118	DAMS.
	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."