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[CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13.] retary Keep gives considerable space to the progress of work on the deep channels. This was un- doubtedly prompted by a com- munication from F. J. Firth of Philadelphia, who is an official of one of the lake lines, and who, although unable to attend the meetings of the association, always takes a great interest in its affairs. Mr. Keep's report directs e : special attention to the fact that there 'is one spot in the Detroit river for which appropriations are lacking. If Ballard's reef and the lower Detroit river are to be brought into harmony with other points where extensive improvements have -Capt. McDougall says there is no 20 . feet in the Sault river. . been made, the work there should be put under the contract system and sufficient appropriations made to push it along as fast as possible. But this question of deep water in the future involves, as everybody knows, several features other than the big dredging contracts. These are referred to in Mr. Firth's communication, which is as follows: _ '*The subject of lake and harbor levels is one on which there ap- pears to very little reliable information. It involves, of course, con- sideration of the work that has been done, that is now being done, and that is proposed, in the way of deepening the shallow waterways connecting the lakes. Much has been said in the public press about the disappointment that has followed the effort to deepen these narrow channels. Lake vessel owners are also deeply interested in the operation of the Chicago drainage canal, which it has been asserted by competent authority, may be expected to operate to effect a reduction in the lake and harbor levels of say 7 inches. If this is to be the result it is a matter of national and international importance. My thought is that the meeting would do well to appoint a special committee to take this subject in charge, communicating and co-operating with the general government in bringing about such an exhaustive examination of the question as may lead to a better general knowledge of the subject and the best possible method of proceeding in any future work that is done. My intention is that the work of thiscommittee should extend beyond the mere deep water channel on. the lakes and straits. I think the committee should ascertain the exact present situation with respect to the depth of water, figured from some given datum, and should as- certain the situation in the harbors compared with what may be found in the lakes and connecting waterways. My impression is that few, if any, of the harbors are in condition to take care of vessels of the full draft that would be used in case the 20-foot channel was an established fact. I think, also, this committee should consider all questions affecting the depth of water on the lakes, including the Chicago drainage canal, and that it should try and accumulate infor- mation. such as would be needed to form an intelligent judgment as to whether or not the water of the lakes is gradually losing any depth as some people imagine. -- If this is the case, what are the causes and what are the remedies? The committee should be instructed to communicate and act in concert with the United States authorities and try and bring about the publication, at the expense of the United States, of a report with explanatory maps and tables presenting the entire situation. I know of nothing of greater interest to the members of the Lake Carriers' Association than an intelligent consideration of this subject.' 'It was evident that the matters referred to in this communication | would take long and careful work, and a resolution was therefore adopted empowering the president to appoint at his convenience, a special committee, which committee should act under the direction of the executive committee of the association. Later on in the session the president appointed as members of this committee Messrs. E. T. Evans, C. H. Keepand W. A. Livingstone. Stilllater in the proceed- ings the subject of water levels came up again when Mr. A. B. Wolvin introduced a resolution, which was adopted, declaring that the Lake Carriers' Association favors the experiment of raising lake levels by means of dams and requesting congress to provide appropriations for preliminary surveys. 'ae It was expected that tiris meeting of the association would be en- tirely free from bridge talk but anew bridge scheme, this time in Niagara river, received considerable attention. Representatives - of vessel interests at the Tonawandas caused to be introduced, early in 20 MARINE REVIEW. the proceedings, a resolution opposing a bill which is now before congress and which provides for the granting of a charter to a private corporation for the erection of an international drawbridge across Niagara river at the head of Grand island, crossing both navigable channels. The number of this bill in the house is 3,555. It is known as the Grand island bridge bill and is now before the com- mittee on interstate and foreign commerce. Opponents of the bill sought action by the convention, as they claimed to be afraid that it would be rushed through congress before the close of the short session now near at hand. Members of the committee to whom the matter was referred were A. B. Wolvin, J. G. Keith, James E. Davidson, R. E. Schuck and A. EK. Stewart. Five members of the committee, all but Mr. Wolvin, reported in favor of telegraphing the house committee on commerce that the association protested against the erection of any bridge that would interfere with the free navigation of Niagara river. Mr. Wolvin thought the matter should have been given more careful investiga- tion and was in favor of referring it to the executive committee of the organization. He is against bridges but was, as he said, also against taking the chance of making a mistake that might result in jeopardizing the influence of the asso- ciation in other matters. Other members argued, however, that the measure might be rushed through congress if action was delayed, and the majority report of the committee was adopted. Mr. Goulder is desirous of having the association informed on the extent of export grain and flour business from the west-and southwest that has of late drifted to Galveston, New Orleans and other ports on the Gulf of Mexico, as well as Newport News and other southern Atlantic points. He referred especially, of course, to such of this Keeping down the tonnage dues. 'business as might be expected to take the lake route to the seaboard. On this question the president was empowered to appoint a special com- - mittee, which will also be expected to report to executive officers of the organization. GRAIN HANDLING CHARGES, SHORTAGES, ETC, The two questions which excited most interest at the meeting-- grain shoveling charges and shortages--were not brought before the general body until the last moment, but there was a warm and long drawn-out discussion in the committee room, An elfort was made to take the grain shoveling business at Butfalo from James Kennedy and give it to others who offered lower prices, but as had been ex- pected from the start, the vessel owners who were opposed to allow- ing Mr.Kennedy a big profit on his contract for another year were not united, or at least. emphatic enough in their opposition, and when. a final vote was taken on the proposition it was practically unanimous in favor of last year's arrangement. J. C. Gilchrist of Cleveland led a the opposition, and when a-final ae vote was taken the association went into executive -- session. Killeran & Co. of Buffalo. pro- posed to do the work at. $3.25 per thousand, but the committee reported:in favor of continuing the contract with Kennedy at the old rate of $3,50, with the understanding, however, that if a reduction in the price paid to the elevators for steam shovels can be obtained, such reduction shall go to reduce the contract price paid to Kennedy. The president and secretary were authorized to again enter into a contract with Kennedy on these terms, and Capt. J. J. H. Brown, John Kelder- house and P. P. Miller, all of Buffalo, were appointed a committee to deal with the elevator managers in the matter of trying to reduce the charge of $1.50 a thousand, which is made for the use of steam shovels. Supporters of Kennedy based their efforts in 'his: behalf first Mr. Goulder, the Peacemaker.