Evening journal., 1919-04-19
MOTIFY HARBOR
PLANS So W0TK
CAN Be flushed
CONTINUED from page One)


Mr.. Warner stated that his object IN
these conferences was two-fold:
First he said he wished 10 discuss
more fully some SUGGESTIONS regarding
the detailed plans OF the first stage de-
yelopment proposed for the seaport
piers on the Lobdell property at the
mouth Of the Christlana. These sug-
gestiOns had originated in part from
General Black at the time he made MS
visit to Wilmington and made a tull
inspection OF the properties at the
mouth Of the Christlana river with the
local government engineer and the VIII
mlngton Harbor Board.
Second. that the members Of the Har-
Dor Board had been considering an
early spring trip 10 some OF the best
developed piers In this section OF the
country, and they wish 10 carefully
consider with the government officials
and with Mfr. Meigs the points OF in
terest that would have a direct bear
ing on the Wilmington plans, and which
might show types OF construction ana
methods " operation best fltled to VII
ming.on's conditions.
on the first point Mr.. Warner ex-
planned that at the time General Black
visited Wilmington two or three
months ago, the members OF the Harbor
Board had stated 10 him that Whining
ton was not seeking for tremendous
pier development at this time, but that
it would want 10 determine what was
absolutely essential TO make a com
plete, well-rOunded and well-balanced
pier. warehouse and rail terminal unit,
equipped with the most modern appara-
tus for quick and economical handling
OF materials.
Continuing, Mr.. Warner said:
THE board further explained 10 Cen
eral Black that Wilmington must build
its FIRST stage unit at moderate cost. yet
making the first development NJ In with
the plans for enlargements and eXten-
sions as the business and the city would
grow. The Harbor Board has been
definite and unanimous In IFS Views that
II Wilmington built seaport piers, u
must have a unit that Is both complete
in performing all the functions that
such terminals should perform, and
at the same time it must be able 10
make a record that stands out ma
tionally for quick loading and unload
ing Of steamers. so that the waste time
at the wharves Is reduced TO a mini
mum. The board has been convinced
that this was Of the highest import
ance 10 advertise Wilmington TO the
world and TO bring her terminals into
quick and profitable use by shippers
and the steamship lines.
AT the time General Black suggested
that there might be some advantage In
modifying the original Meigs' plans so
far as the first stage development was
concerned, by building a strong con-
crete bulkhead along the front OF the
Lobdell property, which Il Is first pro-
posed to develop, this bulkhead run
ming approximately parallel with th'
Christiana river channel. The bulkheaC
would In this design take the place o.
two piers and one slip proposed in th'
original Meigs' plan, and would perml
locating the warehouses for the flrs
unit nearer the steamers sides, AFFECT
ing some economy in handling OF
freight and In the railroad trackage
needed around the yard
1T was recognized that this sugges-
tion OF General Blacks would sub
staniially reduce the amount OF berth
ing space for steamers since 10 would
only be feasible TO construct a bulk
head about 1000 feet long under the
revised suggestion as against pier face
OF double this distance, as presented
under the Meigs' plan for the flrst set
Of piers. General Blacks suggestion,
4 h.. r.-fprF.Hn-
established by the Harbor Board, name
~, that a complete unit Of wharf front
age and ample warehouse capcity. open
yard storage contiguous TO the wharf
front. with modern machinery and suf-
flcient rail connections and yards must
be provided.
"When the Harbor Board handed in
It's general report 10 City Council in
December last, Il purposely recon-
mended at that time. so far as the sea-
nort pier development Is concerned. that
the land alone should be purchased,
namely, the LObdell property on the
south side OF the mouth OF the Chris
tiana river. It included in that report
10 City Council the general engineering
suggestions and rough estimates pre-
ndItQ UN MI MfiNof Ailt ANAA1uAtth- VI
gineer. The HarbOr Board was not at
that time in position TO adopt In de-
tail the plans first proposed by Mr..
Meigs, since the members Of the board
were still studying the various COM
binations and relations Of bulkheads.
piers, tracks, warehouses. open storage
and mechanical equipment for steve
doring and transporting which might
produce the best detailed results.
"The development OF General Blacks
suggestion shows that a complete unit
can be built capable OF handling the
same sized steamers as proposed in the
original Melgs' plan, but Of course not
so many Of such steamers at one time.
II Is possible on such a revised basis TO
also reduce the initial investment 10 a
very considerable amount. These modl-
fed plans may NJ better into Whining
toms ability 10 finance piers at this
time without destroying the important
principles which the local board has
established.
According 20 estimates made this
week by Mr.. Meigs. the reduced unil