New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-05-14

IL engages not only to put up these protective
works, but to maintain, defend and police uem
after they are up.
Such, in brief, is the scope of the Louisiana
bill, which we have before us. Her stake Ill
this great matter will he appreciated Wneh VIC
reflect on the crop returns credited 10 her Wy
the census tables of 1860. The Sugar prouuo'
of Louisiana for that year is set down az
5OO,OOO,OOO pounds; while the Molasses Is esu-
mated at 100000 gallons, which was ABOUT
one-half the consumption OF our county
Nearly all of this Sugar and M0lasses was
made On the alluyial lands of the MISSISSIPPI.
In that wear. the Cotton district of Louisiana
nroduced about 100000 bales, over half OF
which was grown in her river parishes.
We mention these data simply to show the
resources of this fertile State, and how neces-
sarv if ia 70 the commerce of the country that
thew sbould be more fully developed The
Sugar district of Louisiana is capable OF al
fording all the Sugar we need for our own
consumption, and may some day do it; while
tbe Cotton region, covering an area of nearly
five millions of acres, can, under proper sys-
tenn of development, produce three millions OIL
bales, and raise beside ample Corn to suDsist
its laboring population.
We have never doubted that this subject
should engage the attention of Congress. IL
ia Intimately connected with our National FL
nances. To increase the production OF Sugar
retains specie in the country; while to increase
| the growth of Cotton puts exchange TO our
credit abroad. How much the Cotton crop OF
1869 has had to do with our approximation 10
Specie Values we are not prepared to say
but certain it is that our export to Europe OF
| 100000 bales during the last six months mas
not been without a marked effect on our Cur
rency.
We believe Louisiana has put this matter
into shape IN which it can be successfully
handled First it is obvious that uniform
system was absolutely necessary; and, sec
ondly, it is plain that private enterprise Is the
agency through which alone the work can be
successfully and frugally accomplished. 1t Is
noble mission, that of rescuing from the do
main of the alligator millions of acres OF land,
portions of it capable of making from one to
two hogsheads of Sugar to the acre, and other
portions capable of making from one to two
| bales of Cotton.
| If Congress can see its way clear to assist
this enterprise, and even strain point to DO
il. we trust it will. The best way to make
| the South peaceful is to make it prosperous.
Let her people feel the power of the Govern
ment otherwise than as evinced by its bayo-
nets. A people busily at work and making
money are not prone to rebellion.
Congress should not adjourn before doing
something in the premises. For five years,
these magnificent lands have been at the mercy
of midsummer floods. We apprehend that the
people of that region are not able to protect
themselves without some help from the Gov
eminent. Desides the most important OF the
| Southern levees were cut during the war by
our troops, for national purposes; thus giving
an additional claim on Congress. The first
Pacific Railroad has been built, and it is worth
all it cost. Let the word go out that our next
work must be to reclaim the prolific lOwlands
of the Mississippi 1t will do much to give us
more abundant Cotton and better Currency.
This work should be done by Company.
1t cannot be so cheaply nor so quickly done
by any Government, National or State. 1t
should be done quickly and thoroughly. so
much being assured, the Federal Government
should extend to that Company such aid as 1t
| may need, because the work is indispensable,
and of public and general Importance. Let
private enterprise do its utmost, and let the
Government, taking ample security, aid that
Company so far as is indispensable, by guar
anteeing its bonds rather than by subscription
or subsidy. The Government need not help
it nearly so much as it will help the Govern
| ment, by charging the area of profitable in
dustry.