1876.] OF THE SENATE. 465

BALTIMORE, March 4th, 1876.
ALEX. J. MARSHALL, ESQ.

Dear Sir:—I have read the papers which you placed in
my hands, and which describe your "new method" of deep-
ening and so enlarging the capacity of the Chesapeake & Ohio
Canal by raising the banks instead of lowering the bottom
by excavation. You have well set forth the great difficulty
and expense which would attend the latter plan and the
superior advantages in every way of adopting the former,
which is indeed most obviously the proper mode of accom-
plishing the object in view. That an increase of depth in
the canal from its present nominal one of six feet (or the ac-
tual one of not much over five at many points) to one of
seven feet would vastly augment the tonnage bearing capa-
bility of the work, and promote economy of transportation
upon it, cannot be questioned, and that the interest of Mary-
land and her commercial capital also, (if it be extended to
Baltimore,) would be greatly advanced by it, none can for a
moment doubt. I do not feel prepared to express an opinion
as to the sufficiency of your estimates of the art of accom-
plishing these important purposes, nor of the financial mea-
sures by which you propose to secure them, but that your
scheme deserves the earnest attention of the State, Legisla-
tive and Executive authorities, all must admit, and that
your zeal in so meritorious a cause may not go unrewarded
is the sincere wish of,

Tours, very truly,

BENJ. H. LATROBE,

Civil Engineer.

Which was read and referred to the Committee on Inter-
nal Improvements, and,

On motion by Mr. Steiner,

Was ordered to be entered on the Journal.

Mr. Stevens, from the Committee on Judicial Proceedings,
reported favorably,

Senate bill entitled an Act to prevent trespassing upon
railroad cars.

Which was read the first time.

Also, unfavorably,

House bill entitled an Act to repeal Section 67 of Article
30 of the Code of Public General Laws, title "Crimes and
Punishments," sub-title "Gunning," and to re-enact a sub-
stitute therefor.

Which was adopted.

Mr. McCulloh, from Committee on Corporations, reported
favorably the following bills :