New-York tribune., 1910-01-24
C4N4L TRADE GOOD.
AnnuaI Report of Superin-
tendent Stevens

SoeNehS' 10 De submitted to the Legislature
tomorrow besides containing statement
as 10 lne trade and tonnage of the canals
aho 10 conditions generally. has to do with
NUMBER or problems which seem to con-
front canal authorities in connection with
the transition from the present canal sys-
tenn TO that which is being provided by the
so-called barge canal system
The total amount carried on all canals
last season was 3.116,5S6 tons. as against
S.GSl.sT tons carried in 1908 and 3.4o7 ga
tons in 1907. This was a slight increase
Notwithstanding the fact that the season
was shorter than in previous years by
some months. the shortened season being
due TO the barge canal construction work
and the provision of the construction act
which provides that the open season shall
not begin until May Is and shall close on
November 10. The amount was made up
as follows: 1,203 100 tons way freight east,
o,52o tons way freight west, SSs, ,545 tons
through freight east and 15S14S tons
through freight west
The division OF the tonnage by canals in
comparison with the figures OF 1908 is as
follows: Erie Canal, 2O31.3O7 tons, as
against 2177,443 in 1908; Champlain Canal,
l25 in 1903. as against 614 762 the previous
year; Oswego Canal, 121, III, as against &c.
sSl the previous year; Cayuga and Seneca
Canal. s4957. as against s1.o29 in 1908; Black
River Canal. lie, ,430, as compared with S5,-
SI2 the previous season.
The estimated total value of shipments
for 1909 was s59.0S1. .572, as compared with
SS4,511.5O9 the previous season and sSS, s0S $40
in 1907.
Superintendent Stevens attributes the
tendency to decreased shipments on the
canal very largely to the falling off in the
. number OF boats, and points out that boat
building, so far as the canals are con-
cerned is almost a lost art. There is one
hopeful sign in connection with this and
that is the experiment that is being tried
by a corporation known as the New York,
Buffalo and Great Lakes Transportation
Company, which constructed and placed in
commission a fleet of boats Of a different
type than that previously operated on the
present canals. This fleet consisted Of
one steamer and five consorts. though it
was so late in the season when these boats
We're placed in commission that only one
through trip was made. The estimated ca
pacity Of the steamer and five consorts
vas $4,000 bushels.
The report says that while he cannot
give detailed results as to the profitable
ness of this trip, 1t was a success in the
eyes Of those who have undertaken the
enterprise. since they have promised that
a second fleet, consisting of steamer and
five consorts ''of identically the same
type. viii be ready to be placed in COM
mission by the opening of the coming sea-
son Of navigation"
Mr.. Stevens says that the men who are
back of this project have been identified
with canal navigation for many years, and
he believes that their experiment will go
20 in
viii assist in the solution of the problem
which necessarily must be worked out as
TO the type of craft which shall be best
adapted for navigating the barge canal
Superintendent Stevens reneWs his rec
ommendation of last year that, inasmuch
as it is the policy of the state TO retain
and improve Its canals instead OF aban-
doning any portion Of the same provision
shall be made for improving the Black
River canal. between Boonville and Lyons
Falls, at an estimated cost of 100000.
The last Legislature made provision, ap-
propriating $4,000. for improving the
Black River canal between Rome and
BoonviIle, and this work is now well under
way.
The report points out the necessity for
a more careful study Of and inquiry into
the problem Of water storage. During the
last two seasons, which have been attend
ed by drouth. the department has had
great difficulty in maintaining the long
levels.
In his report the Superintendent of Pub
lie Works calls attention 10 the possible
abandonment Of some portions Of the ex-
listing canals when the barge canal shall
have been completed. and while legislation
will be necessary TO this end in order that
the states property shall be wisely dis
posed OF, the subject is one which ought to
be given careful and immediate considera-
ton
There are great stretches Of existing
canal whose future value upon abandon
ment may he considered inconsequential,
and yet other portions would seem to
promise enormous value, and the state
should receive full benefit" To the end
that the state may receive full benefit.
Superintendent Stevens believes that the
work Of establishing and properly mark
ing with monuments the "blue line of the
canal should be undertaken, and recon-
mends that a fund for this work should be
provided.
Superintendent Stevens treats in detail
the subject of surplus waters that will be
created incident TO barge canal construc-
ton, and points out that the state ought
TO be IN position to take advantage. ma
Ierlal and otherwise, or the benentS which
VIII accrue as a result of such increased
water storage and water power.
Another recommendation of Superin-
tendent Stevens has to do with the abuses
in and about Adirondack lakes and reser-
voirs Many complaints have been made
70 the department by cottagers and prop
ertv owners in the vicinity Of the Fulton
chain of lakes, Beaver River and other
lakes and reservoirs. and while an exam
irla ton of the complaints has indicated
that great damage was being done, the de-
partn1ent has been unable TO give direct
relief This is due TO the fact that the
waters of Beaver River and those Of the
Fulton chain are held back by a series of
dams constructed by the state, but mas
much as the innpounding Of the waters is
not for canal purposes, but for the purpose
of compensating water owners for the water
taken at other points for the canal, the
reservoirs and structures are under the
control of a commission, instead of being
directly under the control OF the Super
fntendeut OF Public Works Superintend-
eut Stevens's conclusions and recommenda-
tions are:
Certainly If this vast region, in which
the state has invested so much In the way
Of acquiring and preserving forests, Great
ing lakes and reservoirs, is to be of the
Gil her her citizens