The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-12-07
CUT DISTANCE VIA
WATER IS THE
SLOGAN
JACKSON PEOPLE WANT CANAL
FROM ST. JOSEPH TO MONROE
OTHERS WANT WATERWAY
FROM SAGINAW TO CD. HAVEN.

JACKSON. Mich. Dec. 1.-The
movement to construct a canal across
southern Michigan to connect Lakes
Michigan and Erie has been renewed
with more vigor than ever before
With the development of various lines
Of industry. business men In Jackson
and other places believe this cana
must be constructed by the govern
ment.
The plan calls for q canal from
st. Joseph. on Lake Michigan. to neal
Monroe. on Lake Erie. This would
shorten the present route from Chi
cago to Buffalo about 1000 miles. II
would make the season OF navigation
two months longer each year-one
month In the spring and one month
In the fall.
This time would he saved because
the ships would not have to endure
the extremitios of early and late win
ter weather In the northern section.
The connection at Monroe would be
made at the head Of the Ratsin river.
Besides the great advantage In a
material way, the food waters Of the
st. Joe, Kalamazoo, Grand and Raisin
rivers GOULD be turned into this pro-
jected canal and thousands of dollars
In property losses would be saved each
year. II the canal IL built Jackson,
Battle Greek. Kalamazoo, Marshall
and Albion will be important ports
along II
Project Favored Long Ago.
Hon. George willard, of Battle
Greek, while a member Of congress.
proposed the canal across the southern
section Of Michigan. For some rea-
son the project was abandoned, bur.
with the growth Of industry and nat.
ural demand for a shorter route from
Chicago to the east by water, tho
public-spirited citizens OF Jackson and
other places have renewed the cam
paign.
The matter has been presented to
the deep waterways commission an
that body has offered encouragement
to the promoters.
Ex-Mayor w. w. Todd. Of Jackson.
Is an enthusiastic supporter of the
proposed canal from st. Joseph to
Monroe. 1t Is more feasible than tho
proposed Saginaw-Grand Haven water.
way, he declares. He says that he Is
greatly encouraged by the interest
taken In his plan by the cities and
counties through which the waterway
would pass. With the growth OF the
movement, 1t Is said. meeting is
planned at which steps will be taken
to lay the matter before the govern
ment authorities.
There Is another plan, which Is IA.
vored by persons in the northern sec
ton. They want canal to connect
Grand Haven and Saginaw. The Grand
Saginaw Valleys Deep Waterways asso-
citation has been formed to urge the
adoption Of this plan.
This project calls for waterway
120 feet wide and 81 feet deep. The
members of the Grand-Saginaw Val.
,eys Deep Waterway association are
convinced that such a canal ia prac-
teal. They believe II can be built at
a reasonable cost and that II would
prove beneficial to the entire country.
BY the Saginaw-Grand Haven route
boats would be saved about 400 miles
OCbWCCh ShitaSO dhu ZIG Vdots anu, IL
Is pointed out by supporters OF the
movement. they would not be imperil-
ed by the treacherous waters Of the
north in rough weather.
Would Abolish Handicap.
II the Saginaw-Grand Haven canal Is
constructed, It Is said. boats would be
able to deliver grain in New York ut
a cost less than one-third Of the pres
ent railroad freight rate from Chicago
to New York.
The canal would insure transporta-
ton. when the railroads are not able
to handle the freight In q rush sea-
son in the middle west. IL would az
ford also a continuous passage from
the eastern sections of Canada
through the canal and the lakes to the
Gulf Of Mexico itself. II the plan is
not carried out. members of the Assoc
citation, declare, Saginaw, Owosso,
Lansing. Jackson. Battle Creek. Kala.
mazoo, Grand Rapids and oil interven-
Ing Industrial and commercial centers
will be handicapped In a business way.
IN the D1ap In carvfaH mt ha fratobx