Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-21
Plan for Harbor Improvement.

The City Council now has before 1t
definite plan for harbor Improvement,
| presented by the Board of Harbor Com
| missioners. II is unfortunate that this
| report has been delayed, rs there is SO
| little time now for careful consideration
before the adjournment OF the next Legs
lature, and legislation would be necessary
10 a carving out OF the recommendations
contained in the commissioners report.
The recommendations are two IN num-
bcr. First, the construction of a produce
pier on the Christiana at Front and
Church streets. where steamers carrying
produce from lower Delaware may land
and dispose of their cargoes The sug-
gestion is most appealing, as II would al
ford an opportunity for the small produce
steamers and other boats that ply the
Delaware to bring farm products TO this
CITY. OF course, cooperation OF our
business men would he necessary TO the
success of this project, but that should
not be lacking. With this wharf, much OF
the produce that now goes TO Phlladcl-
phia. to take chances in somewhat pre-
carious market. might be diverted TO
Wilmington, with profit TO the shippers
and advantage TO our people in lower
prices. Also. the City Council may build
this wharf, the estimated cost of which is
$4,000. without having to resort TO the
Legislature for authority for bond issue
The other proposition and the major
one bv far, is for the conversion OF the
mouth Of the Christiana into great
harbor for the reception and accommoda-
tion Of commerce. The recommendations
comprise the purchase OF the land along
the south side of the Christiana, TO the
Delaware river, and the construction OF
seaport piers suitable for berthlng the
argest size freight steamers, With all
accessories for the accommodation OF
generous freight service, and for pas
senger service also. With the necessary
docks and other appurtenances, here
could be provided facilities that would
attract coastwise and possibly ocean
commerce TO the port Of Wilmington.
1t is estimated that it would cost s223,-
600 to purchase the land on the south
side OF the Christiana necessary to start
ing upon this enterprise, and that an
approximate expenditure Of s2,500,O00
would be necessary TO finance the other
operations of the docks,
terminal warehouses, railroad connection
and storage yards.
The project seems large, but it Is not
too large for the city Of Wilmington Such
An utilization Of the city's water facilities,
such development OF the mouth Of the
Christiana as harbor and point Of con
centration for commerce, would mean
much for our city in the future
But legislative cooperation would be
necessary to the consumnation OF such
project, and therefore, as ne have said, It
rs unfortunate that the formal presenta-
ton OF the matter 10 the City Council
was delayed until the very eve Of the
assembling Of the Legislature. 1t Is stated
that the Harbor Commissioners were en-
gagged for a year and a half IN examlna-
tions and preparation of the report. Had
it completed its labors in year, the City
Council would have had six months for
consideration, instead of only few weeks.
However, much may be done, occasion
ally, in a short time. Let the City Coun-
ell do the best it can in the little time left
before legislative cooperation may be
secured.