The evening world., 1920-06-09
STATE BARGE CANAL TRAFFIC
ONLY TENTH OF CAPACITY
OF THAT GREAT WATERWAY

think of the thousands Of people In
the poorer sections OF the city who
could have fresh green vegetables
every day at a minimum OF cost II
something were done about this
canal
Potatoes faised in northern New
York State, in the Black River dis
trict, fruit from Monroe and Or
leans, wheat by way of Buffalo and
all kinds of farm products, TO say
nothing OF other kinds OF merchan-
disc from the Great Lakes and all
along New York States borders
could be brought TO New Workers in
these hundreds OF boats that could
enter New York Harbor every day.
At present, the farmers all along
the canal take their produce to the
nearest market in trucks and
wagons. Year after year they only
produce what Is necessary to supply
these markets.
But II canal terminals were estab-
lished. a large group OF farmers
could bring their produce to them
and the produce could go direct to
New York.
All estimates thus far given have
shown that the Canal has transported
cargo on the whole much more
quickly than the freight on the rail-
road.
The differential from water to
rail Is 20 per cent to 40 per cent.
Thus It can be estimated how much
cheaper potatoes and such other pro-
duce Of the State could be sold to
the consumer in New York City II the
canal carried a great number OF
boats on schedule time, one right af-
ter the other.
Why is IL not done?
Edward s. Walsh, Superintendent
OF Public Works, will tell you one Of
the chief troubles is lack Of boats.
Just at the moment he Is trying to
get the boats the Federal Govern
ment used during the war. It seems
to Mr.. Walsh, as II does to all in-
terested, that the Federal Govern
ment, having used the canal, might
we'll present the boats to the State.
Also he wants the Federal Govern
ment to quit all operation on the
canal and let competition OF private
business concerns have the opportun-
ity to develop. (It is commonly be-
lieved that the Federal Government
has quit operation, but this Is not so.)
Now all this may help, but af-
ter a thorough investigation Of
the nom n-deVelopment Of the
Barge Canal, ! would say that
the chief trouble lies in the
greatest competitor of the canal
Tho railroad.
Until some authoritative body,
in the Vernacular, tells the rail-
road "Wfhere to get off" and also
"wherO to get on" in connection
with the canal, the people need
not expect to see this costly wa
terway actually reduce the cost
/ Of living.
For five years the railroad has
done everything TO discourage
greatest competitor.
For years an interchange OF
freight has been attempted with
out results. II there were an in
terchange Of freight rates, there
could be continuous and COM
bined carriers from Cleveland
and Chicago to New York by rail
and water,
For years a cooperative scheme
Of railroad and canal which
would alleviate all congestion
in this State has failed to ma
torialize.
Ohcial after official connected with
the canal has come In determined 10
do something and the progress has
been ponderously slow.
Capital has feared to invest in boat
equipment, not being sure of the safe
differential as between railroad and
method for handling freight wherever
| necessary.
There is plenty Of money ready. not
/