DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF THE PLOBIDA CANAL 141

 UnrIT STATES SENATE,
 May 33, 1935.
Maj. Gen. E. M. MARKHAM,
 Chief of Engineers, War Department.
 MY DEaa GMAmaL MA*aHAM: It is my understanding that the board of re-
view appointed by the President, consisting of engineers from the Department
of Public Works, your department, and from private practice, found that a sea-
level canal across Florida would be the most advantageous type of construction
of a Gulf-Atlantic ship canal My attention has been called to the fears ex-
pressed by some that there may be possible danger to ground-water conditions
as a result of the construction of such a canal Will you please let me know
whether the board of review considered this matter, and if so, what damage to
agriculture and water supply is considered would result from the construction.
 Very truly and sincerely,
 DuNCAN U. FP BrCmB.


 DOCUMENT NO. 73 (FILES OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS), MAY 23,
 1935

 COMx MU CATION FBOM GEN. CHARLES P. SUMMERAlL TO THE
 CHIEF OF ENGINEERS

 On May 23 1935, Gen. Charles P. Summerall, president of the
 National Gulf-Atlantic Ship Canal Association, addressed the fol-
 lowing communication to Maj. Gen. Edward M. Markham, Chief of
 Engineers:
 NATIONAL GULF-ATLANTIC SHIP CANAL AssocATION,
 Jacksonville, Fla., May 23, 1935.
 Maj. Gen. EDWARD M. MARKHAM,
 Chief of Engineers, War Department.
 Mr DEAR GzNmmAL MARKHAM: I have had called to my attention certain
 statements appearing in the press that it is believed by some that if the pro-
 posed Gulf-Atlantic ship canal across Florida is constructed at sea level there
 is a possibility that this may result in the intrusion of sea water so as to
 salt a portion of the existing underground water supply of the State. It has
 been my understanding that this matter has been the subject of careful and
 exhaustive study by the Corps of Engineers and that their conclusion was very
 definitely negative before decision to construct a canal at sea level was reached.
 Will you be kind enough to advise me whether or not my understanding is
 correct?
 Sincerely yours,
 C. P. SUMMEBAI., President.


 DOCUMENT NO. 74 (FILES OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS), MAY 25,
 1935

 COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS TO SENATOR
 FLrETCHER

 Under date of May 25, 1935, the following communication was
 addressed to Senator Fletcher by Maj. Gen. Edward M. Markham,
 Chief of Engineers:
 WAR DILARTMNTr,
 OrMra OF THE CHIE or ENIoru s,
 Washagton, May 25, 1935.
 Hon. DUNo~A U. FLIBonB,
 United States Senate, Washigton, D. C.
 Mr DEA SmNATos: I have your letter of May 23 in which you state that
 you understand that the board of review appointed by the President to investi-