Abstract :
The paper discusses the relative importance of water power in its relation to transportation, as depending upon its cost and the cost of competing steam power. Proportion which “Cost of Fuel for Locomotives” in the country as a whole, in various sections, and in the case of a number of different railroads, bears to “Total Cost of Operation.” Effect of recent progress in art of producing electric power by steam upon water power values. Power and transportation development on navigable streams. Illustrations of the limit of investment in developing a water power, as fixed by cost of competing steam power. Comparative cost of canals and railroads. Illustrations of comparative speed and power consumption in railroad and canal operation.
