would
suffer, nor can it be conceived how a total destruction of the
structure could occur. The dam might settle and its usefulness be
temporarily impaired, but the only effect that could result in the
event of a breach would be a return to the condition of affairs at
present existing. As the waters are already charged to their fullest
extent, no larger quantity of debris could be transported to a greater
distance in a single flood. The report of Lieut.-Col. G. H. Mendell to
the Secretary of War (1882) treats in detail the remedial measures
proposed, and shows " their necessity even in the event that no further contribution be made to mining detritus in the beds of streams."
