Proceedings of the Polytechnic Association. 955 



of the globe in the volume of its trade and amount of its tonnage." 

 Indeed, our growth in commerce and population has been more rapid 

 than was anticipated, and " our suiferings aye intolerable" under the 

 present cramped and crowded condition of things. Relief in some 

 way must be obtained, and cannot come too soon. This project will 

 supply all that we need, and its influences in deepening the channel to 

 Sandy Hook, quieting the waters of Hellgate, and otherwise improving 

 the harbor, also strongly recommend it. The " East river," being 

 merely an arm of the sea and not a true river, thus affords such con- 

 venient and magnificent docks as cannot be had elsewhere. 



It is proposed to occupy the " East river" between Corlear's Hook 

 and the foot of Broad street or Old slip, making two or three large 

 basins, with surrounding warehouses ; the sound steamers to be 

 kept on the eastern side of the docks, and accommodations to 

 be provided for ocean steamers on the western side ; admitting 

 of all descriptions and sizes to pass through at high tides, or stated 

 periods of the day and night. The wharves and piers are to be faced 

 with stone and filled in with earth, making solid ground for buildings 

 and streets, except at the ship passage ways, which are to be crossed 

 by bridges of forty to seventy-five feet long (the center ones being 

 longest) and 100 feet wide. One hundred feet is the width of the 

 central street, the stores and warehouses, on each side, being 150 feet 

 deep. Five hundred feet is the whole width of each causeway. The 

 signal-flag shows when a causeway is open for passing vessels ; the 

 times of opening to alternate, so as always to keep most of the cause- 

 ways in condition for an uninterrupted intercourse between the two 

 cities. 



The cost will be many millions of dollars ; but the plan carries 

 with it the true elements of self-construction and preservation, so that 

 no municipal aid will be required. Ferries, bridges and tunnels must 

 have returns in tolls, or taxes on the people at large ; but this project 

 looks only to the rents of its wharves, warehouses and stores, which 

 promise to pay a large percentage on the outlay ; and already there 

 is evidence of an abundant capital being supplied as soon and as fast 

 as wanted. 



Many of our oldest and best informed citizens, merchants, ship- 

 masters and others, have seen and approved of this project, and it 

 now only needs the assent of the proper authorities to insure its 

 construction. As in all great works, some objections and incon- 

 veniences may attend this ; but it is evident that they can be only 



