New Orleans daily crescent., 1859-10-10
N.m @rleans Bully Grtsteh.
MONDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 10. 1859.
THE LEyEE SYSTEM.


most important that appeals to the consideration
OF the people Of the southern valley Of the Mis-
sssippi Particularly is this the case with the
citizens of Louisiana. We are more exposed to
overfows than anybody else. We have more to
ose-as we have lost time and again-than anybody
else. And we have more to gain from system that
will exempt us from crevasses and inuudatons than
anybody else. Consequently, we take it for granted
that we have deeper interest in the matter than
anybody else.
We are impressed with the belief although neither
surveyors or engineers, that levee system can be
devised and carried into practical operation which
will ehsctually protect what are called the swamp
lands OF Louisana-the very garden spot Of the
earth-from overflow, no matter how fierce the Mis-
sissippl river may threaten, what the heghth the
waters may attain. We hold to the opinion that
human science, skill and industry, are competent to
surmount all these obstacles, when backed by sui-
cent amount Of capital provided all are honestly and
faithfully applied.
Hon. Henry W. Allen, Of the Parish OF West Baton
Rouge, has been spending several months in Europe
and has occupied his leisure hours in writing series
OF very interesting letters to the Baton Rouge Adyc
cate. In one of his last letters dated Amsterdam
Holland, 9th ult, we find the following paragraph,
which has peculiar reference to vital home affair
To a Louisianian, Holland is an exceedingly inter-
esting country. Here you find people who for CEN
tures have been Fighting great battles against their
greatest enemy, the sea. They have often suffered
very much, occasionally whole villages being swept
away Still they have not been discouraged but have
rallied under the severest misfortunes-bult their
ievees higher and given them more base, and now
| rest secure from the waves OF the "stormy sea ~
Year after year they taxed themselves and built evee
after levee until at last they have triumphed The
levees are under the entire control Of the General
| Government. corps of engineers is kept always
engaged in watching and repairing them. By this
means Holland is to-day one Of the most prosperous
and happy countries in Europe. We have only the
Mississippi to levee. This be done effectlaly.
In Holland they have fought and conquered the
| Rhine and Ocean. We should then take courage in
Louisiana--change entire levee system-place it
under the control of the State and make it the duty
of the Commissioner of Public Works to take charge
Of all levees from the Baze to the Arkansas line
Give them full power to construct rebuild and repair
all levees at the expense OF the general evee fund
and then we will have no more overfows.
Much has been said about the mismanagement of
the Swamp Land Fund. With that we intend to
have nothing to do at present. But suficiency of
that munihcent donation still remains to accomplish
the great object aimed at provided it is taken care
OF as shrewd man takes of his private estate.
To take care OF it properly, and to that it is
neither wasted or misapplied, will be duties devolv.
ing upon the next and succeeding Legislatures and
until satisfactory system regularly digested plan
of operations is perfected the proceeds of the sales
Of Swamp Lands should be invested in State or other
good stocks bearing interest," until the accumulation
becomes great enough to justify commencement of
q grand series of measures.
| We have ever believed 1t to be the interest of
Louisiana to dispose Of her swamp lands as speedily
as practicable. Such disposal brings capital popua.
ton aud wealth-the very things the State most
needs II the State could acquire capital population
and agricultural wealth. by giving away her swamp
lands, the State would still be the gamer. But when
the State dispose of her interests just terms
and at the time gain all the important aduncts
we have mentioned, it is right and proper that the
fund thus acquired should not be squandered, and
that it should be so invested that profit and GER
tainty would follow the investment. Therefore, the
quicker these lands are sold-assuming, of course,
that they will not all be rushed upon the market at
once, and that due deiberation will be exercised in
the premses-the better for the general interests
the commonwealth.
The fund, properly husbanded and cared for, ia
worth an enormous sum. 1t can levee and drain ad
btum. 1t is sufficient for all the great objects in
contemplation. The millions it is worth, rightly
conducted, can hardly be over-estimated Let US
make it available soon as possible and when it be-
comes available-when it assumes tangible shape
and bearing-let us commence our impregnable
works of protection. Until that is done it will be
folly to attempt anything.