New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-06-16

| COcA d souICc VI BIcae unu1SO w Jul POV-
pie, may they not hope that some good
will result from it? 1t certainly has been
the means of renewing the conviction OF
necessity for protection against over
flows. 1t has also given an opportunity
to form some idea of what can be done in
the way of drainage by the use of pumps.
The use of the New Orleans Wrecking and
Salvage Company's steamer Usage was a
fortunate thought of the Administrator of
Improvements. 1t has demonstrated that
with system of drains and levees once
established, this city can. be thoroughly
protected against overfows, and made a
dry and salubrious place to dwell in.
The pumps on the Usage are only of
medium dimensions, yet they can throw
an immense amount of water in the course
of day. They are suction pumps, the kind
that will be required to pump the water
from the main reservoir into the lake. The
canal that is to be cut in connection with
the levee that is to be built along the
margin of Lake Pontchartrain will form
the reservoir that is to receive the drain
age of the city. All lateral drains will
run into the main reservoir, and from it
the accumulation of water will have to be
thrown into the lake, otherwise the lat
eral drains must continue to be filled the
most of the time, as they are now, with
torpid, filthy and unwholesome bodies of
water.
The late overflow has not only renewed
the conviction among all classes of the
people of the necessity for immediate ac-
ton in enforcing the drainage law re-
Gently passed by the Legislature, but it
has aroused them to take an active part
in urging upon the city administrators
the importance of commencing the work
Immediately. Delays are said to be dan
gerous. In this matter they have proved
to be so, and nothing but the most pre-
sumptuous folly could urge further
delay in the prosecution of work that
all admit should have been accomplished
long ago. There have been several of
these disastrous overfows within a few
years, involving loss, mostly to laboring
people, almost ruinous. Many who live
in the section overlooked are already dis
heartened, and unless they can be assured
that steps will be taken to prevent the
recurrence of overfows they will certainly
abandon the idea of attempting to occupy
their homes.
Surveyor Bell has estimated that it will
cost two million five hundred thousand
dollars to complete thorough system of
drainage and protection levees and fur
nish the necessary machinery for pump
ing out the water. The matter was
brought before the Council on Wednes-
day last, and a majority of members
seemed anxious to vote for the resolution
of the Administrator of Improvements
the immediate commencement
of the work. Mayor Flanders asked that
legislation be delayed upon the subject
for the present, and in accordance with
his honor's request the Council reluct-
antly complied by voting to delay the
passage of the resolution until the next
meeting.
The Lake Borgne Canal Company are
ready to commence Immediately the con-
struction of the lake shore protection
levee, but cannot proceed without being
by the Council.
The Mayor has thus far succeeded in
being a serious obstacle in the way of the |
commencement of the work, but whether
ne can continue to be an insurmountable |
one remains to be seen. He still |
links the work unnecessary, and does
lot hesitate to say that the reasons as
signed by the City Surveyor, Mr.. Bell, for
building protection levee outside of the
axe shore are fallacious and incorrect.
f the Mayors judgment was as good as
lis will to have his own way, there might
'e some hope for the people and city over
whom his will might be permitted to hold
way. But there is such evident want of
Judgment in his official conduct, and
UGH "pig-headed" obstinacy as must
onvince those who were at first disposed
o follow his lead that he makes but a
cry Indifferent lead-horse. Without
he says: ''The reasons which
re assigned by the engineer flor pro-
ection levee outside of the shore of Lake
'ontchartrain), think are fallacious and
Incorrect" And upon the strength of
his doubt of the Mayor as to the COM
etency of Mr.. Bell in matter that ap-
ertains to his profession, the Mayor
1odestly asks that the subject be post
oned until the views of the public can
e had upon the same. Verify, if the
Iayor does not already know the views
the public upon this subject, he must
ave been taking a Rip Van Wrinkle
leep.
COLOR AS A SOURCE OF LIFE.