150 Years 1872-1886 The Dalles THE DECADES OF HISTORY PART TWO OF THE DALLES CHRONICLE'S TEN-PART SERIES. March 30, 2007 page 5 'FALLS AT THE CASCADES MUST BE OVER COME' CANAL AT THE CASCADES - One of the most important things to be accomplished for the good of the Pacific Northwest, is the construction of a canal and locks around the two great obstructions to the navigation of the Columbia. First, the falls at the Cascades must be overcome, and next, the Dalles, and the whole upper country looks with the greatest interest for the time to come when these obstructions shall be removed and their river be navigable and free for the cheap transit of their products and their supplies. We are informed that this matter is being favorably considered at Washington, and as some action was urged in connection with the passage of the river and harbor bill at the present session, Gen. Michler was lately telegraphed to for an approximate estimate as to the cost of improving the Cascades by the construction of a canal and locks at that point. We are informed that his answer was that $700,000 would be required to perform the work. This estimate looks rather high, in consideration that Capt. Smith, who conducted the work of the locks and canal at the Falls of the Willamette, has made a rough estimate that $240,000 would put good and substantial improvements there of that description, while W.S. Gore, civil engineer, acting for Capt. U.B. Scott and his associates, who have the enterprise in view, estimates that works of perhaps less durability can be placed there for $175,000. We really hope that a matter of such great importance will not be passed over hastily, but be made the subject of thorough and careful investigation. The friends of the enterprise have great confidence that it can be completed at a reasonable price, and we hope to see the subject receive the fairest treatment, at the hands of the Government. -FARMER. March 13, 1875. Incoming and Outgoing messages protected by Trend Micro PC-cillin program