Washington telegraph., 1850-02-13
RED RIVER RAFT.

We publish below letter from the
Hon. R. w. Johnson. urging upon those
of our citizens interested in the removal
of the Raft of Red River the necessity Of
memorializing Congress on the subject.
1t is all important that it receive the early
and undivided attention of our citizens,
fraueht as it is with interest to this
section OF Arkansas as we'll as to the
northern portion of Louisiana, and Texas.
The prospect of getting an appropriation
is extremely hattering, nay it is altogether
certain, if we but act in concert, and
place the matter, at as early day as pos
sible, in its proper light before Congress.
Our citizens should take the matter in
hand at once, and endeavor to carry into
effect the suggestions Of our Representa-
tive, so as to enable him to lay before
Congress all the necessary information,
and thereby secure an appropriation ade-
quate 70 the completion of the work.
1t is hoped those citizens of Texas who
feel an interest in the matter will cordial
ly cooperate with us, in carrying out
these suggestions. and forward similar
memorials 70 their Representatives in
Congress.
1t has been suggested that the stand
ing committee appointed by the Raft
convention meet at this place on Saturday
the 23d inst, for the purpose of making
such arrangements as will secure cor
dial cooperation. The suggestion is
good one, and we trust the committee
will be punctual in their attendance upon
the day specified
HOUSE OF REPR REsENTAT1vEs,
January 23d, 1850.
To the Editor Of the Telegraph:
DEAR SIR-At this session will come
up the bills of Internal Improvements.
The system will be supported unques-
tiona5y by large majority of both
branches of Congress and signed oy the
Executive, however questionable the eX-
pediency of such measures may be re-
garded by many Our Red River region
will be deeply interested in this matter.
Hitherto, since my first appearance here,
there never has been hope, much less
an opportunity, to pass bill for the relief
Of this region. Now there is not only
hope, but it can be done. Most earnestly
shall l urge and support it. and | now
address this to<you that it may receive a
wider circulation.
l request that copies of the proceedings
of the Red River Raft Conventions may
be sent to me, and that petitions may be
got up in every part of the country inter-
ested, and signed by every one; and that
those petitions, or memorials, may set
forth the true nature Of the obstacles to
the commerce of Red River as far as
possible, and an estimate of the amount
of the commerce affected by the impedi-
ments and of the amount Of appropria-
ton deemed necessary to give relief.
| have learned with regret, and fear it
is true, that lower Red River will be
disposed, in consequence of her overilows
latterly, to throw impediments in the way
of that just relief which we ask l hope
that this may not be true. But II true,
it can only be answered by us with in
creased energy and resolution.
The renewed presentation of our earn
est applications for relief are we'll calcu-
lated to advance our interest, and if it
shall be the pleasure of our citizens to
forward to me the petitions and memorials
requested, they will be referred at once,
for th Erct h,,
possible that their interests may be acted
upon favorably.
l am, sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
R. w. JOHNSON.