Omaha daily bee., 1921-08-22
Great Tunnel and
Bridge Erection
InU. S. Foreseen
Breaking of Ground for New
Hudson River Tube Sym
bolizes Projects To Be
Undertaken Soon.
BY HOLLAND.

BY HOLLAND. ...
When the workingmen a few days
ago put the spade into the ground
upon the Manhattan side OF the Hud-
son river so that in that way there
could be beginning of the construc-
ton Of the shaft which is to be used
in building the worlds largest tunnel
under the Hudson, they symbolized
by that act the magnitude OF artif-
cial facilities for transportation
which arc to be taken within few
years, some Of which have already
begun.
From the broad point OF view
these bridge, tunnel and canal activi-
ties demonstrate the faith which not
only capital but the people OF. the
United States have i'll the wonderful
growth of this country. Many hun
dred millions are to be invested i'll
the construction OF gigantic bridges,
great tunnels and some canals. This
investment means conviction that
the transportation facilities Of the
United States must be so greatly in
creased within few years as to be
adequate for the enormous demands
which will be made upon them.
Tunnel Under Narrows.
Just as the contractors who are now
digging the first shaft for the new Hud-
son river tunnel were saying that they
would complete the shaft early in Sep
tember, the authoritative committee OF
New York City was preparns for the @ con-
OF New York harbor. by means OF which
Staten Island and Long Island will be
brought into physical contact. The state
tion Of this tunnel. but this authority
was obtained many years after the sug-
gestion was first made by the late Austin
Corbin that Staten Island. which Is the
greatest in area Of any Of the boroughs
which as whole make Up Greater New
York. should no longer be isolated by
water, but should be brought into phyHi-
cal touch with Long Island.
William j. Wilsus. who is the consult
ing engineer OF the city board, which has
authority for giving out contracts for con-
struction Of this contemplated tunnel has
been so successful in some Of his earlier
undertakings that his opinion Is accepted
as worth needing. He has no Doubt about
the ability OF modern engineers familiar
with tunnel construction to prepare ade-
auate plans whereby this artificial union
between Staten Island and Long Island
Electrified Station Approach.
For it was Colonel Wisus who, as vice
president Of the New York Central Rail-
road company, initiated upon absolutely
original lines the electrificatiou or that
railroads railroads approach to the Grand Central
discovered in this work. Afterwards he
worked out the plan whereby the CON
struction Of the tunnel under the Detroit
river could be economically and easily
carried on and that tunnel stands today
as monument TO Colonel Wilgus' abiI-
ity: Now he Is about TO direct the con
rows OF New York harbor.
some 20 years ago General Serrell said
mat II ne were 80 years younger he would
have part in the construction OF bridges
and tunnels which would bring the var
ious sections Of the city OF New York
into complete touch. He went farther
than that, SAYING that in time majectic
suspension bridges and new tonneis would
be constructed east and west and north
asnd south in the United States General
Serrel spoke with some authority, al
time. He was the engineer who surveyed
the original Panama railroad.
Built Hoosao Tunnel.
He was called to Massachusetts TO
undertake to complete the long unfinished
Hoosac tunnel; And Massachusetts did
made to him for he brought the eastern
and western shafts Of that mountain
tunnel, each two miles in length. together !
at the central point without a variation
OF more than an inch. He supervised the
construction Of the suspension bridge
over the Niagara river and at the time
Of his death he was planning the building
of tunnel upon the Isthmus OF Panama.
through and under a great mountain, con-
fdent that tunnel Of this kind would
make possible a sea level canal In which
no locks would be needed.
General Serrell foresaw the future OF
very great bridge and tunnel eonstrnc-
tion in the United States Philadelphia
has begun demonstration Of this modern
Of one of the worlds largest bridges
whereby Philadelphia and Camden can
be brought into physical contact.
Bridge at Detroit.
Although the tunnel under the Detroit
river has justified the large investment
i is now realized that 1t is rot ade-
luate for the enormous future transporta
lion between Detroit and the east. There.
lore Detroit contemplates the building of
, modern bridge of the suspension type
Ugh above the Detroit river, great via
iuct furnishing passage way between
-snada and the United States.
New York is now beginning. in CO.
operation with New Jersey. the construc-
ion of a tunnel under the Hudson which
nay cost as much as s25.o0o.oo0, but
o furnish adequate facilities for aaE
movement of traffic. But
wen this Is not. to be enough. New
he building Of the world'se greatest sus-
,ension bridge and the engineers say
hat this can be done rapidly and WITH,
ut prohtbtive cost @ the improes" nss"
ouisvlie furnishes another Illustration @.
he foresight not only OF capital, but OF
he people. Hartford, Conn. fe" Years
go caused New Engigand's most attrac-
I've bridge to be constructed over me
Connecticut river and this il splendid
iaduct having in its architectural ies-
ures no superior.
South Carolina Canal.
On the other hand the federal power
onl,nisson has granted a permit for the
Of a canal In South Carolina
hitch will Join the navigabls waters OF
he Santee and Cooper rivers. The canal
iii be % miles long and will. when cont
leted. shorten the distance between 20
lnbla and the Atlantic by 72 miles ane
ill give total all water route route
ion Of this canal which is practicaly
ssured because capital has been roun.
0 finance it. will add another 10 IN, IN,
wonderful activities in preparing 20!
onvenient transportation IN the tu.urf
nd It will also illustrate the nrooer'
nd in fact South Carolina. This era o.
cry large bridge building, tunnel ans
anal construction which has only recehtly
egun but will be continued Tor a loES
me can be regarded confidently as
IRE proof of the faith of the people In
10 future of the United States.
New York Dry Goods.
New York, Aug. 20.--Dry goods wers
rm and quieter today. Many lines Of
olored yarn goods are sold we'll ahead.
ray goods are strong at>top prices. Tn
erwear is awaiting larg& orders from
,bbers for the fall season. Burlaps has
zen q stranger lately and prices today
ere UP more than &c from the low OF
le week.
81. Joseph Live Stock.