Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1850-02-06
protection Of PIaquemiae.

Protection Of PlaquemiIae.
We are surprised at the supineness that cha
racterizes our citizens, particularly those who
own property on Front street, with regard to
the future safety and prosperity Of our town,
menaced as it j by such imminent peril each
year, arising from the danger of the bank cav
ing in. This was seriously apprehended last
year ut one point in our leyee, but fortunately
it did not occur; if it had taken place, We ina
CINE the value of property above would have
been lowered more than fifty per cent yet, no
steps were taken to render the point alluded to
less liable to sink in future; the danger is now
increased by this second high rise, and if the
water again falls without any calamity follow
ing, our citizens are blessed. But is it the part
Of a sensible community to trust their prosper
ity to chance! We have in Plaquemine all the
natural advantages to make it rich and prosper
Gus. Do not let US lose them through want of
foresight, through the lack Of enterprise a
false economy, or narrow minded and Ignorant
c%upidity,
The past history Of the Mississippi river gives
positive evidence that it is continually making
or cutting away the land on one shore or the
other. We would ask if this % lies in a
position to be benefited by the current OF the
Mississippi? On the contrary, it is situated in
q bend, and of course the whole body Of the
river sweeps i'll full force against it. Now, pre-
vent the earth from being cut away by this
sweeping current setting in upon US, and a
double purpose is efected-for, if We can pre-
vent the earth from being washed away, the
same means will cause the a~lluvial to settle and
land to be made with equal rapidity that it was
previously swept of. The mode Of effecting
this great object is simply through a system Of
piling at low water, and filling up the space
gradually. In this manner, we would not only
prevent the bank from caving in, but the cor
poration wouid be eventually vastly benefited.
by the new land which would be made in front
the situation of the piles, driven close toge'
Sgether, causing a vast deposit of earth to be
made in their real at each rise of the river, and
at the same time cause a deposit to be made in
their front. When the space between. the top
of the piles and the old levee is filled up, then
again form another row Of piles. ~
la Buthow is all this to be got into operation!
In our opinion it is the duty of our selectmen
to pass an ordinance, such as would be JUST
for this express purpose. If they fear to act
in a matter so important. let the opinion Of sci
enti6c men be obtained relative to the above
principle, and the expense attendant, and if fa-
vorable, submit = tax for this purpose to the
citizens ut the next municipal election. If our
corporate authorities do net act upon this mat
tor, we would suggest that Town meeting be
| held, to take the matter into consideration. In
the meantime we would be glad to give publi-
city to the views of our friends upon this i'm
pxo1rsant su~bjectYdeeply interesting to every man
of business, who expects to make Plaquemine
his future place Of residence.
I@ Since the above was put in type We learn that
. petition will be made to the Legislature, to
procure the services of a State boat the ensu-
ing summer, for the purpose Of driving piles
Furnished through subscription by preperty
holders on Front street) in front Of those
points where they would be of the greatest
service. This is all very well; but we are in
favor Of a row Of piles the whole length be-
tween the Bayou and Whitall & Edwards
plantation, and although We conceive that those
who are most deeply interested should pay the
most towards effecting this work, yet, it is a
general benefit which all should assist in secur-
Ing.