Evening journal., 1921-08-04


ton. which is expected to consider
II at a meeting next Tuesday.
The average freight steamer runs
about 5000 to 5000 tons, drawing
20 TO rs feet, Joseph Bancroft, of the
iiarbor Commission, stated.
Reasons for Christiana Front.
President Howard M. Ward. of
city Council, raised the question of
why the Christiana front had been
chosen rather than the Delaware.
Charles Warner replied there
we're several reasons Greater
safety to vessels. reduced cost and
shorter rail-haul. Were the Della
ware front used an artificial turn
ing basin would have to be made, at
tremendous expense, he said. Under
the present plan, the Christiana
Will form a natural land-locked
basin.
John A. TAFT, manager OF Furniss
Witty a large shipping concern Of
Philadelphia, said only about two
vessels drawing thirty feet. had vis-
tied the port of Philadelphia in the
past year.
Charles II. Ten Weeges asked how
fast cargo could be loaded at the
new terminal. Mr.. TAFT said Il was
difficult to fix an average because of
the variety Of cargoes received.
Preference for Home Labor.
Councilman John ]. Mulvena
asked IL Il were possible to insert in
the contract for the terminal,
clause giving preference to Will
mington labor and Wilmington sup
ply houses. Mr.. Warner answered
that provision already had been
made for such preference.
Mr.. Mulvena then wanted to know
what could be done in event the
Engineer Board should be unfavor-
able to dredging the Christiana chan
mel. Mr.. Warner said be believed the
end could be attained by negotia-
ton.
Mr.. TAFT said that in twenty-five
years experience in shipping he had
found the Engineer Board almost
Invariably favorable to such inn
provements.
Mr.. McNabb asked whether it
would not be better to hold of the
award OF contract for the terminal
until the Engineer Board had given
its decision as to dredging the chan
mel.
Award Depends Upon Channel.
1t was at this juncture President
speakman, OF the Harbor Commis-
sion. replied he could give assur-
ance that mo contract will be
awarded until after the Engineer
Board has given favorable answer
President Warner said the various
interests composing the Chamber of
Commerce were strongly OF the be
lief that the construction Of the
harbor would mean a tremendous
advance for Wilmington in the next
ten OF fifteen years, and that prop
erty assessments would increase so
rapidly as to easily care for the cost
OF the terminal.
Mr.. Bancroft humorouly told that
no had made a wager that WITHIN
three years the increased assess
ment in wilmington would fully
cover the interest on the harbor
bonds.
president Warner temporarily
closed the discussion by inviting all
70 sumner. A ~" shaped table had
been spread in advance, and the
waterways Committee and its guests
ouicklv found seats. President
Warner invited Colonel Brown TO the
nlace of honor at his right, and the
lenrineer officer accepted gracefully.
n had been originally intended to
servo the meal aboard the Meteor,
Ihut Yesterdays rain forced change
in plans In spite Of this the repast
was both excellently cooked and
. served.
Council Pledges Staunch support.
Following the supper, President
Ward OF City Council. thanked the
waterways Committee for its hos
b pitality, also for enlightening Council
on the waterways project.
Councilman James b. McManus
chairman OF the finance committee
said he felt the Harbor Commission
was due warmest praise for It's work,
and especially for obtaining the new
bids on the enlarged project, which
would give work to hundreds OF men.
NE said n all other city departments
would cooperate with Council as
fthoroughly as the Harbor CommIs-
sion. the city would be benefited.
Councilman McNabb said ne had
lived in wilmington 56 years, and
"had always heard of tho harbor" d"
He expressed confidence Il would
pay. "If only it had been built be-
fore the war, IL would have served
great purpose" he declared.
, Councilman Mulvcna said he had
always favored the harbor and would
4 stand back OF Il TO it's conclusion.
, Councilman John Murray who is a
y shipbulder himself, said ne had in
lterviewed many experienced shipping
p men and had yet to find a single one
against tho harbor project
Il am proud to say Council has
s stood solidly for one OF the reai
{ things in the city's life. one Of the
a things that would bring many new
e industries to wilmington. believe
that not only every Wilmingtoniah
but every Delawarean should gei
behind this project" he said amid
applause
Councilman Alexander r. Abra.
hams said ne had supported the
harbor before becoming member
e Of Council and had supported IL
q throughout his whole service in the
body
Charles II. Ten weeges. in behalf
n OF the Chamber Of Commerce. ex,
pressed appreciation for the attend
:. ance Of Council. Harry T. Bush. o.
c the Waterways Committee. said tn,