New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-08-22

York Much Further 4dUanced than
Public Realizes.


In the first days Of agitation for improved
navigation. in the early Colonial period, the
natural advantages of topography in New York
State were clearly recognized, and these condi-
tions have ever been potent factors in bringing
success to projects for canals and for subse
quent engagements along the routes in this
state. These advantages are nowhere duplicated
throughout our country for a mighty river
flows to the metropolis of New York, navigable
for one hundred and sixty miles from its mouth.
far above the coast range of mountains, which
is cut by other Atlantic seaboard river, and
its outlet forms safe and commodious harbor
for the commerce Of he world. From the head
Of natural navigation there extends westerly
across the state a chain of rivers and creeks
with comparatively low summit elevations and
of these rivers, the Mohawk. long ago was
forced by glacial Instructions In the natural
outlet of a great system of inland lakes to cut
its way through a rocky barrier OF hills that
form the northern extremity of second range
OF mountains (where now stands Little Falls),
and thus to become for time the outlet of
great inland lakes. Moreover. this chain of
westerly streams reaches TO one of these great
lakes Ontario. and nearly to the second, Lake
Erie, and these lakes penetrate TO the very
heart of the continent. Also from the head of
natural navigation on the Hudson another series
OF valleys, with low divide, stretches in almost
a straight north and south line to Montreal, the
metropolis of Canada.
At the present time work on the latest en-
largement of the state systematic barge canal
New York's great waterway that rivals the
Panama Canal in extent and Importance and
perhaps surpasses it in the intricacy and num-
Der of engineering problems-is much further
advanced than is generally known by the people
~ the There in e
which extend 2S614 miles of canal while
)lsns for 46 miles more entirely completed,
And for 50 miles at least it is three quarters
finished. Progress is also being made on the
plans for the - miles needed to complete the
entire length The distance between the termini
VIII measure some 40 miles more than this
enumeration, but the difference is made up of
open lake navigation, requiring no improvement.
The sum for which these contracts are let
totals s46,7S7,295-an amount which is only 80
per cent of the estimate on which the appro-
priation made, showing a probable saving
thus far of S per cent At the time of making
the first estimate ample contingent fund was
included but in making the calculation just
given this fund is regarded Thus it will be
seen that this amount for contnge ncics aug
mented by the per cent of probable saving
makes a comfortable total to meet Unforeseen
difficulties.
The enterprise of charging the state canals
is generally known as the "1000-ton barge canal
project" but this term is MISSIONER under
present conditions. BY Legislative revision, the
locks As feet wide, instead of IS orig
tnally contemplated. The result is that boats
may be used even in the restricted channel OF
rs feet, that will carry nearly twice one thou
aAnd tons Less than quarter of the whole
40 miles of the canal, including the Erie. Cham
plain and Oswego divisions, viii have a rs foo