62 Internal Improvements* 



moval : these data are founded upon the authority of 

 Judge Mathias HoUenbach, who is well known to pos- 

 sess great personal knowledge of the Susquehanna, and 

 upon that of Messrs. Alpheus Dodge, John P. Arndt 

 and David Rosecrantz, for many years, and at this time 

 boatmen upon this river, upon whose knowledge and 

 veracity strict reliance may be placed. According to 

 this statement, the extent of all the obstructions for 103 

 miles, is but eight miles ; these obstructions I have 

 before described ; the average distance between the 

 obstructions is about two and an half miles ; the ex- 

 pense of removing the whole is stated to be 3205 dol- 

 lars, but as we know that all estimates of clearing ri- 

 vers and opening roads, have hitherto been exceeded 

 by the actual expenditure, I add to this sum 50 per 

 cent, which makes the total cost 4807 dollars and 50 

 cents. 



The nature of the obstructions from Wilkesbarre to 

 Middletown, I am not so well acquainted with ; it is 

 certain, however, that their removal will require great- 

 er labour and expense than those above Wilkesbarre, 

 say twice as much, or 10,000 dollars ; and that the 

 whole cost of clearing 230 miles of one of the most 

 important rivers in the union, will amount to 15,000 

 dollars ; this surely is so insignificant a sum compared 

 with the object, that there should be no hesitation in 

 appropriating it. But, as I have before said, much 

 will depend upon the superintendence ; the money 

 ought not to be appropriated, if ignorant or interested 

 men are to expend it ; but, if put at the disposal of an 

 honest and capable engineer, aided by intelligent wa. 

 termen, will certainly answer all expectations. 



