Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1868-12-07

Capt. Newt. Gates Is negotiating for me-.
fourth Of the Nick LongwoTth, while IN
other enc say that Capt. Law Hates, Of
the steamer Darling, vas negotiating
yesterday for one fourth interest in the
steamer Nick Longgorih. The price
asked was SIS. 600. The trade WAS prob
ably contaminated last night. The
Longwortb is owned by H. A. Jones,
Mary A. Irwin, Barker Pierce, and
Thos. Sherlock, OF Cincinnati. IL the
trade is contaminated Capt. Hates will
take charge of the boat at Memphis, and
Capt. A. Q. Ross, her present command
er, will 90 to Washington 10 secure an
appropriation for the improvement of
the Louisville and Portland canal.
The following report has been msde to
Mayor Thomas, by NJ. A. BTyson, ESQ
superintendent for the removal Of river
distractions:
Hon. James S. Thomas, Mayor of st. Louis:
Honorable Sir: The warm interest
which you have taken personally, and
the efficient support which the city, I'M
der your administration, has given to
the movement for the improvement OF
the Western rivers, warrant ma in lay
ing before you 4 statement of the present
condition Of the improvements, and the
results Of the efforts OF the past eighteen
months.
The very serious and massive obstruc-
lions known as
THE DIES MONIES RAPIDS
at Keokuk, and the Rock Island Rapids
at Davenport, are in successful process of
removal. The distractions have been
the great barriers to the grain of the
Northwest finding its way to u city.
Under the efficient supervision OF Maj
Gen. Wilson, the channel is being cut
through the latter and q canal W
miles in length, 800 feet wide. and afford
ing a depth OF six feet Of water at all
stages, constructed around the former,
which we hope will be completed in 1859
For these works already appropriations
have been made to the amount Of 81 800,
600, and other appropriations sufficient
10 insure their completion are on their
passage.
THE REMOVAL OF THE ROCK ISLAND
BRIDGE,
which bss proved such an obstruction TO
navigation in years past, on which many
fine steamers have been wrecked ano
damaged, hiss been ordered, and provi.
sion made for one which will not OBJ.
struct or endaDger the commerce OF the
river.
With regard to the channel above the
rapids which il in the charge OF MAJ
Gen. S Il. Warren, appropriations have
been made to remove the bars and spags,
and we are happy to report perfect sue
cess. BY the use of the "long ~sorapes,"
Gen. Warren has afforded on that sec.
lion over four feet or water at stages
where otherwise not more than twenty
inches or two feet would be available.
BELOW THE RAPIDS,
Col. j. M. McComb has brought the scra-
peTs into use with great advantage. A
few days ago the first experiment was
made in which the bar above Alton was
cut down, or in other words the channel
deepeued two feet in one hour and a hall.
The snags which have dealt such de-
~struction to cur marine in past years,
have also received attention, and by the
use Of the three double hull sDag bosts,
nearly two thousand OF them have been
removed from the channel between this
point and Memphis, and in the Missouri.
AT THE MOUTH OF THE MISSISSIPPI
the bar which has prevented the larger
class of shipping from entering the river,
either to carry hence the produce OF the
valley or to convey imports to the valley
cities, is being overcome. Many plans
have been suggested and brought into
use for the removal of this barrier to
commerce, but heretofore none have been
successful, until et q cost of over $500, 600,
under the supervision of Gen. McAlilster,
a double end screw dredge boat was con
strueted, which has bsen in operation
two months, and during that time deep
ened the channel eight feet.
MONEY SECURED FROM CONGRESS.
During the eighteen months that /
have given my attention and energies to
cured from Congress for these purposes,
and a bill with appropriations sufficient
TO complete these works, has passed the
House OF Representatives, and is now in
the hands Of the Senate. We cODgratu-
late you on the condition of the improve
ment OF the rivers and the prospect of st.
Louis, the river city.