Alexandria Gazette

The Canal.—The Cumberland News of yesterday says:

"There is no change to note in the situation on the canal. A telegram was received in this city Saturday, from 'Many Boatmen,' requesting that their signatures be stricken from Mr. Mertens' agreement, described in these columns a few days since. Mr. Mertens, who has returned from his trip down the canal, states he knows nothing of such a reconsideration by any of the boatmen of their agreement with him, but that he has the consent of nearly all of them to it. It is reported that another plan will be broached today, but its details are only a matter of rumor. The Maryland Coal Company resumed mining Saturday afternoon, paying the miners fifty-five cents, so that all the companies are now at work at the advanced rate of miners' wages. Most of the shipments are being made by rail, as the canal freights are being made by rail. The question remains an open one. Yesterday state The Alleghanyian and Times of yesterday say that several companies are preparing to resume work on the canal. A. P. Gorman, president of canal company, was expected in Cumberland yesterday to consult with shippers. The company will propose to the coal companies to deliver coal at Georgetown for $1 15 per ton, which will include tolls freight, and wharfage. Under the old workings the boatmen received seventy-five cents, the canal company thirty-five cents for tolls and five cents for wharfage—in all $1 15. Under the proposed arrangement the price to the companies will be the same, but the canal company will submit to a reduction and give it to the boatmen, who will receive 90 and 95 cents, according to destination. The prospects of freight are good, as the last of the mines resumed work on Saturday at the miners' price, 55 cents per ton."