Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-11-29

area, relating to expansion and develop
ont.
goods due to the additional. power or
to an increase in population seem to be
the only possibilities.
Washington and vicinity have been
thoroughly surveyed and explored and
the possibility of the discovery of new
resources seems extremely remote.
Potential Power Is Estimated.
"There exists in the Potomac River a
potential sustained supply of hydro
electric power of 10000 kilowattS in
the immediate vicinity of Washington.
This development is still some years
IN the future, and the increased demand
for domestic power and public utilities,
railways and so forth will absorb such
power to a large extent. Due to the
facility with which electric power can
now be transported. it seems probable
that such of it as is not used for the
purposes stated will be transmitted to
Baltimore and its adjacent industrial
centers rather than used to try to create
and build up new industry in the
neighborhood Of Washington.
THE most logical development of
trade here seems to lie in that necessary
to provide for the ever increasing popu-
lation OF Washington brought about by
additional activity throughout the Ma
ton with consequent enlargement of
governmental agencies and the increas-
ing effectiveness of Washington as a
residential city.
Some OF the necessary requirements
for the excessive developments of port
are an adequate channel connecting 1t
to the sea, well sheltered spacious har-
Dor, good connections with the interior
- 10. A. y
large local demand and for production,
abundant labor, interests and persistent
effort on the part of the inhabitants in
connection with port activities.
Competition as Port.
"It has already been shown that
though possessed of many of these nat
ural advantages, Washington has not
developed into great port. The reason
for this has been given, in part, in the
discussion of Washington as a CONNER
cial center. Other potent reasons lie
In the competition of Baltimore and
Norfolk. These cities, developed along
commercial lines, have we'll developed
hinterlands. or tributary territory, ade-
quate terminals, industrial development
and the organization in personnel Of the
management of ports"
Looking to the future and the poten-
tial effect on Washington of the COM
petition of new waterways, Maj. Somer-
veil, in his report says:
THE opening or completion Of new
waterways could have q decided effect
on Washington. OF such routes, the
Atlantic intracoastal waterway is per-
hapS the only one of importance which
will be placed in operation in the near
future. From the South possible cargoes
would be fruits and vegetables. While
the possibility exists that fruits may be
brought from Florida in refrigerated
barges, the probability of such a service
being established in Washington in the
near future seems extremely remote.
If advisable, why has not such serv-
ice with deep-draft coastwise steamers
been inaugurated? Such a service has
not even been established to New York.
Philadelphia and Baltimore. much
greater markets than Washington.
There undoubtedly will be some produce
received in Washington via this water
way as it nears completion, but the
tonnage at first will be small and the
increase gradual.
Tributary Feeders Pointed Out.
I'm addition to the articles now re-
ceived from the North and East, the
commodities which will reach Washing
ton via this route will be confined prin-
cipally to the products of the territories
and tributaries to the waterways, most
of which are manufactured articles. As
a rule high-claSS freights have not
sought inland waterways. but some ton
mage in this direction will undoubtedly
be added tc that now received.
I'm building up a trade of this sort
the necessities for retaining returned
cargoes is of prime importance 1t Is
evident that Washington has little to
offer in this regard.
LAS heretofore stated, there is some
future for the route to the West Coast
via Panama. There are so many fac
tors beside rates that enter into this
problem that predictions in regard to
be definitely stated is that some food
stufTs and some lumber will reach
Washington via Panama.
THE conclusion is inevitable that the
development of commerce in Washing
ton Channel will be almost in direct
proportion to the increase in popula-
ton of the city, that no radical change
in the quantity or type of commodities
now carried can be expected and that
provisions Of terminal facilities can be
made on this basis.
Plenty of Space, He Says.
Should, however, the development OF
Washington Harbor be far more rapid
than now is expected, there still remain
large sections of the water front not on
Washington Channel that can absorb
the increase"
Taking cognizance of the numerous
small craft that form a familiar land
mark along the Washington water front
the District engineer says: The ter
minals as they exist have sufficient
capacity for handling the business now
offered No logical plan for expansion
or Development can be evolved, however
without a comprehensive treatment oil
the. entire water front, the numerous
yachts and small boats cannot be pro-
vided for without a general rearrange-
ment of facilities, nor can the present
unsightly appearance be improved with
out replacing most of the present struc-
lures"
Relating the Potomac Park and ths
boulevard system, Maj. Somervell as
serts: THE proximity of Potomac
Park and the location of one of the link
in the boulevard system along Water
street require that the general plan il
architectural treatment and the water.
front be such as will produce a pleasing
appearance, which will tend to enhance
the beauty Of the park and the at
Effectiveness of the drive along the boule.
ward. Provision must be made for 2
service lane to handle the slow, loca
traffic destined for the wharves and fo:
the section of the city adjacent to IL
for the street car tracks, and for a high
speed lane to carry the through traffic
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