1876.] OF THE SENATE. 847

into the condition of the Canal, and into the general policy
of its management.

The editor of the Cumberland Times, aad several boatmen
testified that the Canal was not in as good condition at cer-
tain places as it had been in former years; but this testimony
was met by overwhelming counter proof. Not only did the
Superintendents employed upon the Canal, and Mr. W. R.
Hutton, the Civil Engineer, who has been connected with
the Canal since 1869, prove that it is now in better condition
and repair throughout its entire length, than it has been at
any period since the year last named, but a number of those
most actively engaged in the business of boating on the Canai,
who were iarniliar with the whole line—shippers on the Ca-
nal—and notably Mr. Loweridge, the President of the Mary-
land Coal Company, gave conclusive testimony to the same
effect.

The testimony, indeed, of all these witnesses was not need-
ed. The amount of business doce upon the Canal, would
have demonstrated that it was in complete working order,
even if no witness had appeared to testify to the fact.

Your Committee is of the opinion from facts brought to its
attention during the progress of this inquiry. that the hos-
tility in which the charges against the present management
of the Canal originated was founded upon an interested op-
position to the policy which the Canal Company has pursued;
a policy, for which that management is entitled to the hearty
thanks of your Honorable Body. That policy has evidently
been a single purpose to permit no person to diveit to his
own use, any part of the proper revenue of the Canal.

Your Committee cordially approve of the policy thus
adopted, and is satisfied that your Honorable Body will en-
tirely concur in its judgment. It certainly would he diffi-
cult to do otherwise.

From 1850, to 1872, a period of twenty-two years, the net
earnings of the Canal, appropriated to the payment of bond-
ed debt, was only $727,125 37.

From June, 1872, to December 31st, 1875, a period of
only three and one-half years, the net earnings of the Canal
were $902,457.88.

No further proof of the efficiency of the present manage-
ment of the Canal need be given.

Under these circumstances, yonr Committee submit that
the conduct of those, who with all this information within
their reach, have wantonly assailed the good names of those
to whom the management of this great work has been confid-
ed, deserve and ought to receive the condemnation of your
Honorable Body, and of the whole people of the State.