Norwich bulletin., 1913-12-16
EXPLAINED TERMINAL PROJECT
Secretary Chappe of State Commission Gave Board of Trade Members Clear Idea of the New London Improvement Frank J. King Reports on Waterways Convention Move For Later Trolley Cars Taken.

general of the United States and our representatives and senators in con- gress, with tae earnest request that they do all ia their power to preve.t such a separation and that our secre- tary be instructed to forward such copies to those named.
 Ex-Congressman Higgins.
 Ex-Congressman Edwin w Higgins was called upon by President James c. Macpherson, and he spoke of the work or the rivers and harbors commission. Ihe pest work ever accomplished by this commission, according to MT. Higgins, was the dissipating of the mo- tion that pork barreP' methods were used in the rivers and harbors appro- prtat1onS and that the money spent did no real good. He said that millions had been sunk in the Mississippi with little good result, but that on the whole no money appropriated by congress was so honestly spent as the amount allotted to the betterment of the wa terways of the nation. There is now an annual appropriation of 50 millions for this work Mr. Higgins concluded by explaining the various parts of the rivers and harbors bill. He then in- troduced MT. Chappell, who spoke on the New London ocean terminal pro- ject.
 Commissioner chappeiI Speaks.
 MT. Chappell stated that the water
 
 four years ago when the governor ap- pointed a commission of five of which the speaker was one to work up senti- ment in favor of improving the Con- necticut river. That commission made a lengthy report after consideration of improvements elsewhere as applicable to local conditions. Mr. Chappell said that he felt that Connecticut should be the greatest manufacturing state in the union and that in a short time the the handsome new stone bridge across the Connecticut river would be torn in Connecticut should at least go to Springfield
 Great industrial Basin.
 On the Thames we have, he said, finer though smaller project than the Connecticut With our terminal open ed up we will have a great industrial basin here with IA miles of waterfront. The country immediately. in back of the terminal is going to profit by it with concerns seeking manufacturing sites along the river.
 Not Competing For Big European
 Lines.
 Some people have the impression that we are seeking the big passen- ger steamers but we expect the tramp steamers, the small emigrant steamers, the Russian and South American trade. We will not compete for the big European lines. The speaker told oe the investigations of the committee in- to the arrangement of terminals in other cities and said that the S350,000 needed to perfect the New London channel would result in better chan mel than Providence will have pro- Vided she can secure her appropria- tions of six millions. At New Lon don what dredging is done will be per manent dredging cost of upkeep will be comparatively very small.
 Get Overflow From New York.
 New York has more commerce than she can handle and will welcome a smaller terminal nearby to which to send her overflow. The trade is wait ing for the dock and as soon as the terminal is completed the business will be here. The establishing of this ter minal is awaking worldwide interest in shipping circles and from all the big ports we receive inquiries. MT. Chappen stated that he expected work would be started before January 1 and the contract would be completed in a year. He exhibited maps showing the plans of the committee. A bulkhead is to be built above the drawbridge and the land filled in giving 80 acres of room, half of which will be used for trackage while the other half can be devoted to industrial concerns.
 Channel 500 Feet Wide.
 The dock is to be 1000 feet long and 200 feet wide, the center being of solid stone and concrete. There will be room for erecting warehouses in the rear of the dock The face of the pier will be of reinforced concrete and the superstructure will be of steel. Creosoted piles with cement caps will be used. The channel when compIet- ed will be about two and half miles long, 500 feet wide and 35 feet deep. In concluding MT. ChappelI said that he felt that it was not only New Lon don but the whole valley and county which was being developed. He was given a, vote of thanks and at the close answered a number of questions for the members.
 Following the adjournment refresh ments of sandwiches, doughnuts and coffee were served and a social time was enjoyed.