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might be done with better barges for 25 [cents symbol] per
ton, say 750 tons per month @ 25 [cents symbol] per ton
is $187.50.

With steam barges.

Interest on cost of steam power at outside
figure of $2500 each say $25 per month;
salary of engineer & one man say $150 per
month making $175.00 as against $187.50 a small
difference in favor of steam barges, and as
the consumption increases the difference will
be greater as with the steam barges it would
cost no more to deliver 1500 tons per month
while with ^hired tow boats the cost would increase
in proportion to amount delivered.

In place of steam power on the barges
a tow boat might be built at perhaps a
less cost and accomplish the same result;
however I am not prepared to give any
figures as to the cost of a tow boat.

This matter should be [strikout] gotten [end strikeout]
attended to at once as it will be
impossible to keep up a supply
of coal for the new pumps without
new barges

Very Respectfully,

E Shepard