The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1855-09-17


AS before noticed the long obstruction to
navigation in the lower part of the Canal, by !
reason Of the water being let off the Peters I
burgh level, for some unknown reasonj occa- +
stoned great deal Of inconvenience to certain
business men, as well as real injury to all in
terests connected with the Canal Why the
water was let off the Canal; or at least kept off
so long time, has been matter of curious
speculation, mingled with considerable indig-
nation at the fact itself In noticing the long
continued dry condition of the Canal, we gave
the rumors as they foated to US of the cause.
We stated the water had been let off for the
purpose of repairing break, but that for this
purpose only two days were necessary, while
the water continued off over two weeks.
Wishing to ascertain the facts of the case,
and to learn if possible whether every reason
able effort was being made to keep this great
avenue of commerce in order or whether it
and the interests connected with it were suf-
fering through the negligence of, those whose
duty it is to keep the Canal in repair, we adj
dressed letter to the Chief Engineer, VIM J.
Ball; Esq. We trust we are taking no i'm
proper liberty with his letter. to give the sub
stance Of his answer especially as ii is calcula-
ted to deferd himself from the blame of those
who, unacqdainted with the facts, might think
all the responsibility rested upon himself by
virtue of his controlling office.
He says, what we believe to be the case,
that no one could be more distressed, nor feel
more disappointed, at the failure of the Canal
to come up to the fond anticipations of its
friends, than himself-he had hoped the Canal
would this season give but little cause Of COM
plant, yet that serious interruptions to navi-
CATION had occurred, in spite of his best efforts
at prevention. He acknowledges the right of
the public, in case of any such suspension in
navigation as that Of which we complained, to
know the cause, and whether there has been
any unreasonable delay. He wishes to screen
no one in his employ as officers ON the Canal,
and would not keep any one in the service an
hour who had neglected his business, or will
fully violated the orders and rules by which he
Is to be goyerned-but that these matters must
not be judged of hastily, or until the facts can
be ascertained.
He was at Petersburgh directly after the
break occurred, August 18th, and the water
was then drawn off the Petersburgh level
The citizens of Petersburgh had the impress
sion that the water was let off to kill the grass
which has been a serious impediment in tn
navigation of the Canal, and that he, Mr; Ball
had given the order. This he denied, but in
formed them Mr. Wright, the Superintendent
had acted judiciously in letting the water Of
during the time required to repair the break, s
as to Kill the grass, but that 10 would not b
kept off any longer. The next day he saw
Mr. Wright who informed him the water haf
been let off for thispurpose- Mr.. Dan lnstruc
ted aIr. Wright, and also the boss of the work
men at the break, to get the breach repairedo
soon as possible, and to let Che water on the lev
ell at the earliest moment it would be safe t
do so. He left plan at Petersburgh, and di
rections for the construction of wheel t
break down the grass, and thus obviate an,
motive to- holding back the water
After Mr.. Balls return home, he, learned til
water had been kept off to accommodate M
Graham in the completion of some work abou
Bis mill, some six miles below Petersburgh.-
He cannot suppose this is true, but if it is, con
sequences will follow. He should have goI
down again Immediately, but was compelled
visit Birch Creek Reservoir and Indianapoli
On the 12thinst., the day following his retul
home and of his writing, he was to have startt
to Petersburgh, where he would inquire parti
ularly into the facts, and do all in his power
get things rightagain. This statement of fac
acquits Mr.. Ball of all blame in the matter. v
are satisfied he is anxiously DESTROYS of keepil
the Canal in order, and will spare no effort
accomplish this object. If those under hi
commiterrors, or are guilty of wilful wron
by whicht he interests of the Canal are iniure
the errors or the wrong have only to be know
to him, and if after investigation the parti
arefountli unfit for their trust prompt chan
will most certainly follow. We hope to hear
no further complaints about the Canal fol
long time to come.
nj. n