Baton Rouge tri-weekly gazette & comet. [volume] (Baton Rouge, La.) 1865-18??, 1865-11-23
THE LEvEEs.

The award Of levee contracts made
i by the Commissioners on "Wednesday
says the New Orleans Bee, of the 10th,
is a practical step towards an emf.
nently needful public work, the sea-
sonable accomplishment of which, we
trust, is now assured beyond ordinary
peradventure. The Governor unques-
tionably deserves well of the apprecia-
ton of our people for the spontaneous
and forward action he has taken to ef-
feet the reconstruction of the ruined
levee syst EN- of the State in time for
the operations of the next cropping
season. How this levee system grew
up, how it came to acquire a fearful
Importance in the richest regions OF
the State, and to constitute one of
the most 'unceasing and urgent solicit
tudes of our legislation, it is not nee.
essary here to enquire. Nor would
it be we'll to recall opposing theories
and plans, for the reclamation and
protection Of our alluvial lands, or to
recite objections heretofore vainly
brought against the principle on
which the existing plan is based. a.s5
1t is certain that the maintenance of
the levees according to that plan is
now SO thoroughly identified with
the agricultural wealth and prosperity
of Louisiana, that there is no visible
and immediate choice between such a
maintenance and almost utter agri-
cultural ruin. Political restoration
would be sort of mockery to many
thousands Of our, people without this
material concomitant. 1t would be
somewhat like giving a starving man
cooking implements without q parti-
Gle. Of provisions. The population in
the alluvial districts would be like a
garrison besieged, but without arms
or Notifications or means of fortify-
ing. 7a asr .aa.s
The Governor intimates, in his call
for meeting of the general Assembly,
that it is one Of the objects Of this
msssure to obtain as. soon as possible
assistancein consummating
the work he has undertaken, and
pushed to its present progress, for Sc.
curing timely and efficient levee pro-
lection. What it will degolve on the |
to do in this relation
would seem to be quite plain. The |
financial aspect Of the matter is all |
that need engage in its consideration.
There is no time to discuss local de-
tails or deliberate on diverse projects. |
The paramount object will be to guar.
antee the early completion of the
work as already commenced and OF.
yanized by provoking certain means
If paying promptly for it. What the
Governor may obtain in the way of
normal loans, and what planters
nay individually subscribe, cannot
'roVe adequate to the purpose.
Even if all planters, and all inter.
sted land owners, should subscribe as
literally as their resources would per-
nit, the result would still be alto.
ether insufficient. But equal lber-
lily Of subscription from those class
8 is not to be expected, and nothing
ut q uniform tax enacted BY the Leg
stature could prevent a number of
ubscribers from being oyertaxed by
le excess Of their liberality. In 9th. !;
r words, they would have to pay not .
My for their own part of the work,
ut also for the part of the more mig
adrly. A tax would have the effect
equalizing subscriptions. Such a c
Ak would necessarily be prospective, !
nd 10 turn it to instant account in I
aising a levee fund will be problem 5
hich must employ the financial a
alignment and ingenuity of the Legis- o