Big Vessels For The Lakes

Plans already formed settle the question whether lake steamships 400 feet long or upward, with a capacity of carrying 6,000 tons of freight at a load, will be common after the opening of the channels twenty feet deep through all the shallows between Duluth and Chicago, and the ports of Lake Erio. There is no longer a doubt that such monster vessels will rapldly multiply within the next few year3, and they are certain to do a great part of the carrying trade of the lakes, perhaps most of it, before the end of the century. The steamships already contracted for and those which are certain to be built before next spring will undoubtedly so f ar surpass all vesseis now in U3e in ability to make money at low rates for freight that other vessel owners will be forced to folïow the ploneers in this latest step forward in the construction of splendid lake carriers. Even an over-supply of tonnage such as is very likel to be the result, will not prevent the work of replacing small craft with steamers of the largest size from going on steadily. In one sense it will hasten the change, says Cleveland Leader. Only the biggest vessels can make money in such sea3ons of general over-competltion for sargoes, and in order to continue the business the owners of old boats must let them go and put in commission steamships equal to any on the great lakes.