The true Democrat., 1854-04-18
From the Washington Telegraph. Red River Raft---Col. Jctaon's Letters.

CTS to the Hon. R. w Johnson's cites to the IxSecretary of War and to ourself on 1he sub Eject of the removal of the raft d Rtd river both of which we publish in to-diy's issue.- It will be seen that he has taken dep inter- Fest and is acting with his accustomet energy aand ability in a matterof vital iniefet to the Awhole Red river county.
 Il If the people interested in this important lln- ] dertaklng will but awake from their lethargy land come to the aid of Col. Johnsm, in his i Trustworthy efforts in their behalf we have bot solitary doubt, their combined influence 1 would prove successful in accomplishing this -much desired object. Mr. Jofnsonclearly com pehends, and feelingly appreciates the embar-
 Easements under which we labor, and the losses We annually sustain on accoant of this for1nld- Eable obstruction to our navigation and com nerce, ..and he has promised with our ss fgf''-
 on to enter into the matter sith q ft} t5acnor ana plish the object. lie tells !. '5 lth manA franh Burning poinf,Ethat int if faiin the pr4er ay lbe the end of all effort ---1tt general govern ment to remove the raft, but that if We suc- ceed, and open the river, the government would assist us to keep it so.
 Will the people move in the matter? Will they aid Col. Johnson in his arduouS efforts for their own good? Will they give heed to, and Apromptly and earnestly carry out his sugges- Itons?-or will they, for want of union and har- mony,-for want of organization and energy, permit his efforts in their behalf, to fail through stleir own supineness and neglect? These are ssuestions that every one interested in the reno- t u of the raft--and who in South Arkansas Is k ot-shouId bring home to himself-and if we
 all let the responsibility of the failure be charS- ed to our own indifference and want of energy
 We have always felt confident that with pro- perly directed and united efforts on the part of those interested, and the raft could that would
 e removed, and uninterrupted and permanent pavigation secured, and Col. ,JOhnson's letter laddS strength to our previous convictions. It pnly remains for the people to move harmo- Iniously and energetically in the matter to kure success.
 Feeling deep interest oursef, we cordially txtend the use of our column; to every one %eeling a like interest, so that ly free into~--
 hange of yleTs we may speedily riall upo .tor effecting an object so essential the presen Eand future prosperity of all.
 \ For the ws.h on Telegraph. U. s. SENATE, WasM gton
 IT, ', ,,... %, March l8'h' lS 5 DEAR SIR: You have ever exhibited very sleep interest in the removal of the raft En- hlosed send you copy of letter which I I4sve this moment addressed to the Secretary of fWar, which, with this note trus;y will give place in the columns of your papa.
 H feel the more interest in tlis subject as l now feel thatwe are approaching aturning point
 n the history of this governmen 10 remove the
 Red river raft, and that if the prf lent appropri- stion is wasted without effect, 1t Iapt to be the
 end of all further efforts by the 4yernment. 9 Therefore if mortal man puts Y hand m this a1ndertaking, with a view to e11rVss hlnaseT or lrith other than high public spirited motives, or lNth less than will and energy thS7Wlll sacri-
 hce personal comfort, personal protit,e eQllcal Nejudlce or predllectlon, in order to secure the \ est agents, principal and subordinate, and de- sote himself through all trials constantly and faithfully to the successful execution of this | Fork, as If 1t were now the last efDrt that may | ker be made, he ought to be execraed, and de- | ased, and it will rest with yourselves to make | pm so.
 | In this spirit if the work is attempted it will
 prosper and succeed, and if once tle raft is well | ISpened we may reasonably hope hat the go-
 Fernment will aid to keep it so.
 Il Until, in such 8 spirit, this work is once at .Hempted l fear it will ever fail.
 | wish that l could once arouse the strong
 flll of our people, awake them to hos to
 flght and confident hope, to feelngthat v ich
 epends on them selves, to will ulake some
 personal sacrifices, to constant manifestation of
 le deep interest they feel, to a warhful vigi-
 falce that will cause them to make Pparties of