Preservation of the Falls 



warmly recommended the concurrence of this State in the propo- 1885 

 sition of Lord Dufferin for the appointment of commissioners by Car,er 

 the two governments respectively for the purposes of conference. 

 Governor Robinson in his message expressed, in language worthy 

 of his enlightened character, the real duty of governments whose 

 territory embraces great natural spectacles. He said : ' The 

 civil jurisdiction over the Falls of Niagara, as well as the shores 

 and waters of the Niagara river, is divided between this State 

 and the Province of Ontario in Canada. But, in one sense, the 

 sublime exhibition of natural power there witnessed is the prop- 

 erty of the whole world. It is visited by tourists from all quarters 

 of the globe, and it would seem to be incumbent upon both gov- 

 ernments to protect such travelers from improper annoyance on 

 either side." 



The recommendation of Governor Robinson was met by a 

 joint resolution of both branches of the Legislature, directing the 

 Commissioners of the State Survey to inquire and report what 

 measures it might be expedient to make in order to carry out the 

 purposes mentioned in the Governor's communication. 



The movement thus initiated was reinforced by an appeal, in 

 1880, in the form of memorials, addressed respectively to Gov- 

 ernor Alonzo B. Cornell and to the Governor-General of Canada 

 by citizens of the United States and Canada, together with many 

 others, residents of other lands. Among them are included the 

 names most distinguished in the Church, in the State, in poetry, 

 in letters, and in art. They bear the illustrious names of Carlyle, 

 Emerson, Longfellow, Whittier, Holmes, Lowell and Ruskin. 

 Rarely, indeed, has such a company of eminent men in different 

 lands united in a common object. 



The Commissioners of the State Survey discharged the duty 

 devolved upon them by the joint resolution of the Legislature, by 

 causing a careful examination to be made of the present condition 

 of Niagara Falls and its surrounding scenery, and of the opera- 

 tion of the perils to which they were exposed. This examination 

 was made by the accomplished director of the Commission, Mr. 



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