New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-07
BETTER WATER WAYS.
Congressman RansdeH Says They
Viii Regulate RGil1Cdy EUils.

Congressman Joseph E. Ransden OF louisiana
who Is 2 member of the Rivers and Harbors Com
rnittee of the House and president OF the National
Rivers and Harbors Congress. was in the city yes
terday on his way to Panama with the party of
Representatives who sailed yesterday afternoon on
the steamship Panama. Mr. Ransdell was consulted
yesterday by several representatives OF local COM
merciaI ore8 nizations who are anxious TO join in
the work OF his association which is advocating
annual appropriation by Congress of at least
100000 for the Improvement Of the waterways OF
the country.
THE fact that the River and Harbor bill adopted
last week was the largest in the history of the
country said Mr. Ransdell, the Fifth Avenue
Hotel is an indication that the country is waking
up to the importance of a settled policy of water
way improvement. Even significant is the
fact that the bill passed without opposition.
vigorous attempt made to tack addi-
tional eight or ten millions, but defeat the
bill whole
I'VE believe that the people of the country
coming to that iii view of the terrible conges-
ton of traffic the railways, the demonstrated
cheapness Of transportation by water-about one
sixth the cost OF rail transportation-and the ef
lciency of water competition the best regulator
OF railway rates, it is necessary for the United
States to adopt systematic policy of waterway
improvement
While the movement for the adoption of this
policy which finds expression through organ
ization is national one ana is being supported by
the leading commercial organizations and business
men of every section. New York City is in some
respects more vitality interested in it than any other
part Of the country. The reason for this is that
since New York is the commercial metropolis of
the country anything that helps any part of the
whole territory OF the United States helps New
York by increasing her volume of business in one
way another.
This illustrated in a striking way by one of
the items of the recent River and Harbor bhl-the
appropriation Of Sl3OOO00O for an additional lock
and channel at Sault Ste. Marie and for deepening
the Detroit River said Mr. Ramsdell
This money will be spent matter Of a thousand
miles from New York he continued yet it viii
be of direct benefit to the city, because the add
tioral grain and other products that will come
down the lakes Buffalo a result of these i'm
prOVements find outlet TO the SeabOard,
and New York is the natural port TO receive It..
While New York will profit by improvements IN
other parts OF the country, there are numerous
projects Of local interest that deserve attention
New York Harbor requires the constant eXpendi-
ture OF money to keep pace in improvements with
the rapid growth of business and the increasing size
of steamships. The Harlem River is one of the
try, and needs additional improvements When the
great barge canal Is completed il will be necessary
TO have improved terminal facilities at Buffalo and
deepening Of the Upper Hudson. So New ork
has particular reason 10 feel very keen interest
in maintaining the policy of national waterway inn
provement. with annual appropriations Of not less
than &0.0O00oe.'