48 DOCK FACILITIES IN NEW YORK CITY. 
in organizations and bodies of men directly or scientifically interested in 
seeing the proper development of New York Harbor. 
To the end that all who have sufficient interest may become fully 
cognizant in detail of present conditions and proposed plans, Commissioner 
of Docks Tomkins has issued in the last year some fourteen reports for distri- 
bution. These reports set forth fully not only matters upon which I have 
touched but many other phases not here mentioned. ‘These reports are for 
public distribution and should any of you gentlemen here, either as indi- 
viduals or as an organization, desire to study them, I shall be glad to see 
that these reports are sent to you at an early date, and in turn I request 
the benefit of your criticism and your support toward the proper working 
out of the future growth of the port. 
DISCUSSION. 
THE PRESIDENT:—The paper before you for discussion is a very interesting 
one, which was read before recess by Mr. W. J. Barney on the harbor facilities for 
New York, and discussion on that paper is now in order. We will be glad to hear 
from any gentleman. 
CommoporE J. W. MILLER, Associate Member of Council:—The two able 
papers read during the morning session, aside from their general interest, were 
most instructive as complements the one to the other. 
Sir William White’s warning to naval architects of the futility of building 
larger ships until existing channels were deepened to float them was timely. The 
cost of making harbors for over thirty feet draft being a tax upon the people at 
large far exceeding any increased profit to the ships which could enter the few ports 
of the world, thus improved at prohibitive expense. 
Even to-day, the great speed of the Atlantic greyhounds is partially neutralized 
through waiting for tides at ports like Liverpool. 
Mr. Barney in his paper, showed the difficulties incident to proper dock facil- 
ities for the latest ships of large tonnage here in New York. If bigger ones are to 
follow let us ask the questions: Can they be accommodated? What delays will 
ensue off Sandy Hook or in the lower bay? What other harbors are open to them 
elsewhere? 
Mr. Barney’s forcible recital of the details necessary to correct our water front 
are most instructive, yet there are one or two points which are worthy of discussion. 
As long as the dry-goods warehouses and other kindred stores remain in the 
lower part of the city, both steamship lines and railroad piers must be conveniently 
situated for the transfer of products from the New England States, otherwise the 
