if three, seven times; and if four, nine times. Thus the detention of a tow of four boats at each lock would be 54 minutes. This, between Buffalo and Troy would make an aggregate detention of 63 hours, or 2 days, against the detention of 7 hours experienced by the nontowing steamer. Thus it appears that the loss of time at the locks alone, by the tow, amounts to nearly or quite half the length of time required for the entire trip of the single steamer. If to this delay be added the effect of the reduced speed while running, and the delays from low water caused by waste in locking, the economy of towing becomes still more questionable. That the foregoing is not mere speculation, we have abundant evidence in the performances of the "Newman," and of the several tugs which were put upon the canal, temporarily, during the prevalence of the horse disease in October and November last. The "Newman” made her three trips east in an average of six days, thirteen hours and fifty minutes, including all detentions, when running alone; but with two boats in tow her time was increased to twelve days and six hours, including all detentions; which may also be taken as a fair average for the time of a tug with four boats in tow. Fortunately, the data in our possession, in regard to the "Newman's" performances, is so complete that we are able to make very reliable estimates of the costs of freight movement in the two cases. In making these estimates, the cost of the steamer will be taken at $7,000, and the cost of the horse-boat at $4,000. Interest will be allowed at the rate of seven per cent upon the investment; also ten per cent per annum for depreciation or maintenance. The season of navigation will be taken at the average of 230 days; against which working time the interest and maintenance will be charged. The time of the steamer, between Buffalo and Albany, when running alone, with a cargo of 200 tons, will be taken at six days, to which three days will be added for detention in port. The time of the steamer with two boats in tow, carrying in the aggregate 660 tons, will be taken at twelve days, with three days added for detention in port. Finally, we shall use the recorded coal consumption in each case, and estimate the same at $5.50 per ton. The estimates will then stand as follows: Estimated cost of transporting 200 tons from Buffalo to Troy, by the steamer "William Newman.' Estimated cost of transporting 660 tons from Buffalo to Troy by the steamer" William Newman," with two boats in tow." The total cost of the trip is therefore as follows: Estimated cost of transporting 920 tons from Buffalo to Troy in 4 boats, towed by a steam tug costing $14,000. Collecting these results per ton mile, we have: 1. For the "Newman". 2. For the "Newman" towing two boats... 3. For the tug towing four boats..... $587 00 561 60 $1,148 60 $1.25 nearly. 62 mills. 3 cents. The cost of equipment per ton transported in each of three cases is as follows: The cost of equipment per ton transported in each of the first two cases, reduced to what it would be for the same movement that was effected in the third case, in the same time, give the following results: These results, based as they all are upon the same movement and time, show the relative costs of equipment for the same freight movement by the three modes considered. Taking the "Newman's" performance when running alone as the standard of comparison, it appears that in the case of the "Newman" towing two boats, the cost of movement is six per cent less; but that the outlay required for equipment is nine per cent greater. It further appears that, in the case of the tug towing four boats, the cost of movement and the cost of equipment are nineteen and fifty-five per cent greater respectively. Boats towed by steam on the canal are liable to greater injury from collisions and other causes than boats towed by horses, or boats propelled by their own machinery; the endurance of the steamtowed boat will, therefore, be less, while the cost of its maintenance will be correspondingly greater than that of the present boats. In view of all the facts, then, it appears that, so far as the movement on the canal alone is concerned, the cost is very nearly the same, whether it be effected by placing steam in each boat, or by placing it in every third boat; and that either of these methods will be found far more economical than the use of tugs. When, however, the movement is continued down the river to New York, the results will be different. In that case, the single steamer, upon arriving at Troy, can enter the river and proceed directly to its destination, with the expenditure of thirty hours' additional time and not more than 23 tons of coal, amounting together to $39.10, and making the total expense of the trip from Buffalo to New York $249.10, or at the rate of 2,5 mills per ton per mile for 495 miles. Upon the arrival of the same steamer at Troy, with two boats in tow, the former would proceed to New York as before, and with the same expense, while the latter will require at least two days' extra time and an additional expense of $30 each to reach their destination. The total expense of the trip of the three boats, from Buffalo to New York, with an aggregate cargo of 660 tons, will therefore be: For steamer, Buffalo to Troy Total.. Senate No. 71.] 8 $373 27 39 10 280 80 97 44 $790 61 or at the rate of 243 mills per ton mile; showing a difference of only 3.9 per cent in favor of the latter mode of transportation. Upon the arrival of the tug, with its four boats, at Troy, the former would be at liberty to make up a tow for the return trip, and its expense would be the same as already estimated; the latter would proceed to New York with the same delay, and at the same cost, per boat, as estimated in the last preceding case. The total cost of the movement of 920 tons, from Buffalo to New York, will therefore stand thus: Expense of tug, from Buffalo to Troy. Total $587 00 561 60 194 88 $1,343 48 MODE OF TRANSPORTATION. By steamer alone or at the rate of 275 mills per ton mile; which is 17.3 per cent greater than the cost by the first mode. SUMMARY OF RESULTS AND DEDUCTIONS. Tons per trip. By steamer, towing two boats on canal 660 109 By tug, towing four boats on canal. 920 155 200 100 $1 05 mills. cents. 3.15 100 $1 24 The foregoing estimates and comparisons are based upon authentic information as to the actual performances of the "Newman;” but, in the case of the tug, the time occupied in making the trip is not so certainly known. General report, however, together with my own observations of their movements on the canal, as compared with those of other boats, seem to justify the assumption that the time adopted in the estimate is nearly correct. But if it shall appear that a fair average of the time consumed between Buffalo and Troy was actually less than twelve days, the results which have been obtained may be very readily corrected. Let it be assumed, for example, that this time was in fact ten days, making, with the three days allowed for detention at destination, thirteen days for the trip from Buffalo to Troy. Per bush. wheat. Per cent. |