The Superintendent's report also calls attention to the remarkable condition of low water on March 22, 1903 (which was duplicated practically in January, 1904), caused by the ice pack in the river above the falls, and to the changes in the prospect of the Canadian Reservation as viewed from the American side; gives in detail the number of employees, and presents a statement of receipts from the Inclined Railway, the Reservation Carriage Service Co., and the leases of the Cave of the Winds and the Steamboat Landing. It will be observed that the receipts from the Inclined Railway were nearly $1,000 in excess of the amount estimated a year ago.

Estimated Receipts.

The receipts for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1904, are

Requirements for Ordinary Maintenance.

Following are the amounts estimated to be required for ordinary maintenance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1904:

Extra Requirement for Electric Light and Power.

The completion of the system of electric lighting for the Reservation grounds and buildings is imperatively needed, both for the proper administration of the Reservation and for the safety of the public. The main conduits for the system have been laid, as described in the Superintendent's report; but the appropriation for this work is now exhausted, and before any benefit can be derived from the system, the installation must be completed. For this we ask an additional appropriation of $12,000. An estimate for the completion of this system, prepared by H. W. Buck, Electrical Engineer, is submitted herewith.

We also ask for an additional appropriation of $3,500 for the installation of an electric power plant with which to operate the Inclined Railway. This improvement is dictated by considerations of economy and duty to the public. The Inclined Railway, which is the chief and a growing source of revenue to the State, is now run by water power. During the past year, it has been impossible to operate the railway for 62 days on account of the interruption of the water supply, caused by the ice pack in the river above the Falls. It is estimated that the consequent loss of fares during this period was $1,500, not to mention the inconvenience and deprivation caused to visitors by the suspension of this means of conveyance. The estimate of H. W. Buck, Electrical Engineer, for this installation, is submitted herewith.

The extra appropriations herein asked for are for plant only, and not for the electric service, which will cost the State nothing. By a provision in the act of incorporation of the Niagara Falls Power Company and acts amendatory thereof, that company is required to furnish electricity for light, heat and power, and also water for any purpose, to the State free of charge. Owing

in part to hestitation to create what might be construed as a contractual relation between the State and the Power Company, the Commission has not hitherto availed itself of this provision; but during the past year, upon the advice of the Attorney-General that such action would not establish a contractual relation, the Commission has passed a resolution to accept from the Power Company the electric service provided for in its charter.

The report of the Treasurer, giving in detail the receipts and expenditures during the fiscal year ended September 30, 1903, is appended to this report.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

CHARLES M. DOW,

President.

ALEXANDER J. PORTER,

THOMAS P. KINGSFORD,

GEORGE RAINES,

ALVAH K. POTTER,

Commissioners of the State Reservation at Niagara.

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