The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1866-10-21
r-.-.v.-.re "a ~ nevaas.

There il every reason to believe that the
lons desired improvement Of the Mississippi
river At the Des Moines rapids will nov BE-
undertaken without delay, and prosecuted
with sufficient energy to insure the compile
ton Of the work ct an early period. Govern
ment 1t last has come TO the conclusion that
the mighty Mississippi, ~ = commercial
channel in peace and means Of communica,
tiou in war, is eminently worthy of national
consideration and there can be no doubt but
the amplest appropriations will be made in
compliance with the estimates of the officers
employed to examine the magnitude Of the
impediments in the way Of navigation and the
cost Of their removal The delegates appoint.
ed by the Merchants Exchange Of this city,
to meet and confer with Maj. Gen. James II.
Wilson, made their report on the 3D. inst,
from which we learn that - soon q the stage
Of water will permit, that officer appointed to
the service by the War Department at Wash>
inpton, will proceed TO make thorough ex
animation Of the rapids With reference TO the
best plan of improvement. The method sup
posed by many practical men to be the most
feasible, of constructing canal throughout
the entire extent, will Be closely scrutinized,
as well as that other equally pop
ular mode of blasting out a channel from the
rocky bed Of the river. The work requires
for its perfect performance o high degree Of
engineering ability with great practical ex-
perience, aud the best evidence that the OH
cial appointee possesses both is indicated in
the intention he expresses thoroughly to in
vestigate every plan that has been or may be
proposed evincing any merit. Bythis means
he will call to his aid the experience of many
intelligent boatmen, as we'll as others familiar
with the subject, theoretically and practically.
This regard to the opinions and views of
others shows that no preconcelved notions
are entertained. that vain conceits and preju>
dices are discarded, and that an effective i'm
provement, co-extensive with the CONNER.
clal importance of the river, is the aim and
object in view. This is further evidenced by
the request of Gen. Wilson, conveyed through
the delegation to the merchants of st. Louis,
that civil engineer of this city, of acknowl-
edged reputation, shall be deputed TO take an
active aud prominent part in the examinations
necessary for successful consummaton of
the work, the officer generously declaring his
unwillngness to take final step IN a matter
so vitality affecting the interests of this center
of trade without the voice, countenance and
approval Of our citizens. 1t is very apparent
from all tins that the prospect for an early
and thorough improvement OF the river at
the point proposed is as bright as conld we'll
| be desired
Another indication of favorable import
brought on by this action of the Govern
| ment, is The determination evinced to pre-
serve the free navigation of the Mississippi.
1t would scarcely be necessary to blast. at a
heavy expense, channel through the rapids
or construct canal round that obstruction
a, an equal outlay, if the intention was medi.
tated seriously to bar the river, from CEN
trail point to its source with low draw bridges.
Such artificial barriers would be greater and
more destructive than the natural ones ex-
listing; and our commercial marine, were the
choice presented, would choose with the
strongest demonstrations Of preference, the
rock beneath the surface Of the water to the
wooden impediments above: for the former
is occasionally covered sufficiently deep to
admit of safe and easy passage, while the
latter would prove steadily detrimental under
all circun stances. 1t is to be hoped therefore
that the railroad proposition in regard to the
draw bridge plan ofspanning the river will be
finally determined against, and structures
alone authorized whose dimensions every
way will eotnport with the interests of both
modes of conveyance.-A Missouri Uehnocrat.