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The Port of Baltimore from the mouth of the Patap- sco river and 155 miles from the Atlantic ocean via the Chesa- peake bay, being a body of water varying in width from 4 miles to 25 niles. On either side of this body of water, conceded to be one of the most beautiful in the world, lies the rich farm lands of the states of Mary- land and Virginia, which supply fresh vegetables and fruits to thousands within and without these states. This vast territory is responsible for Bal- timore being one of the largest canned goods cities in the world, nor must the tobacco and grain crops be overlooked. Of the 155 miles from the Atlantic ocean to the mouth of the Patapsco river, there: are 3714. miles: of an artificial or dredged channel, of a minimum width of 600 feet and a depth of 35 feet at mean low tide. There is no safer port in the world, nor none with greater natural ad- vantages. Our channel bed is of such a character that once dug there is little or no maintenance. Navigators are not bothered by bad or heavy fogs, nor strong 'currents, the tidal flow being but 14 inches, and in the most severe winters the port is open 10 commerce. Owing. to her labor conditions, character of bottom, small rise and fall of tide and expansive waterfront, Baltimore lends herself to development at a lower rate than does any other Atlantic port. ; ne: is located 14 miles In the heart of what city can you buy waterfront property at $755 per front foot with a depth of 250 feet, or a fraction over $3 per square foot? This being the price paid by the city of Baltimore for the site -of the Broadway pier. Reinforced Concrete Pier In a reinforced concrete pier just completed by the city, providing. for a depth of water in the slips of 34 feet, the cost of the bulkhead work $58.50 per lineal foot, or $1.15 to $1.45 per square foot of pier. Compare these prices, if you please, with that *Paper read before the Convention of the National Association of Port Authorities, Bal- timore, Md., Sept. 8, 1914. The Development of Its Splendid Har- bor Outlined by Its Chief Engineer By Oscar F. Lackey paid by other cities, even where the construction is of a less permanent type. Where our natural wonderful ad- vantages are a great asset, in one sense they have been responsible for the long delay, and until recently, lack of interest in our harbor development. The people of the city of Baltimore were never called on for money for harbor improvements. Like "Topsy" it just grew. Until 1904 no systematic plan of development had even been considered and then only in a small way. 'This'. plan. provided® for the construction of eight municipal piers, which have been completed. After the people of Baltimore were shown the excellent results brought about by the new piers, and not until then, did they take a more generous view as to the needs of the port and en- dorse a more liberal policy for future development. This opened the gates for a more thorough study of the immediate needs, and an investigation of future requirements. After a number of plans were pre- pared and carefully considered, and by the process of elimination and -in- jection, finally a general plan of har- bor improvements was adopted. This plan provides: Work Contemplated First:--For the opening of a street 106 feet in width on a maximum 2 per cent grade, located at a distance of from 400 to 1,200 feet back of the waterfront, having a total length of 29,050 feet, or a little over 514 miles. Second:--For a single track munici- pal belt railroad with switch yards, ete; Third:--For the acquisition of all unimproved land with riparian rights, lying between the proposed street and the waterfront, such land to be held by. the city and improved as the de- mands may require. Fourth:--For the deepening of the waters of the upper harbor to 35 feet. Fifth:--For the deepening and widen- ing of the present Spring Gardens channel to 600 feet in width and 35 feet in depth. Sixth:--For the removal and relo- cation of the present old timber bridge © Chief Engineer Harbor Board of Baltimore across the Patapsco at the foot of Light street and the construction of a modern concrete structure with a double leaf bascule, giving a clear span of 150 feet. Seven millions of dollars have been spent on harbor improvements by the city of Baltimore since 1905. Legis- lative authority has been secured for issuing an additional loan of $5,000,- 600 more, $2,000,000 of which has been ratified by the voters of the city and an additional loan of $1,500,000 is now under consideration. Work Under Way The completion of the first section (2,250 feet) of the marginal street, in- cluding the tracks of the municipal belt railroad. The acquisition of all property need- ed for the second. section of the marginal street. The contruction of the new bridge, including approaches, and the change in direction of channel. The following work is to be done under the new $1,500,000 loan when procured: Completion of the marginal street and municipal belt railroad. Deepening of the channel of the upper harbor. Acquisition of all unimproved land and riparian rights lying between marginal street and the waterfront. One may ask, "Why all these im- provements for which the city since 1904 has spent $7,000,000? Are spend- ing another million and propose to spend $3,000,000 more in the near | future?" The question is. easily answered. We expect that trade, to which by virtue of our natural ad- vantages and geographical location, we are rightfully entitled. Look at the map of this country and you will find that Baltimore is closer by rail to the cities of the middle west than any other Atlantic seaport. Is this not an advantage? Of course it fol- lows that Baltimore is closer to the southern ports than is Philadelphia, Boston or New York. Due to the shorter distance, Baltimore can; quote lower freight rates. I quote here a few figures, taken from the tables below, to more _ for- cibly impress upon you the exceptional