The communities interested, however, have taken as yet no sensible step towards making a thorough study of the question.

Practically none of the governing conditions are satisfactorily known; and, judging by present indications, it is likely to be a long time before they will be, unless, perchance, the leading citizens of the various communities concerned bestir themselves and prevail on their ruling bodies to join forces, raise the requisite funds, choose an engineer of national reputation (or, preferably, a board of three such engineers), arrange to allow him or them adequate compensation for expert services and all the money necessary for borings and other investigations, accord ample time for the entire work, and thus obtain a report that will settle finally all the important economic and technical points involved in the proposition.

The main features to determine are as follows, the listing being done according to relative importance:

First. The probable gross incomes from all practicable combinations of the various sources, year by year for a long term of years, and the proportion thereof that is likely to prove net in each combination.

Second. Based upon the result of this investigation, the determination of the extreme superior limit of cost for the structure for each combination of the different kinds of traffic.

Third. In view of the great depths of water in the harbor, what one or more of the various proposed or possible sites might be utilized for building a bridge within the several ascertained limits of cost.

Fourth. Of what kind of traffic it is advisable that the proposed bridge should take care.

Fifth. The character of the foundation soil as determined beyond all doubt by making proper borings, and the settlement of best depths for all pier foundations.

Sixth. The various requirements of the U. S. Government in respect to minimum span-lengths, vertical clearances, and temporary obstruction of waterway for each proposed crossing.

Seventh. The minimum clear-headway which, for a combination of all reasons, it is expedient to adopt for each proposed crossing; and the choice between a bridge with and a bridge without an opening span or opening spans.

Eighth. A safe estimate of total cost of structure for each layout that proves to be feasible, and the corresponding estimates of cost of operation, maintenance, repairs, etc.

Ninth. The time required for completion of construction of the structure for each feasible layout.

After all these points have been settled and embodied in a report, it will be easy to determine finally whether, either at the present time or within a certain number of years, it will be practicable or advisable to build the proposed structure; where it should be located; what traffic it should carry; how long it will take to build it;  what  it  will  cost  for construction,