The total cost of running the dredge this season has been $6,520 01. A portion of the moneys due from the city of Chicago is properly credited to the dredge in removing dams, etc. HYDRAULIC WORKS. The following report from Mr. Guthrie, the engineer in charge, will show the extent of operations at the company works for the past sea son: "On the 18th, your order, by telegraph, was received and the works regularly started and continued in operation every day, with one exception, until six o'clock Nov. 15th, running on 150 different day, making 639,970 revolutions in 3,711 hours, raising 2,687,874,000 cubic feet of water, and consuming 4,100 tons of coal and slack." CONDITION OF THE WORKS. "Both sets of boilers are in good condition and ready for service whenever required. Both engines are in good condition, except some unimportant parts (so far as expense is concerned). The crank shaft of the west engines will have to be renewed. A new one has been cn hand ready for use, if required, since last June." "Early in the season the wheels began to show signs of weakness; after consultation with the General Superintendent, it was decided to secure the main rim to the center or spider, by means of thirty two swivel bolts one and a half inches in diameter, in each wheel, which were put in place as fast as they could be got ready, but notwithstanding this precaution, the working of the joints rendered frequent repairs necessary. At the close of the season, the east wheel was found to be in a very dilapidated condition, and one of the spiders for sup porting the center arms, was broken. This wheel must be rebuilt. The west wheel, although not as bad as the other, will require extensive repairs before starting again.” "The expenses at the hydraulic works for the year 1867, including repairs, coal, oil, labor, and salary of engineer, etc., was "The amount expended during the pumping season, from 18th June to 15th Nov., and total cost of raising 2,687,874,000 cubic feet of water was... "Due from the city of Chicago for pumping, for the purpose of cleaning Chicago river. Total cost to the canal for the year 1867... $27,716 30 $29,427 08 18,823 72 $10,603 36 The expenditures included in the gross amount of disbursements, which do not properly belong to ordinary repairs and may be termed "extraordinary" repairs, maintenance and renewals, are as follows: Table showing the number of lockages at different locks nearest the collectors' offices, and the movement of boats from 1860 to 1867, inclusive: The business of the canal has suffered seriously on account of low water on the Illinois river. From the 1st of July until the close of the canal this season, there was not more than sixteen to eighteen inches of water on many of the bars-virtually suspending navigation. The high price of labor and materials and the numerous renewals necessary to maintain the canal in navigable order, have increased the disbursements over any former season since the completion of the canal. All of which is respectfully submitted. W. A. GOODING, General Superintendent. |