Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-03-11
NO. so.
For the Daily Journal.
THE ICE FRESHET-HOW = 70
AVOID Il REPETITION ~

THE ICE FRESHET-HOW9 no
AVOID Il REPETITION.
Now that the water in our river has
ubsided, we can take calm survey of
he situation which at one time seemed to
hreaten the destruction Of the cities at the
head OF tide water. It wa. not the great
amount OF rain alone which fell, that
aused the sudden and disastrous rise, As
the interior short distance, the storm
vas not at all remarkable. But other
'auses, more potent than q casual obsery.
might notice, conspired to make this
disastrous event. Everything at the pres
Mt time seems to depend upon the wealth
r for the next thirty days; whether or
lot we have a repetition Of the scene Of
asst month; if it be warm. the water will
ut channel through the immense Ice
am, and no evil results will be likely
follow, but on the other hand, should
here be another heavy rain it would un-
ioubtedly raise the water to q greater
leight than before, and no one can foreses
he results. ft
Being one of the number who usually
ook upon the brightest side Of everything,
am inclined to think we may realize the
ormer supposition. ...,s
Would it not be well to consider some
t the causes of the sudden rise of water
nd see what resson we have to expect
immunity from another perhaps more fear-
nj calamityp
1t is known to every one conversant
With the river, that there is bend in the
iver opposite Hallowell the piers on the
helsea side serve to make the bend st.l
more marked, consequently the ice WAS
rowded hard toward the western shore.
my one who viii take the trouble to stand
N Steam Mill Point, will get correct
lea of the situation. 1t is well known
hat the ice remained firm at the corpora
ION boom opposite Farmingdale, in the
reshet of December. Now it is probable
lat had there been no distractions at
lat point the river would have been
leared by the freshet Of December and
here would not have been SO much re-
istance to overcome during the last one.
is well known that the boom at Browns
Iland occupies two-thtrds of the rtdih Of
he ricer, and doubt if all the ice between
and Moosehead Lake could carry II
way. The ice below this boom readily
tarted, and had there been any pressure
Dove, it would undoubtedly have eli passed
Glow Gardiner, thereby saving the rail-
Dad bridge at Augusta and all the losses
aused by the sudden rise resulting from
he ice dam do not wish to be under.
food to say that the piers at Browns L.
aud were the sole cause of the ice dam
the Hook, ye- do say without fear Of
ontradiction, that it was one of the prin-
ipal ones. Who ever heard of the ice
amming in such manner in tide water
when the river was free from unnatural
distractions? When petitions were be-
ore the Legislature, asking permission to
lace piers at Browns Island, this same
alamity was predicted by the Repre-
entative from Hallowell-Mr. F. J. Day,
think, and who will say we have not
Indirectly been reaping the fruit?
There is a question in the minds of many
'hether the State has control of the navi-
able rivers. Congress has been &ppro-
rating money literally to improve the
avigation of the Kennebec river. Now
Why does not the same power have con-
tol in regard to distractions that may be
laced by corporations to the injury Of the
eope9 1t may be argued that we may
not see the two freshets again in one win
er Perhaps ot.-but we have no surety
lgainst the elements.
Now if we have any regard for the in
5erests and safety Of our cities along the
anks of our tide water, a memorial should
'e at once addressed to Congress (who
ave authority in this matter,) asking for
he removal of the distractions which have
cen placed in tide water within few
Iears. a tfs 3Hs q
If these thoughts hastily penned hare
he effect to call the attention Of the
people to the importance of taking action
IN the matter, shall have accomplished
III desired. j. X. S.