor ever
devised will be in the control of the
United States; that very small arma-
ment will be able to defend the mar
row mouth of the canal from all in
vaders, whether by sea or land.
Extending over portions of two
counties, nearly so miles long by 20
wide, Salton sea is rising at the rate
of two feet every week. No power on
earth has been able as yet to shut
off the torrent of water which, running
with the speed Of millrace, is pour
ing off the great Colorado river water
shed into this rink. The town of Sal
ton is under 20 feet of water; so are
Durmid AMI Frinks. Walters is threat
ened, and, north and south. east and
west. the water of this rapidly rising
sea is seeking the old levels of the
inland ocean.
When this tank has been filled up
Brawley, CaleXico. Imperial. Heber,
Silsbee ami Holtville will be under
water. The fertile Imperial valley
will then have been wiped from the
map. Over 1t all will lie a body of
salt water varying from 800 feet in
depth at the center TO sea level at
the edges, and from almost 80 miles
long by So wide.
The barrier which holds this sea
away from the California gulf is COM
rosed of nothing but salt and sand,
brought in by the Colorado aud backed
MP by the waters of the gulf until 1t
has formed fragile ridge between
Hardys Colorado. which empties into
the gulf, ana the buried sea.
Here at the head of the gulf will be
established Notifications sufficient to
guard the canal from all intruders, no
matter how great their strength. But
few guns will be needed for this; a
disappearing carriage or so, we'll pre-
pared for the work of protecting the
narrow entrance with one big gun on
each carriage will be amply sufficient,
according to one military officer to
whom the matter has been referred.
There are no mountains, at least
rome OF any consequence, in the way
OF this canal scheme. and the big
ditch, when finished, will be as nearly
level as 1t is possible for a canal to
be. In conjunction with the Panama
canal. should the latter ever become
a reality. this SaIton sea harbor Is
pointed to by one of the government
engineers rs the finishing touch to the
great scheme of uniting the Atlantic
and the Pl:ific. With the control of
the gulf Of California In its hands, and
this very probably will be an accom-
plished fact in short time, for there
is now a committee from the govern.
ment OF Mexico in Washington looking
up an erro. In the treaty OF Guada-
ioupe Hidalao, which, II rectified. will
give the United States the greater part
# Sonora and several other of the
North Mexican states as well as tho
control OF al Of Lower California and
the gulf-with the control OF this gulf
there will be provided for the United
States the grandest hprbor. In ron.
junction with the great isthmian ca.
nal, that has ever been devised by