Daily Iowa State Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1859, 1859-04-15

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"A writer in tks llolins G;sizsa comes Oh
with long communication giving his views
on the practicable and unpracticable plans
of improving this serious obstruction TO nav
igation. After giving the different plans
which have been laid before Congress and
our citizens he goes on to give bis plan in
this wise:
TIE TRUE PLAN.
The failure Of the projects. hitherto foisted
into notice. for the improvement of the Rap
ids, mas not only discovered their defects,
but suggested lessons by which TO profit.
They have led to enquiries upon the ciarac-
terri and scope of the schemes proposing to
render our river navigable aud the results
are herewith submitted. Without entering
into unnecessary details the general features
Of a true plan may be stated as folows:
!. That it secures two objects
(o) The improvement of the Rapids.
(O The creation of Water Power.
2. That it subserve the interest
(c) OF the General Government.
tn Of the States Of Iowa and Illinois.
3. That its execution be affected.
(e) BY Local Capital.
(O BY Federal Treasury.
4. That it divide its revenue between
(g) Local Corporations, and
(h) River Navigation.
A plan which exhibits these features,
meets these conditions, has never been
brought to the notice Of Congress, but is
herewith presented in outline.
THE PLAN
Which compa.ses these ends embodies
the following, viz:
1. An Overall Dam
g. Two Canals.
g. Two Locks.
With location, dimensions, construction aud
strength unexcepti0nabls.
For the Upper Rapids. and of these only
speak, the dam should be built across the
stream and at such distance from the foot Of
the Rapids as to produce, without having too
great height, slack water over the chains
Of rock and thus escape their dangers.
The Canals should be located along the
shores, one upon each side Of the river, from
the dam to the base of the Rapids.
The locks should be built respectively ct
the lower terminus Of the canals.
These in rough outline, are the plan and
to ascertain that it is 70, We may inquire,
(D Whether it would improve the navi-
CATION?
(2) Whether it could create . Water
Power
To each cf these the answer is afirma-
tive. The former 10 TO evident too require
demonstration, whilst the latter becomes
apparent upon assigning to the canals ade
quate width and depth. and assuming the
existence of culverts tor the discharge Of
water from motor wheels into the main
channel.
Again Does THE plan subserve the In.
teresss of the general government and Of
the adjoining states?
The answer, a. before, 10 affirmative, be-
cause on the one hand it overcome the oh
struction Of the Rapids. and on the other
affords facilities for the investment Of mani
ufacturing capital.
Further. Could the execution Of the
work-the cost Of construction, b borne BY
local capital and congressional sppropris-
tion
The answer to this 10 also affirmative, be-
cause Incorporated companies might build
the canals, whilst the government reared
the dam and locke
Yet further. Could the revenues derive
BILE from the improvements, b divided b
tween the parties to them
The answer is still Affirmative. because
whilst the rents from the canals weuld
rightfully belong to the soupsaies. the tolls
from the locks, should any tariff Be- i'm
posed, could flow into the national sxehsq-
uer.
To reeapitulate and spltsaisA OF this
Dlan IL in aaoArtahla that
~ For navigAtioa Il b pssstieabls.
~ For watsr power it y fsadbls.
~ In sest Il y oanaeablA
(4) In sxseutioa 4 h dtvidblA
~ To capital e y se1unesative.
(0 e The lesali11 y = ao0pae1ldae.
M IS is.s 8: - - i5ss's ~.
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